Pittsburgh Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are rematch number two for the Pittsburgh Panthers. They shouldn’t be licking too many wounds from the previous week when they return to Heinz Field in Week Two.

The Cowboys boast another high-powered offense with a gunslinger at quarterback (Mason Rudolph) and a playmaker at wide receiver (James Washington). Rudolph and Washington have a chance to have a big 2017 season. Both have the potential to be darkhorses for the Heisman Trophy.

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The Panthers lost on the road to the Cowboys 45-38 last season. While they rushed for 290 yards and three rushing touchdowns, Mason Rudolph threw for a career-high 540 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. James Washington caught nine balls for 296 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

In fact, Oklahoma State had 640 total yards of offense in the game. Had they played any semblance of defense, they probably would have won by more. That will be the case this season, how good is the Cowboys defense? Rudolph and Washington will carry the team on offense.

After going 10-3 in 2016, head coach Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State are another team looking to sneak their way into the College Football Playoff. They should get a challenge from the Panthers, but Pittsburgh may not have enough firepower on offense to keep up.

Final: Oklahoma State 31, Pittsburgh 21 (1-2)