Oklahoma State vs. Texas: Last-Minute Spread, Line, BCS Impact and Prediction

This game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Texas Longhorns will easily be one of the better Big 12 matchups that we will see all year.

The Cowboys are 5-0 and ranked No. 6 in the nation right now. For years they've struggled for ways to beat their rival, the Longhorns, but now it looks like they are favorite. Led by quarterback Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State has found a way to put up 51.4 points a game.

The Longhorns are still one of the better teams in the Big 12, but they are coming off a beatdown at the hands of the Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Rivalry, and are having some problems at the quarterback position.

At No. 22 in the nation they are still a respectable team, but they may be overmatched in this game even with the home-field advantage.

Where: Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX

When: Saturday Oct. 15. 3:30 p.m EST

Watch: ABC, ESPN, ESPN3

Spread (Bodog.com): Oklahoma State -8.5

This is a pretty small spread considering the offensive fire power on the field. It's a safe bet.

Over/Under (thespread.com): Oklahoma State 64.5

This is a huge over, but I'd feel pretty good betting it considering that the Cowboys could cover it themselves.

Key Injuries

Oklahoma State: Offensive lineman Jonathan Rush out for season (knee), cornerback Devin Hedgepeth out for season (achillies).

Texas: Linebacker Demarco Cobbs probable (arm), safety Christian Scott questionable (wrist), linebacker Chet moss questionable (back).

BCS/Top-25 Poll Implications

At No. 6 Oklahoma State obviously feels they can win the Big 12 and make a serious run at the BCS championship, but they'll need to keep winning. Texas, on the other hand, can really redeem their loss last week to Oklahoma with a huge upset here.

Keys to Oklahoma State Win

Wide receiver Justin Blackmon is arguably one of the best in the nation. He's going to have to improve on his 534 yards and six touchdowns on the season, which I expect he will.

Keys to Texas Win

Two quarterbacks, David Ash and Case McCoy, played for the Longhorns last week. Neither were very impressive, to be honest. I expect that McCoy is the overall better option and would make the bigger difference in this game.

Prediction

Oklahoma State is just far too good, even on the road at Texas. The times are really changing.

Oklahoma State: 45 Texas: 23