Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs Oklahoma State Cowboys Picks and Predictions September 14th 2024

Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium in Tulsa is the site for this week three non-conference matchup between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Kick-off is set for 12:00 ET, and ESPN2 will be handling the television broadcast. The Cowboys are 2-0 coming into this one, and the current point spread has them as -20.5 point favorites. The over/under line is at 62.5 points at this time.

Oklahoma State vs. Tulsa Key Information

• Teams: Cowboys at Golden Hurricane
• Where: Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium Tulsa
• Date: Saturday, September 14th
• Betting Odds OKST -1325 | TULSA +752 O/U 62.5

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The Cowboys Can Win If…

Oklahoma State improved to 2-0 after narrowly escaping their matchup with Arkansas. The Cowboys, who were -10 point favorites, ended up in overtime but came out on top with a 39-31 win. However, they failed to cover the spread. The over/under line was set at 61.5 points, and the teams combined for 70 points, hitting the over.

Oklahoma State got off to a strong start, taking a 14-0 lead early on. But by halftime, the score was 21-7 in favor of Arkansas. The Cowboys managed to tie the game at 31-31 by the end of the fourth quarter and outscored Arkansas 8-0 in overtime to remain undefeated.

Oklahoma State’s offense, led by quarterback Alan Bowman, put up 385 yards and 21 first downs in their 39-31 overtime win over Arkansas. Bowman threw for 326 yards, connecting on 56.2% of his passes and adding one touchdown. His top target, Brennan Presley, caught nine passes for 91 yards.

The Cowboys’ ground game was limited to 59 yards, with Ollie Gordon II leading the way with 49 yards on 17 carries. Despite the lack of a rushing attack, Oklahoma State still managed to score two rushing touchdowns and one through the air.

Oklahoma State’s defense will be looking to rebound after giving up 648 total yards to Arkansas in their last game. The Cowboys allowed 416 passing yards and 232 rushing yards, with Arkansas picking up 33 first downs. Despite these numbers, Oklahoma State managed to come out on top, winning 39-31 in overtime. The Cowboys’ defense will need to tighten up to avoid a similar performance in their next game.

• Oklahoma State has put together a record of 3-0 over their past three games. In terms of betting, the team went 2-1 ATS in these matchups. Their over/under record in these matchups is 2-1.
• Through their last ten regular season contests, Oklahoma State has a record of 8-2. In these matchups, they ended with an ATS record of 6-4 and an over-under mark of 7-3.

The Golden Hurricane Can Win If…

After a 28-24 road loss to Arkansas State, Tulsa is now 1-1 for the season. The Golden Hurricane, who were +8.5 point underdogs, covered the spread in the game. The over/under line was set at 66 points, but the total score ended at 52 points, resulting in the under hitting.

Tulsa fell behind 7-3 in the first quarter but rallied to take a 17-7 lead at halftime. However, Arkansas State outscored them 21-7 in the third quarter, and Tulsa was unable to score in the fourth quarter.

In their 28-24 loss to Arkansas State, Tulsa’s offense put up 362 total yards, with 163 yards coming on the ground. The Golden Hurricane picked up 19 first downs and added 199 yards through the air. Kirk Francis completed 57.1% of his passes for 199 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception and finishing with a passer rating of 76.34.

Lloyd Avant led the rushing attack with 61 yards on 14 carries, while Kamdyn Benjamin was the top receiver, catching six passes for 131 yards and a touchdown.

Tulsa’s defense will be looking to improve after giving up 405 total yards in their last game. They allowed 255 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air, while also giving up 150 rushing yards and one score on the ground. The Golden Hurricane’s defense managed to come up with one interception in the game.

• Across Tulsa’s last three regular season games, their record sits at 1-2. In these contests, the team went just 0-3 against the spread, while going 2-1 on the over-under.
• Across Tulsa’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 4-6. Against the spread, Tulsa went 1-9 in these games and finished with an over-under mark of 6-4.

The Lean

Oklahoma State is the heavy favorite in their week three matchup against Tulsa, with the spread set at -20.5 points. We expect Oklahoma State to win by a score of 38-20, but Tulsa should be able to cover the spread as the underdog.

