Key Match-Ups and Predictions for Turnpike Rivalry Week

A look back on the first week of predictions in the Big 12 and checking the key match-ups for the Pokes and the storm of gold.

It's been a tremendously interesting preseason as Oklahoma State originally was supposed to host Oregon State on Thursday, Sept. 3. Oregon State still doesn't have a game scheduled, but it is getting close with the Pac-12. Oklahoma State was then scheduled to play Tulsa on Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m., but the Golden Hurricanes struggled with getting on the practice field in August because of COVID-19 and Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder gave Tulsa an extra week to prepare.

So, here we are with the latest opening game for the Cowboys since a Sept. 20 trip to Arkansas in 1969 for a 39-0 whooping from the Razorbacks.

This has been the most relaxed preseason practice, yet it was one of the most physical ever. The Cowboys started in early August on a two days on, one day off schedule and at one point, the demand to observe and examine social injustice and racial equality had Oklahoma State off for four days in a row. That is unheard of in the history of Oklahoma State preseason football practice. 

The Cowboys also scrimmaged as in full speed with ones vs. ones and twos vs. twos at least four a half times. The normal amount of full scrimmages in the preseason is two, maybe two and half. This team was actually scrimmaging last Saturday, one week before the opener. I have never seen that, at OSU or anywhere else since Bear Bryant passed away.

A year ago, the Cowboys beat Tulsa in an interesting game 40-21. The Cowboys jumped out 20-0 and then Tulsa came back and led at halftime 21-20. Oklahoma State shut out the Hurricane 20-0 in the second half for a 41-20 win. 

Key Match-Up #1: Oklahoma State receivers vs. Tulsa corners

This will be fun as the Cowboys are loaded at receiver with Tylan Wallace chomping at the bit to play. Behind him is last year's star recruit Langston Anderson who is looking good and this year's freshman, Brennan Presley from Bixby, can play the Z or the slot. Plenty of talent at the slot with Dillon Stoner and Landon Wolf, while the X now has speedster Braydon Johnson and new transfer and Pac-12 standout from Washington State in Tay Martin.

Last year Tulsa played a lot of man early in the game and was burned some and had three big pass interference penalties, part of a 156-yard penalty game by the Golden Hurricane. This year Tulsa has two really big corners in Akayleb Evans (6-2, 188), who missed last year with an injury and Allie Green IV (6-3, 206). Both are good at press man and I think you will see a fair share of that. Game on!

The Cowboys receivers have seen their fair share of press coverage and wold seem to be up to the task. 

Key Match-Up #2: Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders vs. Tulsa weak-side linebacker Zaven Collins

Tulsa has one of the tallest defensive units in the country and that continues with Collins, who is 6-4, 260-pounds. The former All-State quarterback/safety from Hominy, Okla. is the size of a defensive end, but is athletic as some safeties. He is a smart student and smart player that is working toward medical school for his future. That will likely be delayed by an NFL career. 

Spencer Sanders' development has been one of the most discussed topics with Oklahoma State football in the off season. Tim Rattay coming in as quarterback coach has really helped Sanders and I'm looking forward to seeing it. I think it will be exciting to watch. His practices in the preseason have been good and he has been better each week.

Key Match-Up #3: Oklahoma State offensive line vs. Tulsa defensive front

Yes, all of the key match-ups have been with the Oklahoma State offense against the Tulsa defense. Make no mistake, the Oklahoma State defense has a chance to be really good and they will be tested by a Tulsa offense that returns 9-of-11 starters and an amazing 98 percent of the production. Understand that the OSU defense will be tested and I want them to be. I want the answer to my excitement over the defense.

Now, Oklahoma State has redshirt freshman Cole Birmingham (6-8, 308) starting at right guard and Hunter Anthony (6-6, 318), a redshirt sophomore starting at right tackle. Expect Tulsa to load up and try the talents of those two. There is some danger to loading up on one side of a defense, a quick-hitter to the left side could leave a lot of open field for Chuba Hubbard or somebody else. 

Put it this way, we will learn a lot about the offensive line and how they will settle in. I know this, offensive line coach Charlie Dickey is confident that his guys will hold up their end. On the left side are NFL prospects Teven Jenkins at tackle and transfer Josh Sills at guard.

The Cowboys will be a left-handed offense early on.

Pokes Prediction

Tulsa                                         20

@#11-Oklahoma State        52

Big 12 Predictions

Last Week:  Record vs. Spread - 5-2  Records Straight Up - 4-3

Louisiana                             21

@#23-Iowa State                27

Actual Score: 31-14 Louisiana

Eastern Kentucky                10

@West Virginia                     59

Actual Score: 56-10 West Virginia

Arkansas State                     24

@Kansas State                     31

Actual Score: 35-31 Arkansas State

Missouri State                        7

@#6-Oklahoma                  73

Actual Score: 48-0 Oklahoma

Houston Baptist                  16

@Texas Tech                       49

Actual Score: 35-33 Texas Tech

UTEP                                    10

@#14-Texas                         70

Actual Score: 59-3 Texas  

Coastal Carolina                 14

@Kansas                              34

Actual Score: 38-23 Coastal Carolina

This Week:

Houston                           26

@Baylor                            28