Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia: Prediction & Odds (10/21/23)

West Virginia is coming off a last-second loss to Houston, while Oklahoma State has found some momentum with upset wins over Kansas State and Kansas. Let’s take a look at whether the Cowboys can extend their winning streak and dive into the odds plus best bets.

Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia Prediction & Best Bet

Both of these teams don’t thrive in the passing game and have played three consecutive one-possession games. Chances are high that this will be a close battle on Saturday, and there’s reason to believe it will be close enough that Oklahoma State has a chance to win.

The Cowboys have been a completely different team since their running game hit its stride over their last three games, knocking off both Kansas State and Kansas. The running game’s success looks like it’s freed up QB Alan Bowman a bit, as Bowman had easily his best game of the season against Kansas. West Virginia should be a tougher defensive test, but the Mountaineers got torched by Houston last weekend.

West Virginia also hasn’t shown much offensive firepower against FBS opponents outside of the Houston loss. With Oklahoma State’s offense gaining momentum and the Big 12 loaded with close games, the Cowboys can absolutely keep this game within at least a field goal

Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia Prediction & Best Bet:

Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia Betting Odds

West Virginia is a slight home favorite, entering favored by 3.5 points. The Mountaineers are -170 on the moneyline, with an over/under of 50.5 points. Despite Oklahoma State’s recent stretch of success, oddsmakers are rolling with the Mountaineers.

West Virginia got off to a stronger than expected start this season, but Oklahoma State has been the hotter team of late. With the

Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia Key Matchups

Here are the key matchups that could decide Saturday’s game between Oklahoma State and West Virginia.

Garrett Greene vs. Oklahoma State Pass Defense

Oklahoma State is allowing 8.1 yards per pass attempt, which ranks 12th among 14 Big 12 teams. The Cowboys’ pass defense has forced five turnovers in the last two weeks, but when the ball isn’t being intercepted, offenses are moving it right along. Is this something West Virginia can take advantage of?

The matchup might not be great for the Mountaineers, who don’t thrive by passing the ball. QB Garrett Greene is completing only 52.8 percent of passes, and while he’s done a nice job of limiting turnovers, his effectiveness has been hit-or-miss.

If there is a good sign here, Greene threw for a season-high 391 yards against Houston last week – the Cougars allow 8.1 yards per attempt as well. If Greene can take advantage of poor pass defenses, he can lead the offense to a big day on Saturday.

Ollie Gordon II vs. West Virginia

Is it a coincidence that Oklahoma State has started to put wins on the board just as its running game has taken off? Ollie Gordon II has rushed for 120+ yards in three consecutive games, averaging more than six yards per carry along the way. Oklahoma State is not a team that will win with its passing game – at least not in its current form. Can the running game get to West Virginia’s defense?

The Mountaineers are near the middle of the pack from a run defense standpoint, allowing 4.1 yards per carry. They did a great job of limiting TCU’s Emani Bailey in September, but Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks torched WVU for 170 yards a week earlier. Pressure will be on Gordon to emulate Brooks and find a way to carry the load for Oklahoma State’s otherwise troubling offense.

Best College Football Betting Promo Codes