Oklahoma Opens as 12.5-Point Favorite Over OK State in Bedlam 2019

• Oklahoma entered the week ranked No. 7 in the College Football Playoff poll
• The Sooners have won three-straight by a total of eight points
• Oklahoma State’s last Bedlam win came in 2014 as a 21-point underdog

Rivalry week is about to get going in the world of college football, which means the return of a game known for high-flying offense and such utter craziness that it’s reflected in the nickname: Bedlam.

For the eighth time in the past 11 matchups, both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are ranked (No. 7 and No. 21, respectively, pending Tuesday’s College Football Playoff rankings) for the marquee matchup.

The Sooners (10-1) have already clinched a spot in the Big 12 title game, but the Cowboys (8-3) can spoil Oklahoma’s CFP odds with a win at Boone Pickens Stadium.

Here’s a look at the matchup as part of the Week 14 odds.

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State Odds

Odds taken Nov. 25

Sooners Aren’t For The Faint Of Heart

Oklahoma is a powerhouse, sure, but it has been dreadful against the spread. The Sooners’ ATS losing streak hit four games after last week’s four-point win over TCU (as a 19-point favorite), as part of a 4-7 ATS record overall.

That's another win in #ChampionshipNovember.https://t.co/Qo7jWuVWAm | #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/lIkRvEyrac

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) November 24, 2019

Despite being double-digit favorites in every game this season, the Sooners have won four of their games by a touchdown or less. In their current three-game win streak, they’ve won by a combined eight points.

That makes this 12.5-point line a tricky one to justify from the Oklahoma side. As for Oklahoma State, they’ve only been a double-digit underdog once this year (at Iowa State) and they won the game outright (34-27).

Cowboys Win! Cinematic highlights from the victory in Ames. #GoPokes #okstate pic.twitter.com/aaL155Lhy4

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) October 28, 2019

Bedlam Is, Well, Crazy

Both schools are often ranked for this matchup, but even if they aren’t, the rivalry game is fueled by pride, which inherently leads to a lot of close games. Last year is a prime example, when Oklahoma was favored by 21.5 points and snuck away with a one-point win in a thriller.

BOOMER!

Another #Bedlam is in the 📚and it's a WIN for @OU_Football. pic.twitter.com/WjsjbAsKL3

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) November 11, 2018

In the past 10 matchups (dating back to 2009), there have been four double-digit favorites. Only one covered the spread (Oklahoma, 2016).

Run And Gun

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are averaging more than 245 rushing yards per game each, which puts both schools in the top 15 nationally. For the Sooners, dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts leads the way with 1,156 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.

But the Cowboys have an even more potent rushing leader in Chuba Hubbard, who leads the country in rushing yards (1,832), consecutive 100-yard games (nine), and all-purpose yards per game (185.8), to go along with 20 rushing touchdowns.

Oklahoma State even has a website dedicated to his Heisman candidacy.

There is no comparison. Chuba Hubbard is the nation's best and the numbers bear that out. The proof:
📊 https://t.co/xiTXe9S1SL#HubbardForHeisman #CanadasCowboy pic.twitter.com/gL0b5BQu28

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) November 24, 2019

The Sooners allow a mediocre 142 rushing yards per game. But they haven’t faced a running back like this.

Decision Time

As it stands, this is a scary spread for Oklahoma. They haven’t proven in recent weeks that they can run away from inferior opponents, while Oklahoma State enters on a four-game win streak. And as history has shown, this matchup often ends up poorly for heavy favorites.

If you’re keen on the Sooners, wait to see if the line shifts a bit toward the Cowboys. For now, stay away.

Pick: Oklahoma State +12.5 (-110)