BSNblog

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Ole Miss Running Rebels

BetOnline Odds: Ole Miss -3

2009 Recap: Oklahoma State

The Oklahoma State Cowboys were hoping for a special year in Stillwater. They appeared to have all the constituents with a potent offense and an improving defense. But then they lost to Houston at home and then they lost wideout Dez Bryant to suspension, and then they suffered a few key injuries to quarterback Zac Robinson and running back Kendall Hunter.

All of that added up to three big losses – including a thumping at the hands of Texas – and the Sooners land in the Cotton Bowl.

9-3 is still a very good year for the Cowboys but it’s not what they were hoping for with so much talent on the roster.

2009 Recap: Ole Miss

The Ole Miss Running Rebels were also hoping for a banner year in 2009 but they found out quickly that they couldn’t win big games. Even with a star quarterback like Jevan Sneed leading the way with a solid defense, the Rebels came up short time and time again. It started with an unexpected loss to South Carolina, then snowballed with losses to Alabama and Florida. To cap it off, the Rebels lost to Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl.

8-4 is still a good year for the Rebels but the four losses were big ones and that’s what the season will be remember for unless they get a Cotton Bowl win.

Matchup

The NCAA football odds are set at a field goal because this is a fairly even matchup. Both teams disappointed in 2009 and both teams are clearly in the second tier of their conference.

But Ole Miss has the better defense and that should be the difference. They’ll have to ease quarterback Jevan Sneed into the game and get him some easy completions early on but as his confidence grows, the Rebels should take control of this game. Dexter McCluster is also going to be a huge headache for the Pokes defense.

Expert Sports Handicapping Pick: Ole Miss -3