College Football 2020: 5 bold predictions for Week 9 action

2. Texas will hand Oklahoma State its first loss of 2020

The No. 6 Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-0, 3-0 Big 12) are likely the Big 12’s last chance for a College Football Playoff berth. They are currently the lone undefeated team in the league.

Last week, the Cowboys came away with a close 24-21 victory over No. 23 Iowa State. This week, they will host the Texas Longhorns (3-2, 2-2).

The Longhorns have complete confidence in their offense to create a high-scoring game as they rank sixth in the nation in points per game (45). Their defense needs some work in terms of efficiency and locking down the strengths of opposing offenses. Their defense ranks 41st in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (131.4).

There’s not much confidence that the Cowboys will be able to keep up in a high-scoring game as they rank 54th in points per game (28.5). The Cowboys have an effective run game that’s ranked 19th in rushing yards per game (215.8). They don’t have a consistent passing offense as they are still looking to decide between Spencer Sanders or Shane Illingworth.

Oklahoma State has yet to prove itself as a team that can score consistently especially against a Longhorns team whose offense has scored 45 or more points three times this season.

Oklahoma State’s playoff hopes might run out on Saturday.