After a disappointing Thursday Night Football game from the NFL, the good news is that we’ve got several college football games that should be better to get us through to Sunday. Friday stands out as featuring especially good games, especially tonight’s Oklahoma State-BYU game. Let’s dive into the Oklahoma State-BYU odds and dig up a college football expert pick for today. If you need more college football betting advice, check out our guide to college football +EV betting.
Oklahoma State-BYU Odds & College Football Expert Pick Today
Oklahoma State-BYU Odds
Pick & analysis by Eytan Shander. See all his picks here!
Oklahoma State: +270 | BYU: -350
Oklahoma State +9.5: -110 | BYU -9.5: -110
Over 52.5: -110 | Under 52.5: -110
Odds via BetMGM
Oklahoma State-BYU Expert Pick
With the arrival of the transfer portal and the push to move schools for a better NIL payout, college football trends just aren’t what they used to be. The one standout could be consistent coaching (or lack thereof) in situations, like Mike Gundy 18-9 ATS coming off consecutive losses. The Cowboys are going to need a little Gundy magic here.
The tall task starts with covering a 9.5-point spread on the road against the 13th-ranked team in the nation while coming off three straight losses. BYU is led by their defense, which can remove top weapons on opposing offense each week. This is as tough of a turnaround game as Gundy has faced in quite some time. However, his Cowboys are 6-1 with a week or more of rest over their last seven, which is a key element heading into Provo.
I simply expect the Oklahoma State offense to look better following an extra week of preparation and coaching. While BYU’s defense presents problems, it’s how long it might take for BYU to pull away (if they do so at all) that gives this 9.5-point spread some life. The Cougars offense has an advantage against the Cowboys run defense.
The same isn’t true when it comes to passing. While quarterback Jake Retzlaff has shown plenty of signs of airing it out, he has failed to hit 220 passing yards in three straight games.
BYU sticking to the ground game may take time off the clock, but unless they actually find the end zone, it won’t be enough to keep Oklahoma State from covering. There is always a chance Gundy’s kids come out sharp and take advantage of a BYU team on their heels, but it’s more about being prepared for both matchup and opposing scheme.
With a sharper offense this week and opportunities to score, Oklahoma State keeps this just close enough.
Oklahoma State-BYU College Football Expert Pick: Oklahoma State +9.5
