NCAA Football
2011-09-08 - Arizona Wildcats at Oklahoma State
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: College Football
Thursday 8 September 2011 - Kick Off 8pm ET
1am (British Standard Time)
Preview
Both teams got off to winning starts in the opening week of the College season, but it is the Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0) that have the larger expectations on their shoulders this season after a very positive 2010.
The Cowboys were known for their high powered Offense last year, one that ranked 3rd in the Nation for yards gained per game. This year figures to be no different, even with a new Offensive Co-Ordinator, when they put up 666 yards in a big win last week.
Brandon Weeden set a school record for passing yards last year and threw for just under 400 yards last week. He was backed up by Joseph Randle in the back field and also aided by Justin Blackmon who had 144 receiving yards.
Weeden threw 3 TD passes last week, but coupled that with 3 Interceptions although Head Coach Mike Gundy was not overly concerned.
The Arizona Wildcats (1-0) over Northern Arizona last week, stopping a run of 5 consecutive defeats they ended last season with. Nick Foles had a very impressive game at QB for the Wildcats, throwing for over 400 yards to lead the Nation and also throwing 5 TD passes, tied for the lead.
Juron Criner helped out Foles by picking up his passes for 151 yards and 1 TD. However, both players may have to raise their game against a stout Oklahoma State Defense that caused them plenty of problems last year.
Arizona were beaten by 26 points when they met the Cowboys in the Alamo Bowl and both Foles and Criner struggled. Foles threw a career worst 3 Interceptions, and Criner had under 50 yards receiving in that contest.
Johnny Thomas' status is still unclear for this game as he is academically ineligible. The Free Safety was the Cowboys 2nd leading tackler who was returning this year.
Trace Biskin (RG) is doubtful for Arizona after missing their opening game last week.
Head to Head
The only recent meeting between the teams was last years Alamo Bowl, won by the Oklahoma State Cowboys 36-10.
Other Interesting Notes
Oklahoma State are 9-3 against the spread in their last 12 games overall.
They are 24-9 against the spread in their last 33 games as a favourite of over 10.5 points.
However, they are just 1-5 against the spread in their last 6 games as the home favourite of over 10.5 points.
The Cowboys are 41-17-2 against the spread in their last 60 games as the favourite.
Arizona are 4-1 against the spread in their last 5 road games as the underdog being given more than 10.5 points.
They are just 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games against a team with a winning record at home.
Prediction
The Oklahoma State Cowboys really feel they are in line for a big season and they will have a chance to put down a statement win on a day when they are the sole NCAA game going on.
The Offense is capable of putting up lots of points, while the Defense is a tough unit that can make enough stops to let the Offense pull away on the scoreboard.
Arizona played well last week, but the competition goes up a few levels in this match for them and they will only stand a chance if they do not make the mistakes that cost them the Alamo Bowl last year.
I see the Cowboys making their normal start by putting up points on the board. Arizona should be able to keep up for a while, but the pressure will eventually tell and they will either be stopped by the Oklahoma State Defense or a costly interception will be the result.
This will. hopefully, allow the Cowboys to eventually pull away and cover the spread.
The Pick :
Oklahoma State Cowboys 44-24 Arizona Wildcats
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Oklahoma State Cowboys - 14 Points @ 1.96 (Pinnacle)
