Staff predictions for Texas’ crucial home matchup vs. Oklahoma State

Texas is favored by 4.5 in this matchup courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. How confident is our staff that the Longhorns can pull off the win?

No. 25 Texas will host No. 12 Oklahoma State in Week 7.

The Longhorns have much more at stake in this one after losing to Oklahoma last week. A loss to the Cowboys would be a major blow to Texas’ Big 12 title hopes this season.

On the other side, Oklahoma State is hoping to continue their perfect record on the season. Mike Gundy’s team is coming off a bye week, and they’ve showcased solid defensive play through their first five games.

However, the Cowboys have yet to face an offense as talented as the Longhorns. If Texas is able to establish an early lead, it could be a long night for Oklahoma State.

How confident is the Longhorns Wire staff that Texas can escape with a win in Week 7?

Staff predicts the game

Texas (-4.5) Record ATS Winner Record Overall
Cami Texas 2-4 Texas 4-2
Griffin Texas 1-5 Texas 5-1
Kevin Texas 2-4 Texas 4-2

Griffin McVeigh

This is a classic case of a really good offense (Texas) going up against a really good defense (Oklahoma State) and a not-so-good offense (Oklahoma State) facing a not-so-good defense (Texas). Which one is going to break?

What concerns me about the Cowboys’ not-so-good offense is their willingness to run the ball. Even with injuries, Utah State running back transfer Jaylen Warren has 32, 27, and 36 carries in his last three games, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

Texas needs to get out to an early lead. Make Spencer Sanders come from behind and find a way to beat you. Don’t let Oklahoma State get up by a couple of scores and run the ball down your throat. Come out with the same passion as you did against Oklahoma while learning from mistakes and close out the game.

Marcus Washington is going to be my breakout player of the week with all the attention Worthy is going to get. Maybe Keilan Robinson finally makes an impact as well. Pete Kwiatkowski is able to dial up some pressure as well to make Sanders uncomfortable late in the game.

Texas 34, Oklahoma State 28

Cami Griffin

Well, well, well … another week of “I don’t know what this team is going to do.” Right when it feels like we’ve figured out who Texas is, they do something to shock us the following week.

It’s no secret that this matchup is absolutely crucial for Texas’ Big 12 title hopes and I believe their play will reflect that. The Longhorns will be out for blood after how last week ended. The culture under Steve Sarkisian feels different this year, and for some reason it doesn’t feel like anyone is in panic mode just yet.

Texas should be able to hold on to an early lead and learn from their mistakes last week in order to close out this game. I don’t have faith that the Cowboys can rally once they fall behind, as they’ve yet to be placed in that situation this season.

Texas 38, Oklahoma State 28

Kevin Borba

As the great Ted Lasso said, Texas needs to be a goldfish in regards to the Oklahoma loss and forget all about it in order to move forward. Taking on a very solid No. 12 Oklahoma State team a week after the most devastating loss likely in program history is no easy task, but Texas badly needs this win.

If the defense can contain the run even in the slightest, the Longhorns should have no issues because Spencer Sanders cannot beat them with his arm. Texas is also trying out another offensive line combination, and if they can not give up pressure on every play, Texas should have no issues. This game will be a good judge of how the team responds to adversity under Sarkisian. I think Texas wins in somewhat convincing fashion.

Texas 35, Oklahoma State 20