The Colorado Buffaloes have another chance to snap their losing streak Saturday, but it won't be easy as they face one of college football's best offenses: the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Colorado enter the matchup with four straight losses, but showed signs of an offensive breakout in a 27-24 loss to No. 11 Utah. Still, it wasn't a perfect performance, and penalties and a costly late turnover proved too much to overcome. Were the signs for what's to come, or will the Buffs fall back into a lull against a talented Oklahoma State team?
The Cowboys boast arguably the Big 12's top quarterback in Drew Mestemaker, who has generated Heisman Trophy buzz. He leads an offense that averages over 500 yards per game and nearly 330 passing yards. OSU"s defense has struggled at times, potentially giving Isaac Wilson and Colorado's offense an opportunity to build on last week.
Here's how the Buffaloes Wire staff predicts Saturday's Big 12 showdown between Colorado and Oklahoma State will unfold.
Ariana's Prediction
If Colorado had a better offense, I believe they would win this game. However, the Buffaloes haven't been able to play consistently on offense all season, while Oklahoma State has consistently put points on the board. Their quarterback, Drew Mestemaker, is considered a long shot for the Heisman. But being in the Heisman conversation says a lot about how good he is. Colorado’s defense will keep them in this game for a while, as it did against Texas Tech and Utah, but the offense will be the reason the Buffaloes leave with a loss.
Score: Oklahoma State 31, Colorado 20
James' Prediction
I’m taking Oklahoma State because I don’t trust Colorado to score points right now. Drew Mestemaker is the biggest reason I’m picking the Cowboys. Colorado will need consistent pressure from Lamont Lester and Santana Hopper to keep him from settling into the passing game. The Buffaloes showed progress in their 27-24 loss to Utah, and I expect JaQuail Smith to stay involved, but Oklahoma State can score points, and I expect them to pull away at home.
Score: Oklahoma State 38, Colorado 20
Charlie's Prediction
Colorado has lost eight straight Big 12 games. Let that sink in for a minute. Still, the Buffaloes kept the game close against Utah, and Isaac Wilson once again sparked the offense despite a back-breaking late-game turnover. To win, the Buffs need to force turnovers from Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker and give their offense a short field to exploit a leaky Cowboys defense.
I am more confident in the Buffaloes' offense after last week, but I still see some big question marks, and I think the defense cracks a bit against the high-flying Cowboys, and one big mistake, whether a penalty or turnover, bites the Buffs late.
Score: Oklahoma State 31, Colorado 27
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado vs. Oklahoma State score predictions, game picks for Week 8