Oklahoma State vs Colorado Football Preview: Big 12 Championship Hopes on the Line
Oklahoma State vs. Colorado: Big 12 Finale Showdown with Playoff Hopes for Buffaloes
The Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-8, 0-8 Big 12) will look to cap off a disappointing season with an upset as they visit the Colorado Buffaloes (8-3, 6-2 Big 12) in the Big 12’s regular-season finale this Friday afternoon. The game will be a pivotal matchup for Colorado, who needs to rebound from a crushing loss to Kansas and stay in the hunt for a potential College Football Playoff berth. Kickoff is set for Friday, 3:30 PM ET at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado.
Oklahoma State Cowboys: Struggling to Finish the Season Strong
After starting the season 3-0, Oklahoma State has been mired in an eight-game losing streak, including a 56-48 defeat at home against Texas Tech in their previous outing. The Cowboys’ defense was gashed throughout the game, and while they kept the offense competitive, their inability to stop the Red Raiders ultimately sealed their fate. Oklahoma State rallied to tie the game at 42 in the fourth quarter but surrendered 14 unanswered points to lose by eight.
Oklahoma State’s offense, led by quarterback Alan Bowman, has been the bright spot, ranking 16th nationally in passing offense with 280 yards per game. Bowman has thrown for 2,416 yards and 16 touchdowns but has struggled with interceptions, posting 12 picks on the season. The Cowboys have also had success through the air with De’Zhuan Stribling (50 receptions, 882 yards, 6 TD) and Brennan Presley (82 catches, 725 yards, 7 TD), though their ground game has been largely ineffective, ranking 114th in rushing offense with just 114.6 yards per game.
Oklahoma State’s defense, however, has been a major liability, ranking 118th in scoring defense, allowing an average of 34.1 points per game. The Cowboys will need to improve on their defensive struggles and find a way to keep up with Colorado’s high-powered passing attack if they hope to avoid a ninth straight loss.
Colorado Buffaloes: Rebounding After Disappointing Loss
The Colorado Buffaloes had the chance to solidify their position in the Big 12 Championship but faltered on the road against Kansas, losing 37-21. Despite a strong comeback attempt that brought them within two points in the third quarter, Colorado’s offense stalled, and they failed to capitalize on key opportunities. The Buffaloes were dominated in time of possession (40:11 to 19:49) and outgained 522-309 in total offense. The loss effectively ended their College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes, but they can still secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship with a victory over Oklahoma State.
Colorado’s offense has been explosive, ranking 8th in the nation with 317.1 passing yards per game. Shedeur Sanders, the Buffaloes’ star quarterback, has thrown for 3,488 yards and 30 touchdowns this season, with standout performances from Travis Hunter (82 catches, 1,036 yards, 11 TD) and LaJohntay Wester (59 receptions, 705 yards, 8 TD). The Buffaloes’ running game, however, has been a weak point, ranking 134th in rushing offense with just 74.8 yards per game. Despite this, Sanders has shown the ability to make plays with his legs, adding four rushing touchdowns on the year.
Defensively, Colorado has been solid but not impenetrable, allowing 24 points per game. They were exposed against Kansas, but the Buffaloes have been tough against the pass, ranking 32nd in the nation in scoring defense. Alejandro Mata, Colorado’s reliable kicker, has been consistent, making all 47 extra points this season and connecting on 11 of 13 field goals.
Conclusion
Given the stakes, Colorado enters this game as the heavy favorite. With a dynamic offense led by Shedeur Sanders and a defense capable of stopping Oklahoma State’s sputtering attack, the Buffaloes should have the upper hand. However, the Cowboys will look to make it a competitive game if they can capitalize on Colorado’s defensive lapses.
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