Oklahoma State vs. Iowa State: Latest Spread Info, BCS Impact and Predictions

In what promises to be a game of massive importance, the 5-4 Iowa State Cyclones will host the undefeated No. 2 Oklahoma State Cowboys on Friday night. The Cowboys control their own destiny in terms of a BCS National Championship appearance.

Because of that, a win is absolutely vital from their perspective. The Cowboys have won of the nation's most explosive offenses with quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Brandon Weeden at the controls. Whenever Oklahoma State plays, it is worth tuning in to see their offense operate seamlessly.

On the other side, Iowa State has had its moments, including a win over a then-ranked Texas Tech squad a couple weeks ago. Still, not many believe that the Cyclones pose a true threat. They have nothing to lose, though, so they can be a very dangerous team.

All eyes will be on Ames, Iowa on Friday night to see if the Cowboys can keep their title hopes alive. Conventional wisdom says that they will, but you can never tell for sure in the wild world of college football.

Where: Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa

When: Friday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN/ESPN3

Spread: Oklahoma State (-28)

While 28 points is a lot to give up, especially for a road team, Oklahoma State is simply the more talented and explosive side. Merely slipping past Iowa State won't be enough, so I expect a point total in the 50s for the Cowboys.

Oklahoma State's defense isn't the greatest, so Iowa State will get some points as well, but it simply can't hang with the Cowboys in an old-fashioned shoot out.

Over/Under: 67

When people see an over/under of 67 it might scare them off initially, but the Cowboys average 52 points per game on their own, and they haven't show any signs of slowing down. Provided Oklahoma State scores its usual allotment of points, the Cyclones won't need to do much.

The Cowboys' defense can be scored upon, although that has been masked by their incredible offense. Iowa State should be able to put up 20-plus points, meaning this game should go way over 67, as odd as it may sound.

Oklahoma State Key Injuries

Questionable: WR Michael Harrison (ankle)

Iowa State Key Injuries

Doubtful: WR Albert Gary (disciplinary), OL Brayden Burris (leg)

Probable: WR Darius Reynolds (suspension), OL Ethan Tuftee (knee)

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

At 5-4, Iowa State is simply trying to stay in contention for a bowl berth, but this game means absolutely everything to Oklahoma State. In order for the Cowboys to stay on track for a clash with No. 1 LSU in the National Championship Game, winning out is an absolute must.

The Cowboys have a monstrous matchup against No. 5 Oklahoma in a couple weeks, so it is possible that they could get caught looking ahead. Head coach Mike Gundy simply cannot allow that to happen, though, as this is a game Oklahoma State has to have.

Keys to Oklahoma State Win

If Oklahoma State is going to win this game, it will simply have to keep doing what it has done all season long, and that is score at will on offense. The offensive numbers are staggering as quarterback Brandon Weeden is nearing the 4,000-yard mark with 31 scores and running back Joseph Randle has reached pay dirt 21 times.

Tightening up on defense would be a luxury, but not a necessity provided the offense continues to dominate. Iowa State doesn't have tons of offensive weapons in the first place, so the Cowboys shouldn't get hurt too much. As long as the offense thrives, the Cowboys will survive this one.

Keys to Iowa State Win

It is honestly extremely difficult to comprehend Iowa State beating Oklahoma State, but if it does, then the key is going to be ball control. The Cyclones defense is ranked 81st in the nation in points against, so no matter what sort of game plan they carry out or what adjustments they make, they won't be able to stop the Cowboys offense.

Iowa State's only hope is to move the chains and hold the ball for large chunks of time.

That will fall largely on the shoulders of running back James White. He tends to only get around 15 carries per game, but he'll literally need to get 40 and have success with them if the Cyclones are to stand a chance. If they can keep the game low scoring, then you never know.

Prediction

Oklahoma State 52, Iowa State 21