NCAA Football
2018-12-31 - Missouri Tigers at Oklahoma State Cowboys
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NCAAF Bowl Games
Monday 31st December 2018 - Kick Off 3:45pm
British Time: 8:45pm
Preview
It hasn't been that long since these two schools were rivals in the same Conference, but they will be playing one another for the first time since 2013 when they play one another in Memphis on New Year's Eve.
For most intents and purposes it could be a fun game with both the Missouri Tigers (8-4) and the Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-6) very strong Offensively, although the Tigers may have the edge when it comes to the Defensive side of the ball.
Missouri have already secured more wins than last season and the most since the 2014 season, while Drew Lock has to be desperate to showcase the talent he has to the NFL scouts who have to be wondering if he could be a franchise Quarter Back at the next level.
There should be plenty of motivation on the Oklahoma State sidelines too as they look to avoid a losing record for the 2018 season which has been one in which they have underperformed. The standard has been set by previous teams with the Cowboys winning at least ten games in four of their last five seasons, but they manage to win a Bowl Game to get to 7-6 in 2014 and Head Coach Mike Gundy will be expecting the same here.
Taylor Cornelius is going to be the key for the Cowboys as the Quarter Back has really filled the boots of Mason Rudolph as well as could have been expected. The problem for Cornelius is that he may not get the same run support in this game against a Missouri Defensive Line that has been stout up front all season and will be looking to make Oklahoma State as one dimensional as possible.
Missouri have seen their Secondary improve over the course of the season too and they ended the regular season in very good form playing the pass. Stopping the Cowboys entirely is not really reasonable, but Missouri will feel they can make some big plays in the Secondary especially with the pass rush they can generate up front as long as they keep Cornelius throwing from third and long spots.
Drew Lock is not expected to have the same problems even though injuries could mean a couple of key Offensive players at the skill positions are not available for the Bowl Game. Lock should be helped by the Tigers Offensive Line paving the way for some strong runs on the ground and that should mean the Quarter Back can make use of play-action as well as being able to drop back in third and manageable spots to hit Receivers down the field.
I have no doubt Lock will want to be able to throw as much as possible to show off what he has to the NFL scouts watching, especially as the Cowboys have struggled to stop teams through the air as well as the ground. However Lock will want to demonstrate he can be a leader of a team too and that means executing the right plays and finding a balance on the Offensive side of the ball which should see the chains moved consistently through the game.
The Quarter Back has been well protected too and I very much think the Tigers will have the edge in this game as they are able to pull away in a shoot out.
The Cowboys have a proud Bowl record which needs to be respected, but I think Missouri make enough plays Defensively to pull away here in what could be a fun game for those who like seeing the ball thrown around for much of the game.
Prediction
Lay the points with the favourite.
The Pick :
Oklahoma State Cowboys 31-45 Missouri Tigers
