Oklahoma Sooners Football: College Football TV Schedule & Gambling Picks - Week 8

Happy Thursday, Sooner fans!

Unfortunately, this week’s slate of games is sort of underwhelming. Why? Well, I think part of it is due to the fact that the SEC simply isn’t very good this season. A lot of matchups that looked intriguing at the beginning of the year are meaningless at this point. Auburn-Arkansas is usually a game that is at least somewhat interesting, but will any of you be watching it this year? Doubt it. Tennessee-Alabama has been a one-sided rivalry for a while, but we’re usually at least intrigued by it. Not this year.

However, the Big 12 has a few nice ones on the schedule this week, including Texas Oklahoma State, or the “Schadenfreude Bowl” as I like to call it. Who am I rooting for in that one? I’m rooting for Texas to lose in such a hilarious fashion that Oklahoma State doesn’t even get much credit for the win.

Anyway, here’s how I think things will shake out on the gambling front:

Oklahoma State (-7) at Texas - Texas just finished playing in an incredibly physical and emotional game against OU last Saturday, so I feel like they may be in for a rough one. I also don’t see that offense doing enough to unmask some of Oklahoma State’s defensive flaws. I don’t think this is a terribly difficult pick. Gambling pick: Oklahoma State covers somewhat comfortably. Under 64.5

Iowa State at Texas Tech (-7) - Oklahoma’s offense struggled at times in the second half against Iowa State. However, it’s worth mentioning that a lot of that was self-inflicted. Tech’s offense is a machine, and the much-improved Red Raider defense should be able to get enough stops. Gambling pick: Texas Tech covers and sets up an exciting matchup in Norman next Saturday. Over 67.5

Syracuse at Miami (-17) - Okay, this one is interesting. Syracuse probably wouldn’t have pulled out a W against Clemson had it not been for an injury at QB, but we all saw what their offense did to Clemson’s defense. I think they’re more than capable of hanging with an undefeated Miami team. Gambling pick: Miami wins, but Syracuse’s offense does some things, keeps it close and beats the spread.

Oklahoma (-14.5) at Kansas State - Like Texas, Oklahoma may be a bit drained from last weekend in Dallas. I know I am! Anyway, Jesse Ertz may play, but he’ll be limited as a runner if he does. Alex Delton, K-State’s backup, is a capable runner but leaves much to be desired as a passer. If Delton’s the only one who can go, OU could win in a blowout. I think OU wins regardless, but Jesse Ertz could at least keep things close. Gambling pick: Oklahoma covers in this one regardless, but Ertz would keep the OU defense more honest, which would likely result in a much closer cover for OU. Over 54

Kentucky at Mississippi State (-13) - Kentucky is on the verge of qualifying for a bowl game for the second time in as many years, and Mark Stoops appears to be one of the few coaches in that conference with an ounce of job security. Mississippi State, on the other hand, been pretty dominant at home this season, averaging 40.3 PPG in Starkville while allowing only 5.7 PPG on defense. Looks great on the surface, right? Well, those three wins are against Charleston Southern, LSU and BYU, and the latter two have been severe disappointments this season. Gambling pick: Mississippi State wins, but Kentucky beats the spread. Over 54.5

USC at Notre Dame (-3.5) - This game deserves much more national attention than it’s receiving (primarily due to the fact that it’s an NBC game), and I think I’m looking forward to this one more than any game outside of OU’s. Since losing to Washington State, USC has looked average against Oregon State — quite possibly the worst P5 team this season, and that includes Kansas — and struggled against Utah at home. Meanwhile, Notre Dame is coming off a bye week following some fairly impressive performances. Having said all of that, USC still has more talent than Notre Dame. I also think that Sam Darnold — who is still a very good QB — is due for a decent performance on a national stage. Gambling pick: This is going to be a close one, but give me Notre Dame to cover at home. Under 65

Michigan at Penn State (-9.5) - The only things that make this one somewhat interesting are the “White Out” and Saquon Barkley. Michigan’s offense is the most boring thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. The Big Ten has three good teams, and Michigan isn’t one of them. However, the defense is pretty great and will probably keep it close. Gambling pick: Hmm.... I can picture Penn State winning this one by about 10 points, and the spread is 9.5, so I guess I’m going with Penn State. Under 45