I love Arizona in this spot along with their new spread offense that put up 600+ yards in its debut vs. Toledo. Oklahoma State won 84-0 to Savannah State in a game that never should have been scheduled. However, Oklahoma State could not find an opponent this summer once the Big 12 broke up a bit and they had to settle on a team that had no business playing that game. The result is an inflated line this week and a misconception on Oklahoma State's team. Sure behind Gundy they will have a group that can score points, but how accurate is this line considering just a year ago they were only -14 at home vs. Arizona. Now on the road after losing QB Brandon Weeden and WR Justin Blackmon they are still double digit favorites? I just do not see it.
Arizona can win this game outright if they clean up the turnovers and that may be a huge if, but they should still be in good position to cover the spread and keep this close. For one Oklahoma State is traveling west playing a late game with a true freshmen QB in Wes Lunt who is going to be in a completely different atmosphere than last week in the Zoo. Oklahoma State also returns just one starter along their offensive line. Although they had depth and return some veterans it's an unknown on whether or not John Randle can be explosive again. On Arizona's side they have more experience at the QB position in 5th year senior Matt Scott who can also run unlike Nick Foles as he had 74 yards rushing last week opening up the offense for others including RB Ka'Deem Carey who could be one of the best young RB's in all of the PAC 12.
Arizona also has some talent at WR in Dan Buckner and others who are experienced along with senior C Kyle Quinn who remembers the previous beat downs they have gotten from the Cowboys in recent years. This year is as good as any to turn the tables and get a win especially with Oklahoma State playing in a non serious way while Arizona has already showed some heart in winning a close game over Toledo. Oklahoma State is not preparing for the same team as a year ago as Arizona has a new offense behind Rich Rodriguez as well as a new 3-3-5 defensive scheme that I wonder if true freshmen Wes Lunt has ever seen? Should be a solid game and I'll take the home dog with double digits to cover this one.
