Oregon Ducks vs Oklahoma State Cowboys Picks and Predictions September 6th 2025

Oklahoma State vs Oregon Picks and Predictions September 6th 2025

The Oklahoma State Cowboys head into a massive road test at Autzen Stadium without their starting quarterback. Meanwhile, the Oregon Ducks, now ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll, are riding high after a dominating opener.

Oklahoma State will turn to backup quarterback Zane Flores after Hauss Hejny was ruled out following foot surgery. The Cowboys will also be without a pair of other starters, including their center and a defensive lineman. Oregon, on the other hand, is expecting to be nearly full strength as cornerback Theran Johnson and guard Emmanuel Pregnon are set to return.

Saturday’s matchup looks lopsided on paper, but let’s examine what to expect on the field—and at the betting window.

Week 1 Recap and Key Absences

Oklahoma State beat UT Martin 27-7, but it came at a cost. Hejny broke a bone in his foot in the first quarter and is out indefinitely. Backup Zane Flores completed 13 of 20 passes for 136 yards in relief, showing composure but lacking explosive plays.

To make matters worse, center Kasen Carpenter and defensive end DeSean Brown are also expected to miss the trip to Eugene.

The lone bright spot was linebacker Wendell Gregory, who notched three first-half sacks before legal troubles emerged. Despite being arrested for misdemeanor theft charges, he is currently expected to play.

Over in Oregon, it was a dominant 59-13 win over Montana State. Quarterback Dante Moore silenced offseason critics with a 213-yard, three-touchdown performance on 18-of-23 passing. The Ducks scored on every possession except a final kneel-down, and the defense was just as sharp—holding the top rushing team in the FCS last year to just 46 yards.

Team Breakdown

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What to Watch

Can Zane Flores Handle the Moment?

Flores has big shoes to fill and a hostile environment to do it in. He managed the game well last week, but facing Oregon’s aggressive defense will be a completely different test. Expect the Cowboys to simplify the playbook and lean on short passes and ball control.

Oregon’s Balance on Offense

Dante Moore’s debut was impressive, not just because of his stats, but because of his decision-making. He calmly worked through progressions and kept the offense humming. With the return of key players on the line, expect Oregon to look even more polished this week.

Defensive Disruptions

Oklahoma State’s best chance lies with its front seven. Wendell Gregory was a menace in Week 1, and he’ll need to be again. But Oregon’s offensive line is one of the strongest units they’ll face this year.

Prediction and Betting Edge

This game tilts heavily toward Oregon. The Ducks are deeper, healthier, and more dynamic. With Oklahoma State missing its QB and other key pieces, it’s hard to envision a scenario where they keep this close for four quarters.

Picks Table

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