With the over/under line at 62.5 points, our projection of 58 combined points suggests that taking the under is the best play for this game.

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No. 13 Oklahoma State Takes Mature Approach into Rivalry Game vs. Tulsa

No. 13 Oklahoma State (2-0) faces an in-state rivalry challenge this Saturday as they take on Tulsa (1-1). After a double-overtime victory over Arkansas last week, head coach Mike Gundy is emphasizing the importance of mental preparation and recovery as the Cowboys gear up for their matchup in Tulsa.

Gundy’s Focus on Maturity and Recovery

One-Game Season Mentality

For Gundy, the key to success this week isn’t just about game plans and strategy—it’s about how the Cowboys recover and refocus after a physically demanding win against Arkansas. Gundy stressed the importance of taking a mature approach to each game.

“College football is a one-game season,” Gundy said. “You have to recondition physically and mentally. If you’re not mature enough to understand that, then you’re going to struggle.”

Oklahoma State’s roster is filled with experienced players, including multiple sixth- and seventh-year seniors, which gives Gundy confidence in his team’s ability to stay focused. However, with a Big 12 opener against Utah next week, Gundy warns against overlooking a Tulsa team eager to pull off an upset.

Oklahoma State’s Struggles in the Running Game

Ollie Gordon II Seeks Momentum

One area where Oklahoma State hopes to see improvement is in the running game. Ollie Gordon II, a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate, has yet to fully find his rhythm. Last week, Gordon rushed for just 49 yards on 17 carries, though he did score the game-winning touchdown in double overtime.

“At the end of the day, you gotta think about the team,” Gordon said. “It’s not a ‘you’ sport, it’s a ‘we’ sport.”

Through two games, Gordon has accumulated 175 rushing yards on 45 carries, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt. With Tulsa’s defense showing vulnerabilities in previous games, the Cowboys are expected to focus on establishing the run early to build offensive momentum.

Tulsa’s Offensive Balance and Challenges

Offensive Firepower, Defensive Struggles

Tulsa is coming off a tough 28-24 loss to Arkansas State, in which they surrendered a 10-point halftime lead. Despite the setback, Tulsa’s offense demonstrated its potential. Kamdyn Benjamin led the way with six receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown, showing the Golden Hurricane’s ability to move the ball through the air.

“We left some points on the board,” Tulsa head coach Kevin Wilson admitted. “We struggled to block in the second half. We got to come home and see what we got.”

Wilson, who is well-regarded for his offensive expertise, has brought balance to Tulsa’s attack. The Golden Hurricane has averaged 43 points per game, with quarterback Kirk Francis throwing for an impressive 12.8 yards per completion. Benjamin has been a key target and is on pace for a 1,000-yard receiving season.

Defensive and Special Teams Issues

While Tulsa’s offense has been potent, the defense and special teams have struggled. Last week, the Golden Hurricane allowed Arkansas State to convert 8 of 17 third downs and gave up a 77-yard punt return for a touchdown that shifted momentum in the third quarter.

Oklahoma State will look to capitalize on these weaknesses, particularly as the Cowboys have proven they can persevere in tight games.

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Key Players to Watch

Oklahoma State: Ollie Gordon II and the Offensive Line

The Cowboys’ success this week may hinge on Ollie Gordon II finding his footing in the run game. If the offensive line can create lanes and reduce the pressure on Gordon, it could open up the play-action game and allow Oklahoma State’s offense to operate more efficiently.

Tulsa: Kamdyn Benjamin and Kirk Francis

For Tulsa, the dynamic duo of Kamdyn Benjamin and Kirk Francis will be key to keeping pace with Oklahoma State’s explosive offense. Benjamin has shown his big-play ability, and Francis has demonstrated accuracy in key moments. If Tulsa’s offensive line can protect Francis and give him time to find his targets, the Golden Hurricane could challenge the Cowboys’ secondary.

Historical Rivalry

Oklahoma State Leads Series

Oklahoma State holds a 44-27-5 advantage in the all-time series against Tulsa. The last time these teams met in Tulsa, in 2020, the Cowboys narrowly escaped with a 28-23 victory. As this rivalry is renewed, Oklahoma State looks to maintain its momentum, while Tulsa seeks an upset on home turf.