Oklahoma State @ Houston Preview And Prediction

No. 18 Oklahoma State travels to No. 20 Houston for a massive Big 12 showdown. Expect explosive offenses and a statement victory from the Cougars.

One of the most underrated matchups of the college football weekend takes place Saturday night as No. 18 Oklahoma State (4-1) travels to face No. 20 Houston (5-1).

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX, with both programs looking to establish themselves as legitimate Big 12 Championship contenders.

Oklahoma State enters riding a four-game winning streak, including a stunning 39-31 upset over Oregon. Meanwhile, Houston has won two straight since its narrow 28-26 loss to Texas Tech.

With two explosive quarterbacks leading these offenses, Saturday could turn into an absolute shootout.

Oklahoma State: Drew Mestemaker Is a PROBLEM

Eric Morris has completely transformed Oklahoma State’s offense, and quarterback Drew Mestemaker has emerged as one of the most productive passers in college football.

Mestemaker is averaging 315 passing yards per game, ranking third nationally. He’s also thrown for more than 300 yards in four consecutive games.

Against UCF last weekend, Mestemaker completed 19 of 28 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-28 victory.

But the Cowboys aren’t just dangerous through the air.

Running back Caleb Hawkins is averaging 104.8 rushing yards per game, while wide receiver Wyatt Young is producing 92.4 receiving yards per contest.

Oklahoma State is averaging an impressive 521.4 total yards per game, making it one of the nation’s most explosive offenses.

However, Houston’s defense presents a difficult challenge, particularly against the run.

The Cougars are allowing just 74 rushing yards per game, ranking fourth nationally.

If Houston can contain Hawkins and force Mestemaker into obvious passing situations, the Cowboys could struggle to maintain their offensive balance.

Houston: Conner Weigman Is Playing ELITE Football

Willie Fritz has Houston looking like a legitimate Big 12 contender, and quarterback Conner Weigman deserves plenty of credit.

The former Texas A&M quarterback has been outstanding, throwing 16 touchdowns without an interception this season.

Against Kansas State last weekend, Weigman completed 19 of 30 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns in a dominant 35-16 victory.

His ability to protect the football while creating explosive plays has completely transformed Houston’s offense.

Running back Makhi Hughes gives the Cougars another dangerous weapon, while Houston’s offensive line has helped establish a balanced attack.

And Oklahoma State’s defense certainly isn’t unbeatable.

The Cowboys surrendered 28 points to UCF last weekend and 31 against Oregon earlier this season.

Houston should have opportunities to move the football, especially if Weigman continues playing at such a high level.

How Each Team Wins

For Oklahoma State, everything starts with establishing Hawkins and creating explosive opportunities for Mestemaker.

The Cowboys must find ways to attack Houston’s secondary, which is allowing approximately 248 passing yards per game.

Defensively, Oklahoma State must pressure Weigman and force him into his first interception of the season.

For Houston, the formula revolves around stopping the run and forcing Oklahoma State to become one-dimensional.

Offensively, the Cougars need to establish Hughes early while allowing Weigman to attack favorable matchups downfield.

Playing at home should also provide Houston with a major advantage in what could be one of the biggest games at TDECU Stadium in years.

Prediction

I expect this to be one of the highest-scoring games of the weekend.

Mestemaker and Oklahoma State will create plenty of explosive plays, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cowboys surpass 400 yards of total offense.

However, Houston’s ability to stop the run will ultimately make the difference.

I expect Weigman to deliver another outstanding performance, throwing for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns while continuing to protect the football.

Oklahoma State will keep things competitive throughout the first half, but Houston’s offense should take control after halftime.

Final Score: No. 20 Houston 41, No. 18 Oklahoma State 31

Houston makes a major statement, improves to 6-1, and establishes itself as a serious threat in the Big 12 Championship race.

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