PFB Picks: Predictions for Oklahoma State’s Game at Arizona

Oklahoma State wasn’t the only team that went off the rails in 2024, but Arizona (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) at least seems to have righted the ship ahead of the Cowboys’ trip to Tucson on Saturday.

Arizona has a dominant win over an FBS team and beat a Kansas State team that looks somewhat doomed itself following a 2-3 start.

Meanwhile, things in Stillwater have remained interesting in a different way. Since their last game, the Cowboys have changed defensive coordinators and reportedly lost four defensive players to the transfer portal.

Despite the loss, last week felt like a step in the right direction for the offense following a change. Could a chaotic week of shakeups produce similar results for the OSU defense at 2 p.m. on Saturday?

Here’s how we see this game playing out.

Marshall Scott

Score: Arizona 38, Oklahoma State 21

OSU Player of the Game: Trent Howland

Uniform: White (Cursive) -Orange – White

Thoughts: The Arizona defense has been solid to this point, which doesn’t inject a ton of confidence in me about the Pokes’ chances. I don’t think OSU gets blown out but I’m also not sure the Wildcats are sweating too much late.

Kyle Cox

Score: Arizona 31, Oklahoma State 28

OSU MVP: Sam Jackson V

Uniform: White (cursive) – Orange – Orange

Thoughts: I’m riding the Sam Jackson hype train, because fun things are sparse these days. Your next question might be “What qualifies an MVP performance for a mostly bit player?” Two scores. I’m going out on a limb, but I say he throws for one and runs or catches another.

A little more fun for the Pokes, but they don’t quite get over the hump. At some point, you start preparing for next year’s draft. Oh wait.

Tyler Waldrep

Score: Arizona 35, Oklahoma State 13

OSU MVP: Bryan McCoy

Uniform: Black (Brand)- Orange- Black

Thoughts: Arizona’s defense doesn’t give up many plays on the ground. When the Wildcats do bend a bit, they don’t break. OSU’s best chance for moving the ball might require targeting slot receivers, but those guys have struggled to get separation, at least when Zane Flores looks their way. Expect Arizona to hit a few monstrous plays, similar to the Oregon game, due to confusion following the likely departures of multiple safeties. OSU’s tackle leader, McCoy, could be the calm in a very rough storm.