NCAA Football
2020-12-29 - Oklahoma State Cowboys at Miami Hurricanes
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
American Football : NCAA Bowl Games
Tuesday 29th December 2020 - Scheduled 5:30pm
10:30pm (British Time)
Preview
Both the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Miami Hurricanes would have been hoping for stronger 2020 seasons that may have offered up a bigger Bowl Game than this one. However both should be motivated to round off the season with a victory, although both are already guaranteed to finish up with a winning record regardless.
Like many teams not involved in the College Football PlayOffs, the Cowboys and Hurricanes have seen some top NFL Draft prospects decide they will skip the Bowl Game to prepare for life in the professional ranks. That means both teams are losing key figures in this one with Oklahoma State down Chuba Hubbard and Miami missing big time Defensive Ends Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche and it could be a vital factor in the outcome of the game.
The Hurricanes are looking to bounce back from a blow out loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels, while the Oklahoma State Cowboys have split their last six regular season games as both teams missed out on Conference Championship Games.
Even though Chuba Hubbard is out, the Oklahoma State Cowboys have been able to fill in at Running Back and they should be able to do that here. Over their last three games the Miami Hurricanes have given up some huge yards on the ground and the Defensive Line has been weakened by the absences of Phillips and Roche which suggests the Big 12 team will be able to put up some huge yards in this one.
The Cowboys have shown they can manage to do that without Hubbard and I do think they will be in front of the chains Offensively which can open things up for Spencer Sanders who has had an inconsistent season at Quarter Back. Running the ball should slow down the Hurricanes pass rush which is missing those Defensive Ends mentioned, while Sanders is capable of moving the ball with his legs as well as his arm.
I do think Oklahoma State will be able to move the ball with some consistency as any team that establishes the run is capable of doing, but it will be more difficult for the Miami Hurricanes. While there have been some signs of wear and tear on the Cowboys Defensive Line, the Hurricanes have not been dominating at the line of scrimmage and there is every chance Oklahoma State can make some plays to clamp down on the run.
D'Eriq King at Quarter Back has to be respected though with the former Houston Cougar coming in off another strong season. His dual-threat from the Quarter Back position makes him dangerous and I do think King will have success throwing against this young Oklahoma State Secondary that has given up some big plays down the field. If Miami are not running the ball as they like, King will still show off his talent to keep the chains moving although it does also mean he will be facing a fierce Cowboys pass rush that should win at the line of scrimmage.
That is the best way to stall some drives by hitting the Quarter Back or making his rush his throws and I think it is the reason the Cowboys will find a way to win this Bowl Game.
Miami have a strong record as an underdog when it comes to the spread, but they are just 1-8 against the spread in their last nine Bowl Games. On the other hand, Oklahoma State tend to be well Coached for these post-season games and have covered in four in a row in Bowl Games and I do think the Cowboys can be backed here.
Prediction
Lay the points with the narrow favourite.
The Pick :
Miami Hurricanes 31-34 Oklahoma State Cowboys
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Oklahoma State Cowboys - 1 Point at -105 with BetOnline
