Oklahoma Sooners: College Football TV Schedule & Gambling Picks - Week 12

It’s back, ladies and gentlemen! It’s the weekly-ish post in which a man who once chose to simultaneously major in journalism and aviation tells you what to do with your money. Contrary to what the previous sentence may seem to indicate, he’s not going to tell you to attempt to become the next Ernest Hemingway. No, he’s going to give you semi-educated guesses on college football gambling outcomes. Buckle up!

As usual, head down to the bottom for the Saturday viewing schedule (now available in CT!).

Indiana at Penn State (-14.5) - Not only are the Hoosiers 7-2 on the season, they’re actually looking kind of good through the lens of advanced metrics. Sitting at No. 15 in offensive SP+, No. 35 in defensive SP+ and No. 19 overall, Bill Connelly’s ratings have Indiana beating the spread (34-22) Penn State. Having said that, I’m a little apprehensive due to the level of IU’s competition. Gambling pick: Penn State covers at home, but Indiana goes on to be #9Windiana. Over 55.5

Kansas at Oklahoma State (-17) - Since OSU’s loss to Baylor and Mike Gundy’s pledge to “fix this”, the Cowboys seem to have a bit more of a pulse — particularly on defense. This is how this program works under Gundy. When the expectations are high, the Pokes typically fall a bit short. However, when the head man’s back seems to be up against the wall, the guy and his team tend to rally. Even without Tylan Wallace, this appears to be the case. I’m not down on the Kansas offense just because of the three-point performance against K-State, but I picture a reinvigorated OSU defense making enough plays at home. Gambling pick: Okie State covers. Under 68 (Note: If you’re even in the presence of friends who happen to be OSU alumni, definitely refer to their alma mater as ‘Okie State’. They LOVE it)

Navy at Notre Dame (-7.5) - The Midshipmen have been efficient enough with their option game (No. 22 offensive SP+) to enforce their will and dictate the action against every team on their schedule other than Memphis. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s defense has been good but not necessarily dominant (No. 23 defensive SP+). The one thing on the Irish’s side (other than the talent advantage)? This team sees this Navy offense every season, so they sort of know the drill. Having said that, Navy often gives them trouble regardless, and this is the best team the Midshipmen have fielded in a few years. Gambling pick: Navy beats the spread but falls short of a W. Over 55

Georgia (-3) at Auburn - We have an Auburn offense quarterbacked by a freshman and facing a freakishly-athletic Georgia D. We also have a freakishly-athletic Auburn D that will be facing an offense that lacks ingenuity and doesn’t adequately take advantage of its talent. Basically, we’re in for an SEC game circa the Year of Our Lord 2003 (Or 2009. Or 2012. Okay, pretty much every year prior to, like, 2016). I’ll give the advantage to the team with the battle-tested junior QB. Gambling pick: Georgia covers against the Tigers/War Eagles/Plainsmen. Under 41

Texas at Iowa State (-7) - Iowa State is a well-coached team with a ton of experience on both the offensive and defensive lines, but how much stock do you put in this team’s performance in Norman this past week? Oklahoma was in control for the better part of three quarters before sh** hit the fan for Alex Grinch’s defense (not that his group was exactly putting on a show before that point). Regardless, it’s readily apparent — and has been for some time — that a big name on the front of the opponent’s uniform isn’t going to deter this team from having every bit of confidence in itself.

Caden Sterns is back for Texas, but this defense is still shorthanded. Iowa State has the weapons to gash them. Gambling pick: Iowa State covers at home and gives UT a fourth loss. Tragic. Over 65.5

Oklahoma (-10) at Baylor - After looking like a completely different group through the first half of the season, the past two games seem to have awoken the ghost of Mike Stoops (he’s not actually dead, he’s just fetching coffee for Nick Saban and hanging out with Butch Jones aka livin’ the dream). The most disconcerting aspect of the proceedings has been the defensive front’s inability to create disruption, but I’m here to tell you there’s hope this week.

The past two games have pitted this front six/seven against two of the best and most experienced offensive lines in the conference. Fortunately for the Sooners, Baylor’s offensive line has struggled mightily in recent weeks, which is why you’ve seen these close games. In fact, the mighty Mountaineers of West Virginia were able to record EIGHT sacks of Charlie Brewer two weeks ago. If you’re able to get pressure, a lot of a defense’s other issues can be masked to some degree. I picture this happening Saturday evening on the Brazos. Gambling pick: The Oklahoma Sooners cover, and I’ll give a score predication of 38-24. Jalen Hurts won’t be perfect, but he’ll pick up yards with his legs and get the ball to CeeDee Lamb on a frequent enough basis to keep the chains moving. Under 68.5