Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Arkansas Razorbacks Picks and Predictions September 7th 2024

After more than four decades, No. 16 Oklahoma State and Arkansas are set to rekindle their regional rivalry this Saturday in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Both teams come into the game with a perfect 1-0 record, and after dominant performances against FCS opponents, this matchup promises to be a thrilling clash of powerhouse programs.

Oklahoma State’s Solid Season Opener

Oklahoma State (1-0) kicked off their season in style with a commanding 44-20 victory over South Dakota State, a team that had won 29 consecutive games and back-to-back FCS championships. This impressive win propelled the Cowboys up one spot to No. 16 in the AP Top 25 rankings.

Leading the charge for the Cowboys was Heisman Trophy candidate Ollie Gordon II, who rushed for 104 yards, with 58 of those coming in a dominant third quarter. Gordon, who also happens to be the reigning Doak Walker Award winner, found the end zone twice on the ground and added a touchdown reception, showcasing why he’s one of the nation’s best running backs.

Quarterback Alan Bowman also had a strong showing, completing 25 of 34 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receivers De’Zhaun Stribling (six receptions, 83 yards) and Brennan Presley (seven receptions, 35 yards, one TD) provided reliable targets throughout the game.

Head coach Mike Gundy praised his offensive line for keeping Bowman safe, noting that the quarterback faced no sacks during the game. “I thought the offensive line played good because they didn’t give up any sacks,” Gundy said. “Bowman did a better job of sitting in the pocket and not running out for no reason at all.”

Arkansas Dominates with a Revamped Offense

Arkansas (1-0) wasn’t messing around in their season opener either, delivering a 70-0 beatdown of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The game marked the return of former head coach Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator, and the new-look Arkansas offense was unstoppable, scoring 10 touchdowns on 10 possessions.

Quarterback Taylen Green, a transfer from Boise State, wasted no time making an impact. In his first start for Arkansas, Green completed 16 of 23 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns. He also showed his dual-threat ability by rushing for 88 yards and two more scores on just six carries.

Arkansas’ ground game was on fire, racking up 279 rushing yards, with Utah transfer JaQuinden Jackson adding 101 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the blowout, Green admitted to some early jitters. “I felt like my footwork was a little slow the first two drives,” Green said. “That’s something I need to improve on, and it all starts with my feet.”

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman is excited about the offense’s potential but knows the challenge ahead against Oklahoma State. “We have a great opportunity against Oklahoma State,” Green added, aware of the stakes.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Ollie Gordon vs. Arkansas’ Defense: Gordon is one of the top running backs in the country, and Arkansas knows they’ll have their hands full. “If the offensive line gets him 3 yards, he’s going to get 6 or 7 or more,” said Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman. “We’re going to have to get a lot of guys around the ball.”
• Taylen Green vs. Oklahoma State’s Defense: Green’s dual-threat skills will force Oklahoma State to stay disciplined. Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy plans to have a spy on Green throughout the game. “When you are competing against a guy that has the ability to run, you have to take that into account,” Gundy explained.
• Battle of the Quarterbacks: Both Alan Bowman and Taylen Green had strong season debuts, but this matchup will test their consistency against stiffer competition. Bowman’s pocket presence and Green’s mobility will be central to their team’s success.

Historical Rivalry Rekindled

This game marks the first meeting between Oklahoma State and Arkansas in 44 years, with Arkansas leading the all-time series 30-15-1. However, the rivalry is much closer when these two teams play in Stillwater, where the series stands at 4-4-1. Oklahoma State has also been a dominant force at home recently, boasting a 24-3 record at Boone Pickens Stadium since 2020, a mark only bettered by Alabama.

Both head coaches are fully aware of the threat the other team poses. Pittman had high praise for Gordon and the challenge Oklahoma State’s rushing attack brings, while Gundy acknowledged Green’s ability to extend plays with his legs as a serious problem.

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What’s at Stake?

For Oklahoma State, this game is about defending their home turf and continuing their climb up the rankings after their solid start. Meanwhile, Arkansas is eager to prove that their offensive explosion in Week 1 was no fluke and that they can compete with top-tier teams. With both teams eyeing strong conference seasons, a win in this rivalry game could provide the momentum they need moving forward.

With history, home-field advantage, and key players like Ollie Gordon and Taylen Green on full display, this long-awaited revival of the Oklahoma State-Arkansas rivalry promises to be one of the weekend’s most exciting matchups.