Oklahoma State vs BYU Predictions, Picks, and Best Bets: Friday Night Football Preview

The Oklahoma State Cowboys will face the BYU Cougars in a highly anticipated Friday night matchup at Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.

With BYU being a 9.5-point favorite and holding a significant home-field advantage, this game promises to be an exciting contest for fans and bettors alike.

In this article, we’ll break down the key aspects of this game, provide our top Oklahoma State vs BYU predictions, and give you the best betting strategies, including recommended picks and insight into where you should place your money.

BYU’s Dominance in Night Games: A Key Factor

One of the most intriguing storylines surrounding this game is BYU’s incredible record in night games. Since 2019, BYU has a phenomenal 28-3 record when playing after dark, which may play a significant role in Friday night’s contest. Provo’s altitude and the home-field advantage further stack the odds in favor of BYU.

The Cougars are undefeated at home this season, scoring an average of 40 points per game. Their offense is thriving, and Oklahoma State will need to put up a strong fight to keep up.

With these factors in play, BYU enters this game as a formidable opponent for the struggling Cowboys.

Oklahoma State’s Struggles: What’s Going Wrong?

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are having a rough season, coming off three consecutive losses to Kansas State (42-20), Utah (without Cam Rising), and West Virginia (38-14).

These losses have exposed significant issues within the Cowboys’ program, both on the field and potentially in the locker room.

The NIL Issue and Locker Room Problems

A key point brought up by head coach Mike Gundy before the season began was his message to the players to “stop talking about money and start playing football.”

Gundy hinted at potential problems stemming from NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) disputes, which could be contributing to the Cowboys’ poor performance.

Disgruntled players and locker room tensions may be impacting Oklahoma State’s overall focus and execution on the field.

Offensive and Defensive Struggles

Despite returning several key starters from last year’s 10-win season, including standout running back Ollie Gordon and experienced quarterback Alan Bowman, Oklahoma State has not been able to recapture their previous form.

Their defense, in particular, has been a major issue, as they allowed over 200 rushing yards last week against West Virginia. Their inability to stop opposing offenses, combined with inconsistent offensive performances, has been a major concern for bettors and fans alike.

BYU’s Offensive Power: Can Oklahoma State Keep Up?

On the other side, BYU’s offense has been on fire, particularly at home. Averaging 40 points per game in Provo this season, BYU’s offense has been highly efficient, led by a strong passing attack and a versatile run game.

With their track record in night games and the advantages of playing at home, BYU’s offense is expected to put up big numbers against Oklahoma State’s struggling defense.

Betting Focus: BYU Team Total Over 30.5

Given BYU’s offensive prowess and Oklahoma State’s defensive struggles, the recommended best bet for this game is to take BYU’s team total over 30.5 points.

Oklahoma State has shown little ability to stop the run or the pass, and BYU should be able to score at will in this game.

The odds may slightly favor the Cougars on the spread (-9.5), but the safer bet is to focus on BYU scoring over 30.5 points.

Oklahoma State vs BYU Predictions and Betting Strategies

Point Spread: BYU -9.5

BYU is favored by 9.5 points, and while that spread may seem large given Oklahoma State’s reputation, the Cowboys’ recent performances suggest they may struggle to keep up with the high-powered Cougars offense.

However, given potential factors like BYU’s night game performance and Oklahoma State’s recent form, laying the points with BYU could be a smart play.

Total Points (Over/Under): 52.5

The total is set at 52.5, and considering BYU’s offensive strength and Oklahoma State’s defensive weaknesses, betting the over is another option. However, the most value appears to be in betting on BYU’s team total, as their offense should thrive in this game, especially under the lights.

BYU Team Total Over 30.5

The top best bet from the analysis is BYU scoring over 30.5 points. Given their home-field advantage and Oklahoma State’s defensive troubles, BYU should hit this mark without much difficulty.

Final Thoughts: Oklahoma State vs BYU Betting Insights

This game will be an interesting test for both teams, but the clear favorite here is BYU, which is looking to continue its dominant form in night games. While Oklahoma State has the talent to make this a competitive game, their internal issues and recent losses make them a risky bet.

If you’re looking for the best value in this game, the BYU team total over 30.5 is the top pick, as the Cougars are expected to control the game with their offense.

For those wanting to bet on the total points, the over 52.5 could also be worth considering, particularly if Oklahoma State can contribute some points to push the game into a high-scoring affair.

For bettors seeking further expert analysis, make sure to follow Steve Marill and other handicappers at Wagertalk.com for more college football picks and best bets throughout the season.

Stay Updated for More Betting Insights

Make sure to subscribe and check out more free betting advice and breakdowns on upcoming college football games.

Oklahoma State vs BYU Predictions, Picks, and Best Bets is your comprehensive guide to understanding this exciting Friday night matchup and making informed betting decisions. Keep an eye on the latest updates to stay ahead in your betting strategies.

Watch ALL of the College Football Free Picks Videos and Betting Reviews for the Week!

Love What You See? Sign Up for a Free WagerTalk Account!

Sign up to receive game-day updates, late breaking releases, free picks, best bets, exclusive betting features, pay per game and package access, contests, community networking, award-winning content and much more. Get your account today – it’s FREE!

Becoming a member of Wagertalk.com is 100% FREE with NO OBLIGATION or CREDIT CARD REQUIRED! Upon sign-up, you get instant access to our community and special offers and free picks. Sign up to WagerTalk now!

**************************************************

Looking for more free sports picks and sports betting tips?

• Latest Betting Odds and Public Action: Vegas lines updated in real time, including who the public is betting on.
• Last Minute Handicapping Advice: Check out our extensive library of handicapping tips and advice from professional Vegas handicappers (we also recommend taking the time to look over our sports betting tips video library)
• Want an expert opinion? Check out the latest Free Sports Picks and Best Bets from our team of expert sports handicappers.

Make sure to bookmark all the above!