Oklahoma State 2018 Betting Preview: How Quickly Can Cowboys Reload?

Oklahoma State 2018 Betting Odds

• To win the National Title: +25000
• To win the Big 12: +730
• To make Playoff: Yes +3300, No -9000
• To make NY6 Bowl: Yes +750, No -1580
• Win Total: 8 (over -115, under -105)

Always shop for the best line.

Oklahoma State 2018 Schedule, Betting Odds

The Action Network Projected Wins: 8.8

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Oklahoma State Under 8 Wins (+105)

The Mason Randolph to James Washington era has finally come to an end in Stillwater. And the star quarterback and receiver combo aren't the only starters who won't be back, as Oklahoma State ranks 120th overall in returning production. That's not ideal — especially since the Big 12 round-robin schedule has the Pokes on the road for five of their nine conference games. Head coach Mike Gundy indicated that Taylor Cornelius was first in line for the starting quarterback position. The former walk-on has been in the program for four years, but there will be a learning curve regardless.

The Pokes will likely rely early and often on running back Justice Hill. The junior rushed for more than 2,500 yards combined in his first two seasons, averaging 5.5 yards per carry in both. He should find holes behind an offensive line that returns eight players who got significant snaps in 2017.

The defense is also going through major changes, including a new coordinator in Jim Knowles. The former Duke defensive coordinator should steady the ship over time, as his Blue Devils units ranked top-50 in defensive S&P+ in the last two years. Oklahoma State fans should expect a more disruptive defense as well, since Knowles improved Duke's havoc each year (20th overall in 2017).

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OSU's non-conference schedule looks a bit more complicated than it has in recent years. Former Central Arkansas head coach Steve Campbell takes over at South Alabama, and both Campbell and the Jaguars have a knack for pulling out-of-conference upsets. The Pokes will also face a Boise State defense that ranked 30th in Defensive S&P+ in 2017 — and ranks ninth in returning production ahead of this season. Oklahoma State is just 4.5-point favorite in that game.

With high roster turnover, a few tough non-conference opponents and only four home Big 12 games, I'd look at under 8 wins at -105. The Pokes might be scrambling in November through three tough road games just to get bowl eligible.

What else you need to know about Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State has not won at Baylor since 2009 — and considering the horrendous situational spot, that streak may continue for another year. An improving Baylor squad will host the Pokes between Oklahoma State's two biggest games of the season: Texas on Oct. 27 and Oklahoma on Nov. 10. I don't see a Game of the Year line, but look for Baylor +4 or better in this classic sandwich spot.

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