Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-2) vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (4-2)
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs West Virginia Mountaineers 10/21/23 – In an enticing Week 8 matchup, the Oklahoma State Cowboys head to Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium to lock horns with the West Virginia Mountaineers. Both teams, boasting identical 4-2 records, will aim to solidify their standing. As the college football season intensifies, this battle promises to be a pivotal clash, adding intrigue for those seeking the best free NCAAF picks.
The Cowboys’ offense rides on the shoulders of running back Ollie Gordon II and wide receiver Jaden Bray. Gordon has been a workhorse, accumulating 534 rushing yards and punching in 4 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to move chains. On the other hand, Bray, with 296 receiving yards, has been instrumental in stretching defenses even though he hasn’t found the end zone yet.
For the Mountaineers, CJ Donaldson Jr. has been the staple of their rushing game. With 414 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns to his name, Donaldson has been the primary ball carrier. Hudson Clement, though having only 12 receptions, has been explosive with an impressive average of 24.8 yards per catch and 4 touchdowns.
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs West Virginia Mountaineers 10/21/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 3:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Alan Bowman QB vs. Garrett Greene QB
Alan Bowman, the quarterback for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, presents a season of dichotomies. With 1084 yards under his belt, he’s shown he has the arm strength and vision to distribute the ball effectively, achieving a longest pass of 60 yards. His 56.8% completion rate, however, leaves room for improvement. His touchdown-to-interception ratio (4:3) indicates moments of brilliance tempered by occasional lapses in judgment. What makes Bowman an intriguing watch is his resilience. He’s faced pressure, taking 4 sacks for a loss of 28 yards, yet his experience and ability to read defenses make him a potential game-changer. His decision-making, especially when the pocket collapses or in high-pressure situations, will be pivotal in determining the Cowboys’ fortunes against the Mountaineers.
On the flip side, Garrett Greene has been the beacon for the West Virginia Mountaineers this season. Achieving a passer rating of 143.7, Greene has managed to throw for 935 yards, with an enviable touchdown-to-interception ratio of 6:1. His 8.8 yards per pass attempt underscores his ability to make those deep, game-altering throws. But it’s not just about statistics for Greene; his pocket presence and poise have been standout features this season. Often cool under pressure, Greene’s decision-making skills have been largely impeccable. In matchups as intense as this one, his capability to evade sacks (having been sacked just three times) and make split-second, accurate throws can be the differential. The duel between Bowman and Greene promises to be a central narrative in this game, with their performances potentially setting the tone for the rest of the team.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: West Virginia Mountaineers -165, Total Odds: 50
Given the betting odds, the Mountaineers are slight favorites entering this contest. The -3.5 spread in their favor indicates a belief in their home-field advantage and recent form. For bettors, the decision hinges on whether the Cowboys can overcome their recent road woes.
Oklahoma State Cowboys Betting Trends
Despite their solid record, the Cowboys have struggled against the spread, going 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games. Interestingly, they’ve performed admirably against the Mountaineers historically, with a 7-1 record both ATS and SU in their last 8 encounters. However, their road form remains a concern, where they are 1-5 SU in their last 6 outings.
West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Trends
The Mountaineers have been more reliable for bettors recently, posting a 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games. At home, they’re 6-2 ATS in their previous 8, but their record against the Cowboys at home has been lackluster, going 1-4 ATS. The under has been a trend in their games against Big 12 opponents, with it hitting in 5 of their last 6 matchups.
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. West Virginia Mountaineers 10/21/23 Betting Picks
Given the recent trends and team dynamics, this game promises to be closely contested. The Cowboys’ historical dominance in this fixture will give them confidence, but the Mountaineers’ home advantage cannot be overlooked.
Considering all factors, the Cowboys might just cover the spread, but the Mountaineers could edge out a narrow win. For those looking at over/under bets, leaning towards the under might be a wise choice, given both teams’ recent defensive performances and betting trends. Trusting in sports expert selections, this game might conclude in favor of the Mountaineers with a predicted score of 24-21.
Free Pick and Prediction: West Virginia Mountaineers 24, Oklahoma State Cowboys 21.