Houston vs. Oklahoma State: Big 12 Title Race Preview

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Houston and Oklahoma State Meet in a Pivotal Big 12 Matchup

Houston and Oklahoma State bring two exciting offenses into a matchup with a 62.5-point total. Both teams appear capable of reaching 30 points, making the over an appealing possibility.

Oklahoma State has played well since its early loss to Tulsa, while Conner Weigman and Houston have also found a rhythm. Houston recently overcame a 17-0 deficit against UCF but won by only 10 points, narrowly missing the 10.5-point spread.

Houston opened as a consideration at a 4.5-point favorite. The Cougars played well against Kansas State and remain in the Big 12 race, with a possible rematch against Texas Tech in the conference championship game. However, they first must handle an Oklahoma State team that has exceeded expectations since its opening game.

Houston won this matchup by 22 points on the road last season, although Oklahoma State is clearly a different team now. The Cowboys scored 42 points against UCF last week and have done nearly everything right since the Tulsa loss. Houston may be the better team, but laying the points remains difficult in a game that could come down to the end.

The preferred way to attack Houston is through the air, and Oklahoma State’s quarterback has started to find his rhythm. His ability to play a clean game will be important, especially with five interceptions already this season.

The broader takeaway is that the Big 12 may be better than many realize. Utah has looked outstanding, while Texas Tech remains solid despite not looking as strong as last year’s team. Its defense is still excellent, but the offense has struggled. BYU may be the weakest of the five contenders discussed, though that remains to be determined.

Houston, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Utah and BYU are all interesting teams in the Big 12 championship race, even if they are not viewed as national title threats. The winner of Houston-Oklahoma State could ultimately face Texas Tech in the conference title game.

Both Houston and Oklahoma State recently faced UCF, but their performances were very different. Oklahoma State won comfortably, while Houston needed a major comeback. With those contrasting results and both teams still in contention, this matchup has the potential to be decided in the final moments.