ESPN’s GameDay Crew, Blake Shelton, Pick OSU-Utah from Norman

The ESPN College GameDay crew was in Norman for the Sooners’ SEC debut Saturday, but the Cowboys were able to steal a little bit of that spotlight, much to the chagrin of the locals.

A report earlier in the week indicated that Utah QB Cam Rising was expected to play in Stillwater, but a more recent report on Saturday tabbed him as a game-time decision. But that uncertainty around the visiting QB didn’t dampen the ESPN crew’s confidence in the Utes.

Desmond Howard went with Utah because of its defense, which he termed “gritty,” even though the Rising news gave him some pause.

Nick Saban went with Oklahoma State because, “even if Cam can play, having that type of injury can really affect how you throw.”

Pat McAfee, always eager to pander to those locals, went with Utah because of Kyle Whittingham and his confidence that he’d be able to stop OSU’s offense “regardless of who’s playing quarterback.”

Native Oklahoman Blake Shelton went with a little misdirection. “I just got back yesterday from an incredible week I spent in Utah, out there elk hunting. Had a great time. I love it. It’s beautiful. I’m not picking against Oklahoma State, though.”

He then turned back to the Normanites, who rained on with some boos, and gave them on with another “Oklahoma State!” and then began chopping it up with them.

.@blakeshelton: Ball knower pic.twitter.com/zHjZA8OaZO

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 21, 2024

Lee Corso went with the Utes, crediting a pregame meal at Eskimo Joe’s, and Kirk Herbstreit went back to his former prediction that if Rising plays, Utah wins, and is just hopeful that he does.

For what it’s worth, ESPN reported the fan vote was at 64% in favor of the Cowboys. They kick off with the Utes at 3 p.m. in Boone Pickens Stadium.