Week 1: Oklahoma State vs Central Michigan 9/1/22 College Football Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Oklahoma State Cowboys and Central Michigan Chippewas clash Thursday night in week 1 of college football action at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater. The Central Michigan Chippewas are coming off a 9-win season and enter the fourth year under coach Jim McElwain. The Oklahoma State Cowboys are coming off a 12-win season and enter year 18 under coach Mike Gundy. 

The Central Michigan Chippewas averaged 32.3 points and 440.7 yards per game last season. Central Michigan allowed an average of 25.8 points and 382.5 yards per game last season. Daniel Richardson returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,500 yards, 24 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Dallas Dixon and Joel Wilson are a returning receiving duo that combined 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns, while Lew Nichols III led the Chippewas with 1,800 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Defensively, Donte Kent returns after finishing fifth on Central Michigan with 55 tackles, John Wesley Whiteside had 6.5 sacks and Justin Whiteside had 4 quarterback hurries. Central Michigan has a chance to be loaded offensively and has one of the best running backs in the country. The concern for Central Michigan is on defense, as the Chippewas say goodbye to their top-4 tacklers and a quality pass rusher in Troy Hairston II. Either way, Central Michigan should have another successful season under coach McElwain.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys averaged 31.1 points and 416.2 yards per game last season. Oklahoma State allowed an average of 18.1 points and 297.9 yards per game last season. Spencer Sanders returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,800 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Brennan Presley and Blaine Green are a returning receiving duo that combined 900 yards and 6 touchdowns, while Dominic Richardson had nearly 400 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Jason Taylor II returns after finishing fifth on Oklahoma State with 48 tackles, Collin Oliver had 10.5 sacks and Nick Session had 1 interception. OK State does have its quarterback and playmakers on the outside, but it does lose its star running back in Jaylen Warren and its top-4 tacklers from a year ago. Overall, Oklahoma State recruits well enough to be in the thick of the Big 12 race yet again, and it looks for double-digit wins for the fifth time in the last 8 years.

The Chippewas are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on fieldturf and 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The Cowboys are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 home games and 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall. The under is 7-2 in Chippewas last 9 road games. The under is 19-9-1 in Cowboys last 29 games overall.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are the more talented team and are going to get the benefit of the doubt at home, but they did say goodbye to a lot of key players and could struggle early defensively. The Central Michigan Chippewas are loaded with playmakers on offense, and they could surprise some folks under the bright lights of this weekday opener. Remember, Central Michigan ended last regular season topping 30 points in 5 straight games. Central Michigan can score the football. I’ll take my chances with the 3 free touchdowns.