South Alabama vs. Oklahoma State Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, and Latest Odds
South Alabama is another Group of 5 team who has been on the rise the past few seasons. Do they have what it takes to go into Stillwater and give the Cowboys a game? Let's break it down.
Joey Ruiz - September 16, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT
7 minSouth Alabama vs. Oklahoma State Prediction, Pick Against the Spread, and Latest Odds
South Alabama comes into this matchup with Oklahoma State with a record of 1-1 but has not looked very good in either game to this point. They lost by 20 to Tulane as seven-point underdogs in their opening game and then squeaked by FCS Southeastern Louisiana by a score of 35-17.
South Alabama vs. Oklahoma State Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: September 16, 2023
- Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: BIG 12, ESPN+
South Alabama vs. Oklahoma State Odds
- Spread: South Alabama +7.5 (-115), Oklahoma State -7.5 (-102)
- Total Odds: O 48.5 (-106), U 48.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: South Alabama (+225), Oklahoma State (-265)
South Alabama vs. Oklahoma State Prediction
Last season, South Alabama had an identity of playing solid defense, running the football, and controlling possession. This recipe is how they nearly knocked off UCLA in their house last season, but that has not exactly been the case for the Jags this season. They have given up 400+ yards in both games, but there is a bright side.
South Alabama has done a good job of creating turnovers so far in the early going of this season, as they have already forced five against Tulane and SELA. In this matchup against Oklahoma State, they could be facing up to three different quarterbacks as OSU is going through a bit of a QB carousel at the moment, so I expect at least one of these QBs to be forced into making a mistake by this Jags defense.
Long-time starter for OSU, Spencer Sanders, transferred to Ole Miss in the offseason, leaving the Cowboys with no definitive starting quarterback. So far, the Cowboys have trotted out Alan Bowman, Garret Rangel, and Gunnar Gundy at quarterback; honestly, none of them have looked impressive.
Oklahoma State failed to put up 30 points in both of their games to this point against some very bad defenses, including FCS Central Arkansas and a rebuilding Arizona State squad. Rangel led the Cowboys in passing in Week 1 as he threw for 118 yards, and Bowman led the team in Week 2 as he threw for 113. These are very unimpressive and uninspiring numbers, as neither of the three quarterbacks has stepped up to take control of the position or leader of the team.
On the other side, South Alabama has a sixth-year quarterback in Carter Bradley, who is entering his second year in the South Alabama program after transferring from Toledo, but Bradley has a ton of experience and has tossed over 6,000 yards in his career while throwing for 44 touchdowns compared to just 23 interceptions. Bradley's experience should greatly aid him in this game as he has a history of performing well on the road in big games, evidenced by his performance last season on the road against UCLA.
I foresee the Oklahoma State offense struggling to move the ball against this experienced Jaguars defense, given their current quarterback situation, as they have a lack of identity on that side of the ball. OSU even has a carousel competition at running back at the moment, as well as they have three players who have gotten 10+ carries and do not have a single player with 100 rushing yards after two games. This inconsistency and lack of identity at the quarterback and running back positions may be the Cowboy's downfall in this contest. With that being said, I am rolling with South Alabama +7.5 at -115 for 1.5u as one of my most confident College Football Plays of the Day for today's action.
South Alabama vs. Oklahoma State Pick
1.5u South Alabama +7.5 -115 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
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