The Arkansas State Red Wolves and Oklahoma Sooners meet Saturday in week 1 college football action at Memorial Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Arkansas State Red Wolves Betting Preview
Arkansas State is coming off a 3-win season and has won a combined 9 games in its last 3 seasons. Head coach Butch Jones returns for his third season, and he has the same coordinators from last year. Arkansas State has to find a new quarterback to replace James Blackman, who had more than 9,000 passing yards and 65 touchdowns for his career. Brian Snead should get more touches after 300 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns last year, while Jeff Foreman is the returning productive receiver after 30 catches and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Melique Straker returns after 81 tackles, Dennard Flowers had 3 sacks and Eddie Smith led Arkansas State with 2 interceptions. Arkansas State has a lot of production to replace on both sides of the ball, and it’s why its odds to compete in the Sun Belt aren’t great. Jones has shown he can coach at a respectable level and should continue to build this program. However, Arkansas State likely goes a fourth straight season with no bowl appearance.
Oklahoma Sooners Betting Preview
Oklahoma is coming off a 6-win season, its lowest total since 1998 when John Blake coached the program. Brent Venables returns for his second season as head coach, and he brings back his coordinators. Dillon Gabriel returns at quarterback after throwing for 3,100 yards and 25 touchdowns on 62.7 percent completions. Jovantae Barnes should get more touches after 500 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, while Jalil Farooq and Drake Stoops is a returning receiving duo that combined for 800 yards and 8 touchdowns. Defensively, Danny Stutsman returns after leading Oklahoma with 124 tackles, Ethan Downs had 4.5 sacks and Billy Bowman Jr. had 3 interceptions. Oklahoma has the returning pieces to enjoy a major bounce back season and oddsmakers agree as only Texas has better odds to win the Big 12. Time will tell just how much improved OU will be, and there’s certainly pressure on Venables to turn this program around after disappointment in his first season as head coach.
Randy’s Pick
This is a massive line for a season opener, but Arkansas State wasn’t good last season and has a lot of players to replace, which makes things even rockier. Oklahoma has the returning players to make a major splash this year and should have some fire in its belly after a disappointing effort last year. Again, huge number and does open things up to a possible backdoor cover. I’ll still lay the number with the Sooners if forced to pick. Arkansas State just doesn’t have the talent on either side of the ball to put up much of a fight here.
