The Oklahoma State Cowboys return home to Boone Pickens Stadium on Friday night for a 7:30 PM ET kickoff against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. This is the 78th edition of the Turnpike Classic, one of the longest-running rivalries in the state. Both teams enter looking to get back on track after tough losses. Oklahoma State sits at 1-1, while Tulsa comes in at 1-2.
The Cowboys have dominated this series historically, winning 10 straight and 23 in a row in Stillwater. Tulsa’s last win on the road against Oklahoma State came back in 1951. Last season, Oklahoma State handled business with a 45-10 win. The Cowboys are trying to rebound from their worst loss in more than a century, while Tulsa is searching for stability at quarterback and more explosive plays.
OKST Preview – Looking for Stability and Growth
Oklahoma State’s last outing was a 69-3 loss to Oregon, the program’s worst defeat since 1907. The Cowboys had an extra week to regroup after that game, which allowed coach Mike Gundy to simplify the playbook and get his team back to basics. The focus this week is on execution and reducing mistakes, especially on offense.
Redshirt freshman Zane Flores remains the starter at quarterback. His performance against Oregon was rocky, going 7-for-19 with 67 yards and two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns. The Cowboys are looking for improvement with shorter throws, quicker reads, and relying more on their running game to keep him comfortable. This will be a good test against a Tulsa defense that has struggled to defend the pass.
Defensively, Oklahoma State must show progress. They’ve allowed 428 yards per game and 7.3 yards per play through two contests. The secondary has been burned for 10.2 yards per attempt, one of the highest marks in the country. The Cowboys hope a home game against Tulsa’s unsettled quarterback rotation provides a chance to regain confidence. Injuries remain a factor with QB Hank Hejny and CB J. Davies questionable, while DL D. Brown and WR Talyn Shettron are out.
TLSA Preview – Searching for Offensive Spark
Tulsa is 1-2 on the season, with its lone win coming against Abilene Christian. The Golden Hurricane lost back-to-back games against New Mexico State and Navy, giving up 42 points at home last week. Coach Tre Lamb has used multiple quarterbacks this season, with Baylor Hayes and Kirk Francis both seeing action. Hayes threw for 189 yards and added a rushing touchdown against Navy, while Francis is recovering from a concussion and is questionable for Friday.
The offense averages 401 yards per game but has struggled to generate explosive plays. Tulsa’s passing attack averages only 5.9 yards per attempt, ranking near the bottom nationally. Without chunk plays, the offense has had to rely on long drives, which have stalled too often. The running game has been more effective, averaging 183 yards per game, but it may have trouble against a Big 12 front seven.
Defensively, Tulsa has been vulnerable. Opponents are completing nearly 67% of passes and averaging 178.9 in passer rating against them. The secondary has allowed too many big plays downfield, which could give Oklahoma State’s young QB a chance to build confidence. Tulsa has also been inconsistent against the run, allowing 5.7 yards per carry. If those numbers don’t improve, it will be tough to contain the Cowboys in Stillwater.
Key Matchups
OSU running game vs Tulsa front seven: Tulsa has struggled against the run, giving up big chunks on the ground. Oklahoma State needs to establish the run early to ease the pressure on Flores. A balanced attack could open passing lanes downfield.
Tulsa quarterbacks vs OSU secondary: Tulsa hasn’t settled on a full-time starter. Whoever plays will face an Oklahoma State defense that has been vulnerable to big plays. If Tulsa can hit downfield passes, they could keep this game closer than expected.
Turnovers and special teams: Both teams have struggled with giveaways early in the season. Tulsa quarterbacks have combined for eight interceptions in three games. Oklahoma State cannot afford short fields after giving up defensive scores against Oregon. Field goals may also matter—Tulsa is 3-for-4 on the season, while OSU has leaned on punting for field position.
Betting Trends and Odds
Oklahoma State is a -12.5 favorite with the total set at 54.5. The Cowboys are 0-2 ATS this season, while Tulsa is 1-2 ATS. The Over has hit in seven of Tulsa’s last 10 games, as their defense has struggled to keep opponents under control. Oklahoma State games have been more balanced, but their defensive numbers suggest the Over is worth considering.
Tulsa is just 2-8 straight up in its last 10 games overall. Oklahoma State is 23-0 in its last 23 home games against Tulsa. History leans heavily toward the Cowboys, but Oklahoma State must prove it can bounce back after the Oregon blowout.
Betting Prediction
Both teams have major issues to clean up, but Oklahoma State’s depth and home-field advantage should carry the day. Tulsa’s defense is giving up big plays through the air and long runs on the ground, which sets up well for the Cowboys to simplify and attack. Flores should look more comfortable against this secondary, and the run game will set the tone.
Tulsa can move the ball but hasn’t finished drives against stronger competition. The Cowboys’ defense may still give up some yardage, but they should tighten up in the red zone. Prediction: Oklahoma State 38, Tulsa 17. That gives the Cowboys the cover and pushes the game just Over the posted total of 54.5.
Pick: Oklahoma State -12.5 and Over 54.5
