Oklahoma State Football: Early game-by-game predictions for 2017

Pittsburgh is the toughest test for Oklahoma State yet. However, Pitt did lose two of the biggest offensive weapons in quarterback Nathan Peterman and running back James Conner. Wide receiver Quadree Henderson and running back Qadree Ollison are two of the biggest threats that Oklahoma State has to stop.

Oklahoma State topped Pitt in 2016 by the score of 45-38. Mason Rudolph leads a high-octane Cowboy offense to a fast start against Pitt with two first quarter touchdowns. Oklahoma State also adds two fields goals to claim a 20-3 lead. However, Pitt makes a spirited comeback in the second quarter, led by USC transfer quarterback Max Browne.

Pitt scores 10 straight points, narrowing the Cowboy lead to just one possession. Justice Hill can’t seem to find any running room. Junior running back Jeff Carr actually has more rushing yards at the half but Oklahoma State only compiles 38 total yards on the ground. They carry a 23-16 lead into halftime.

Both teams trade scores in the second half and the game turns into a real shootout. Browne shows why he was once considered a five-star recruit and hailed to be a future star with the USC Trojans. Oklahoma State leads 37-30 at the end of the third quarter.

Related Story: 5 reasons Mason Rudolph is Big 12's best QB

The fourth quarter looks like it might come down to the wire. Carr breaks through with a rushing touchdown and finishes the game with 60 yards, surpassing Hill’s 48 on an off day. Rudolph does manage four touchdowns but also throws two interceptions that lets Pitt hang around.

Final Score: Oklahoma State 51, Pittsburgh 36 (3-0)