The story in Norman this season has been the improvement of the Sooners' defense, which ranks second in the country in scoring defense (8.5 points per game) after finishing 98th in the nation last year (30.0). Oklahoma faces an Iowa State offense that ranks 106th in points per game (21.0). I expect the Cyclones to struggle scoring and the Sooners to be up big in the second half. And with a showdown against No. 3 Texas looming next week, don't be surprised to see Oklahoma shut things down in the second half and bleed the clock. Give me the Under.

The high-powered Sooners were finally slowed down a little by a gritty Cincinnati club last week but still pulled away for a 20-6 victory. But this rates a potential flat spot for them ahead of their annual rivalry matchup against Texas next weekend. Youth-laden Iowa State appears to be progressing well and broke through with a 31-24 win over Oklahoma State last week. The Cyclones have a history of being a bit of a thorn to Oklahoma and the backdrop presents another such opportunity Saturday.