Stillwater, OK – Contrasting predictions for Saturday’s Oklahoma State-Houston matchup reveal a team in crisis facing a challenging path to recovery. Sports Illustrated’s staff offers a spectrum of forecasts, ranging from a decisive Houston victory to a potential upset fueled by an unlikely quarterback performance, as teh Cowboys navigate their first games following the dismissal of longtime coach Mike Gundy
Oklahoma State enters the contest on a four-game losing streak, seeking to avoid extending that skid to five. The team’s struggles are compounded by notable roster depletion through the transfer portal and injuries, leaving them in arguably their worst position in decades. The game against Houston, coming after Texas Tech ended Houston’s four-game winning streak, is viewed as a critical test of where the Cowboys currently stand.
SI’s predictions are divided: one foresees a dominant 45-13 win for Houston, citing OSU’s porous defense which has conceded at least 40 points in consecutive games. Another prediction offers a closer 27-21 Oklahoma State victory,banking on a standout performance from quarterback Sam Jackson V,a former wide receiver thrust into the starting role. A third prediction forecasts a 24-20 Houston win, while a final prediction suggests a 20-24 loss for Oklahoma State.
Analysts highlight the challenges facing OSU, including the potential absence of backup quarterback Zane Flores and the difficulty of containing Houston’s Conner Weigman. Success for Oklahoma State hinges on Jackson V’s ability to deliver a stunning performance, possibly through rushing touchdowns, to overcome defensive vulnerabilities and salvage a struggling season.
