Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Missouri State Bears: Complete Game Preview

In their game against the Florida State Seminoles, the Oklahoma State Cowboys played better than anyone could've expected them to against the defending national champions. Though the Pokes lost 37-31, they showed the nation that, even in a rebuilding year, this is a program that plans to win a lot of football games.

Now, the Pokes get to go back home to Stillwater and play a Missouri State Bears team that looks very overmatched after what we saw from the Cowboys last weekend.

However, could everyone be overlooking the Bears, just like they did Oklahoma State last week? Does Missouri State have a chance at a shocking upset? Read on to find out.

Game-Day Information

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Who: Oklahoma State vs. Missouri State

When: Saturday, September 6 at 2:30 p.m. CT/3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Stillwater, Oklahoma

Stadium: Boone Pickens Stadium (60,218 cap.)

Series History: Oklahoma State 6-0

TV: Fox Sports Oklahoma (Mark Followill, Brian Baldinger and Lesley McCaslin)

Radio: Cowboy Radio Network (Dave Hunziker, John Holcomb and Robert Allen)

Internet: OKState.com

Satellite Radio: Sirius Channel 119, XM Channel 203

Oklahoma State Key to Victory

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Don't Let Missouri State Hang Around

If you would please take a quick minute and look at this game recap.

As you can see, Missouri State scored 20 fourth-quarter points last week to turn a 10-point deficit into a seven-point victory. That kind of clutch effort late in a game makes any team dangerous, even Missouri State.

Obviously, Oklahoma State's defense is better than Northwestern State; however, that doesn't mean that the Cowboys should get cocky this weekend. Instead, Mike Gundy and his team must keep the pressure on and not give the Bears an opportunity to repeat last week's performance.

Missouri State Key to Victory

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Force Mistakes

When you look back to Oklahoma State's game against Florida State, there was one thing that really killed the Cowboys' chances of winning: mistakes. The Pokes had two costly turnovers (one interception returned for a touchdown and a fumble that all but sealed the loss), two poor punt snaps that gave the 'Noles great field position and countless silly penalties in key situations.

That's something to be expected from a team replacing so many starters from last year's 10-win team. Missouri State would be wise to exploit that inexperience.

The Bears forced three turnovers last week, showing they might just have what it takes to use Oklahoma State's youth to their advantage. That said, the Cowboys aren't Northwestern State.

Missouri State's defense has its work cut out for it.

Oklahoma State Player to Watch

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Daxx Garman

Now, this slide assumes that Oklahoma State is winning comfortably after halftime, because Garman is still sitting behind J.W. Walsh on the depth chart. 

However, if Garman does see playing time, it will be interesting to see if his arm is as good as advertised in a live-game setting. Garman could take advantage of his backup minutes and show that his arm better suits Oklahoma State's loaded receiving corps.

If Garman can use that cannon he calls an arm to turn enough heads this weekend, the Pokes might have to reassess their quarterback situation. Walsh sometimes struggles to take advantage of the plethora of receivers at his disposal. If Garman does stretch the field vertically, the coaching staff might make a change before Big 12 play begins.

And, you know, if Garman barely plays, Tyreek Hill is always must-see TV.

Missouri State Player to Watch

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Kierra Harris

Last week, Harris threw for three touchdowns and scored another with his feet. The dual-threat quarterback looks to be equally effective at both phases of the game and could prove troublesome for Oklahoma State's young defense.

Harris will have to overcome one of the better defensive lines in the Big 12 to do so. The Pokes looked very impressive last week against Florida State, especially Emmanuel Ogbah. But Harris' wheels could give him the means to get away from pressure.

At the end of the day, the Bears will only go as far as Harris can take them. If he can somehow stay away from Oklahoma State's line, he might be able to take advantage of the Pokes' lack of experience in their back seven.

And if he can't? Well, then Missouri State is in for a long Saturday.

Final Prediction

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There are a few things going against the Cowboys this weekend. Des Roland may be sidelined, according to Kyle Fredrickson of The Oklahoman. They're coming down from a gut-wrenching loss to the defending champions. They're young and still inexperienced (though significantly less so than last week). 

However, they still remain the heavy favorites. The Cowboys proved last week that they're still a team to be feared, and Missouri State doesn't look to be anywhere close to the Pokes in terms of talent. There's always the chance of an upset, but that chance is likely under 5 percent.

Oklahoma State 48, Missouri State 17