The West Virginia Mountaineers (2-1) travel to Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Saturday to play the No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners (2-0). Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the West Virginia vs. Oklahoma odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
West Virginia held off then-No. 15 Virginia Tech in Week 2 for a 27-21 victory as 1.5-point home favorites. The Mountaineers had a 17-point lead entering halftime and Virginia Tech made it a one-score game with 3:10 remaining but failed to score inside West Virginia’s 10-yard line in the final minute.
Oklahoma also squeaked past unranked Nebraska 23-16 as 22.5-point home favorites Saturday. The Sooners were outgained 6.1-5.9 yards per play against the Cornhuskers and Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler had a mediocre passing performance, completing just 24-of-34 passes with just 214 yards and 1 TD.
Since Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley took over the program in 2017, the Sooners is 3-0 overall and 2-1 against the spread vs. the Mountaineers, winning by an average score of 57.0-33.7.
West Virginia at Oklahoma odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:10 a.m. ET.
- Money line: West Virginia +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | Oklahoma -850 (bet $850 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): West Virginia +17.5 (-110) | Oklahoma -17.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 56.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
West Virginia at Oklahoma odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Oklahoma 45, West Virginia 21
Money line
PASS since the Sooners are obviously the right side, but Oklahoma (-850) is accurately lined and well out of my price range for a money line favorite.
It’s hard to see any value in West Virginia (+550) even at that chunky payout considering how one-sided this series has been since Riley came to Norman, Okla.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to OKLAHOMA -17.5 (-110) for a half unit only because we are getting to the party a little late and 17 is a key number in football.
However, this is a “pros vs. joes” spot in the betting market with the presumed sharp money surprisingly willing to lay it with the Sooners. According to Pregame.com, more than 70% of the cash wagered is on Oklahoma, but roughly 60% of the bets placed are on West Virginia.
The Sooners being a mainstay in the College Football Playoff race and one of the most high-profile football programs in the nation are the reasons why it’s surprising a majority of the public is backing the Mountaineers. But, typically, it’s more profitable in sports betting to follow the money – especially when it’s headed in the opposite direction as the public.
Moreover, Oklahoma’s sluggish Week 2 performance gives me confidence the Sooners will come out angry and want to make a statement at home vs. West Virginia. This should be a get-right game for Oklahoma’s offense.
Stream college football games on ESPN+ by signing up here.
Over/Under
Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 56.5 (-108) for a tiny wager if at all because the sharp side of the market is backing the Under whereas the public and I are feeling the Over in this spot.
The last three West Virginia-Oklahoma meetings have gone Over the total and if the Sooners have their offense humming then I’m expecting a lot of garbage time.
Oklahoma’s defense is below average in explosive rate among Power 5 football programs in non-garbage time. While West Virginia’s offense has one of the best non-garbage time explosive rates among Power 5 schools.
If the Sooners are having success on offense, I could see Oklahoma taking its foot off the gas and allowing West Virginia to push this game Over the total in the fourth quarter.
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]