Big XII Showdown: Texas vs OSU

Texas Longhorns (7-0 SU, 3-4 ATS) at Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-1 SU, 3-2-1 ATS)

Saturday, October 31: 8:00  p.m.

BetOnline.com Football Betting Odds: Texas -9 ½    

Here are some BetOnline.com Betting Trends Which May Impact This Game:

• Texas: 2-4-1 ATS in their last 7 games
• Texas: 6-2 SU in their last 8 road games
• Texas:  the total has gone OVER in 5 of their last 6 games
• Oklahoma State:  0-5 SU in their 5 games against Texas
• Oklahoma State:  4-1 SU in their last 5 home games
• Oklahoma State:  3-7 ATS in their last 10 games against Texas

One of the biggest games not only in the Big XII, but of the entire college football season will take place Halloween night, when the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma State Cowboys square off for first place in the Big XII South.

For Texas, they continue to roll, after posting a highly impressive 12-1 record a season ago. The Longhorns are led by do-it-all quarterback Colt McCoy, who continues to make his case for a second straight trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, where he finished second a year ago.

The senior from Tuscola, TX has 1800 yards of passing and 14 touchdowns this year, although he’s already tossed eight interceptions, which matches his total from all of last year. His number one receiving threat is fellow senior, as well as his best friend, Jordan Shipley, who has already tallied 58 catches on the year, which is tied for 8th most in all of college football.

But as good as McCoy, Shipley and the offense has been, they wouldn’t be nearly as successful in 2009 without the help of one of college football’s best defenses. On the year, the unit is ranked right near the top nationally in every category, and in the top 10 in scoring defense, total defense and rushing defense. The Longhorns passing defense is ranked No. 33 in the country, which is by no means bad, but might be a problem against a strong Oklahoma State offensive game.

Speaking of Oklahoma State, the Cowboys have quietly crept back into college football’s top 15, thanks to five straight wins.

Despite losing running back Kendall Hunter to an injury and wide receiver Dez Bryant to suspension, this offense continues to look strong, and that is no smart part because of quarterback Zac Robinson. Robinson lost his two best sidekicks, but continues to roll, as he’s thrown for 1547 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s also thrown just three interceptions the entire season. And even with the loss of Hunter at running back, the Cowboys have seen a new emergence, that of Keith Toston. Toston has over 600 yards on the season, including over 100 yards in two of their last three games.

Also remember that every time these two teams play in Stillwater it always seems to be a classic. In 2007, the Cowboys just narrowly got edged 38-35, while in Texas’ National Championship 2005 season, they won against Oklahoma State, rallying from a 28-9 lead for the victory.

On Saturday, this one will be everything everyone is expecting and more. Expect both teams to come out fired up, as they know what’s on the line.

While it’s tough to bet against the Longhorns, this will be closer then those in Vegas think. The talent disparity isn’t very much different at this point, but Texas will be just a little bit better on Saturday. Still take the home team, getting 9 ½ points.

Aaron’s Pick: Oklahoma State -9 ½