Utah vs. Oklahoma State: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The Utah Utes will take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Week 4 of the college football season in what promises to be a thrilling Big 12 opener for both teams.

Both squads are off to 3-0 starts, and each is led by experienced, 7th-year senior quarterbacks. Utah's Cam Rising is returning from an injury, while Oklahoma State's Alan Bowman is coming off a career game.

Let’s dive into the picks and predictions for this exciting matchup.

Utah vs. Oklahoma State betting picks and predictions

Oklahoma State ML (-135)

This game features two of the oldest teams in college football, with a lot of experience on both sides, particularly at quarterback.

Statistically, Oklahoma State’s Alan Bowman has been highly effective this season, averaging 322.3 passing yards per game and leading the Cowboys to three straight wins. Bowman is coming off a dominant performance against Tulsa, where he threw for 396 yards and five touchdowns.

His top targets, De’Zhaun Stribling, Brennan Presley and Rashod Owens, have combined for six receiving touchdowns this season, and Bowman has spread the ball efficiently among them.

Oklahoma State has covered the spread in all three of its games, and while their defense has been suspect – allowing nearly 700 yards to Arkansas in a double-overtime thriller – the offense has carried them through. The Cowboys will need to maintain this aerial attack against a Utah defense that boasts a strong pass rush but has shown vulnerability in the secondary.

For Utah, the big story is the return of Cam Rising, who is expected to start after missing some time with a hand injury. Rising is a seasoned and talented quarterback, but it remains to be seen how effective he will be in his first game back.

Utah’s offense has leaned on its running game, led by Micah Bernard, but they’ll need Rising at full strength to keep pace with the Cowboys’ potent passing attack.

Oklahoma State’s defense has struggled against the run, but Utah has been inconsistent in the backfield. The Utes’ use a committee approach that hasn’t been as dominant as expected.

Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy will likely focus on containing the Utah pass game and force Utah to earn it on the ground. If Bowman can continue his hot streak, especially at home, Oklahoma State’s offensive firepower should be enough to outscore Utah in this matchup.

Additionally, playing at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater gives the Cowboys a slight edge. Home-field advantage in a tight contest like this one could make the difference.

Under 52.5 total points (-110)

The total for this game is set at 52.5 total points, and while both teams are capable of putting up points, this one has the makings of a lower-scoring contest.

Utah’s defense, under head coach Kyle Whittingham, has been solid to start the season, especially when it comes to pressuring opposing quarterbacks. The Utes rank in the top 10 nationally with 10 sacks through three games, led by senior defensive end Van Fillinger.

However, Utah’s secondary has shown some weaknesses, especially with injuries to key players like linebacker Karene Reid and cornerback Kenan Johnson.

Oklahoma State’s offense will try to exploit those gaps, but Utah’s defensive line will be focused on keeping Bowman under pressure and limiting big plays downfield.

On the other side, Oklahoma State has a formidable red zone defense. They’ve bent but not broken, ranking in the top 10 in red zone defense, which could stifle Utah’s top-ranked red zone offense. Both teams have talented offenses, but their defenses have shown the ability to step up in crucial moments.

Another factor to consider is the inconsistency of both running games. Oklahoma State’s Heisman candidate Ollie Gordon has struggled out of the gate, managing just 216 yards on 62 carries with a 3.5 yards per carry average. Despite running behind a veteran offensive line, defenses have stacked the box to limit his effectiveness, forcing Bowman to win through the air.

Utah’s run defense has also been inconsistent, but given Gordon’s struggles and Oklahoma State’s reliance on the passing game, the Cowboys may have a hard time establishing a balanced offense.

Utah’s offense hasn’t exactly been lighting up the scoreboard either. They’ve relied heavily on their defense to keep games manageable, and with Rising coming off an injury, it’s unclear how much firepower the Utes will have.

Utah is disciplined enough on defense to contain Oklahoma State’s rushing attack, while the Cowboys’ red zone defense should be able to hold Utah to field goals more often than touchdowns.

Given the defensive strengths and offensive inconsistencies on both sides, this game could be a grinder. With both teams potentially needing to lean on their defenses to make big stops, it’s reasonable to expect a lower-scoring contest. A final score in the range of 27-24 seems more likely than a shootout.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site.

Utah vs. Oklahoma State odds

Utah	+115 ML
Oklahoma State	-135 ML
Spread	Oklahoma State -2.5
Total Points	O/U 52.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.