Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Cincinnati Bearcats Picks and Predictions October 18th 2025

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Cincinnati Bearcats vs Oklahoma State Cowboys Betting Preview

The Cincinnati Bearcats look to extend their five-game winning streak when they visit the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday night in Stillwater. The Big 12 clash at Boone Pickens Stadium kicks off at 8:00 PM ET and will be televised on ESPN2.

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Cincinnati (5-1, 3-0 Big 12) enters ranked No. 24 in the AP Poll, while Oklahoma State (1-5, 0-3) continues to rebuild under interim head coach Doug Meacham. A win would make the Bearcats bowl-eligible for the third straight season.

Cincinnati Focused on the Moment

The Bearcats continue to roll under head coach Scott Satterfield, who has his team believing they can compete with anyone in the Big 12. Cincinnati’s 20-11 win over UCF last week marked their fifth straight victory and longest winning streak since 2022.

“We have something to prove every time we step on the field,” Satterfield said. “What we did in the past doesn’t matter this week — it’s about staying in the moment.”

Quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been the catalyst for Cincinnati’s success. A two-time Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, he has thrown for 1,448 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just one interception through six games. Sorsby also ranks among the conference leaders in rushing for quarterbacks, adding 327 yards and five scores on the ground.

The Bearcats have been dominant on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they average 6.2 yards per carry — fifth-best nationally — and rank seventh in the Big 12 in rushing yards per game (190.2). Running backs Tawee Walker and Evan Pryor have combined for nearly 700 rushing yards, giving the Bearcats excellent balance.

Defensively, Cincinnati is among the most opportunistic units in college football. They lead the Big 12 in interceptions and rank top 10 nationally in sacks. Defensive tackle Dontay Corleone anchors a front that allows just 3.4 yards per carry, while linebacker Dorian Jones has been disruptive with 3.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.

For updated numbers and public betting splits, visit the college football odds page.

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Oklahoma State Searching for Answers

Oklahoma State’s season has been defined by adversity. After the firing of long-time coach Mike Gundy three games into the year, interim head coach Doug Meacham has tried to stabilize a team that sits winless in Big 12 play.

The Cowboys fell 39-17 to Houston last week, extending their losing streak to three. Quarterback Zane Flores threw for 180 yards in the defeat but failed to find the end zone. Starter Hauss Hejny remains questionable with a broken foot, so Oklahoma State could again turn to Flores or dual-threat option Sam Jackson under center.

Running back Rodney Fields Jr. has been a bright spot, rushing for 257 yards and averaging 4.8 yards per carry. However, the Cowboys’ offensive struggles are evident — they rank last in the Big 12 in total offense and scoring.

The defense hasn’t been much better, allowing 33.6 points per game, though it has shown flashes of playmaking ability. Oklahoma State ranks fourth in the conference in interceptions and fifth in fumble recoveries, giving them a chance to flip momentum through turnovers. Defensive lineman Aden Kelley emphasized resilience this week: “We’ve got to come together and keep working. That’s the only way out.”

Find matchup projections and betting angles in the college football betting guide.

Line Movement and Odds

According to the latest college football picks, Cincinnati opened as a 22-point favorite, with a total of 57.5. Early action has backed the Bearcats to cover, while totals bettors have leaned slightly to the under given Oklahoma State’s offensive issues.

Cincinnati has covered in four of its last five games, while Oklahoma State is just 1-5 ATS this season.

Matchup Breakdown

Cincinnati Bearcats Outlook

Cincinnati’s key to victory is maintaining its turnover-free approach. Sorsby has thrown only one interception all year, and the Bearcats have a +8 turnover margin — among the nation’s best. Their offensive balance and defensive aggression make them one of the most complete teams in the Big 12.

If Cincinnati’s offensive line, led by Gavin Gerhardt, continues to dominate up front, the Bearcats should control tempo and time of possession. The combination of Sorsby’s efficiency and Walker’s downhill running could prove too much for a thin Oklahoma State defense.

Oklahoma State Cowboys Outlook

For Oklahoma State, the goal is simple — find rhythm early and avoid costly mistakes. Establishing the run with Fields Jr. could help keep Cincinnati’s offense off the field. The defense will need a big night from its front seven, particularly linebackers Nick Martin and Xavier Benson, to contain Sorsby’s mobility.

Oklahoma State’s best chance lies in forcing multiple turnovers and capitalizing on field position. However, their lack of consistency on both lines of scrimmage remains a major concern.

Key Edge

Cincinnati’s defensive front and quarterback efficiency give them a decisive advantage. The Bearcats have been dominant against inferior opponents and should continue that trend against a struggling Oklahoma State team still adjusting to a midseason coaching change.

Betting Trends

  • Cincinnati is 25-5 straight-up as a favorite in its last 30 games.
  • Cincinnati is 5-0 straight-up this season.
  • Oklahoma State is 16-10 on the over/under in its last 26 games.
  • Oklahoma State is 20-10 straight-up in home games since 2021.
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Best Bets and Prediction

Cincinnati is the more complete and disciplined team on both sides of the ball. Expect the Bearcats to control the line of scrimmage and cover the spread comfortably, even on the road.

Projected Score: Cincinnati 40, Oklahoma State 14
Best Bet: Cincinnati -22
Secondary Lean: Under 57.5

For more analysis and betting trends, visit ScoresAndStats College Football.