There are some key mismatches in this non-conference tilt featuring Oklahoma State and their hosts Washington State . One of the most glaring comes via the Cowboys' offensive line and the Cougars' defensive line.

With four key starters back for Oklahoma State, I expect this big experienced group will step over and dismantle their opposition play after play, making for big gaping holes up the middle that running backs Kendall Hunter and JUCO transfer Beau Johnson will exploit . I also expect lots of time for QB Zac Robinson to sit in the pocket and pick apart an extremely vulnerable Wazzu secondary. There is not doubt in mind that the Cowboys are going to score points in bunches.

Meanwhile Washington State, under new head coach Paul Wulff, comes into his first game ready to fire back behind a shotgun offense that is gearing up to play wide open football this season, in part because of their obvious defensive deficiencies. Oklahoma State's pedestrian defense has proven itself to be equally inept, but with this tilt being so early in the season, the Cougars, who are still learning a multitude of new schemes, will be unable to consistently take advantage of the situation, which I believe will have them on the wrong side of the score when the final whistle blows.

Final Notes & Key Trends: This is not a true home game for Washington State, as this contest will be played in Seattle. WSU has lost 25 of their last 37 SU against Big 12 opposition. The Cowboys, when they have scored 28 points or more in a road game, are a perfect 6-0 ATS in the last six, winning those games by an average of just under 20 PPG.

Projected score: Cowboys-38 Cougars-30

Free Pick: Oklahoma State -6½ (-110)