The Cowboys were a little overrated in the early-season market before their weaknesses were exposed in back-to-back blowout losses by bruising clubs in Utah and Kansas State. But we like them to avoid a three-game losing streak against a West Virginia club that they have dominated of late, going 8-1 in the last nine meetings. The Mountaineers also have a powerful running game behind a dual-threat quarterback. But there’s potential for a letdown spot following consecutive nail-biters in which they squandered a two-score lead to Pittsburgh before overcoming a two-score deficit to beat Kansas. We also have faith in OSU coach Mike Gundy’s ability to make in-season adjustments and believe the Cowboys will find a way to prevail.

There are sometimes games between teams when nobody deserves to be favored, no matter what the power rating, or the homefield says. This is one of those times. Oklahoma State's a mess, and it's very capable of losing this game.

Guess Pokes -2.5 is gone for good. OSU's chances of playing in the Big 12 title game essentially vanish with a third league loss. Mike Gundy teams tend to play their best with their backs against the wall. WVU comes off a bye week, but its defense has been lousy in allowing 33.3 PPG against FBS foes this year. The Mountaineers allow more than 150 yards rushing per, which should play right into the hands of Cowboys star RB Ollie Gordon, who hasn't had a great year so far. Last season, though, he rushed for 282 yards and four TDs on this defense in an easy road win.