ESPN GameDay Crew Picks Oklahoma State to Defeat Texas Tech 4-1

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No. 25 Oklahoma State is set to host No. 12 Texas Tech for a primetime Big 12 shootout with big-time conference implications. As such, the ESPN College GameDay crew got together to make their predictions for the game. And this time around, they were 4-1 in favor of the Cowboys.

Desmond Howard got things started picking the Pokes.

“It’s a shootout. I think it comes down to which team has the ball last. I’m going with the Cowboys. I think Oklahoma State’s going to win this one.”

Nick Saban chipped in saying, “I think the matchup of Oklahoma State’s quarterback against Texas Tech’s secondary is going to be the difference in the game, so I am taking Oklahoma State.”

Earlier in the broadcast, Saban had some high praise for Drew Mestemaker and the Cowboys’ offense.

Coach Saban with some words about @DrewMestemaker 👀

@CollegeGameDay https://t.co/qsgP7MAR3y

— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) November 14, 2026

Pat McAfee followed up with a meandering pick, underlining Saban’s point but then picked the Red Raiders without any coherent rationale.

“You like Mestemaker, the quarterback for Oklahoma State going against the 136th ranked passing defense for Texas Tech?” McAfee said. “Over/under 73.5. That is a hilarious and I think Cody Campbell and Texas Tech and Thomas Castellanos will get a big-time win. Give me Texas Tech.”

Former Boise State running back Ian Johnson, a hero from the Broncos’ historic win over OU, was this week’s celebrity guest picker. He went with the Cowboys.

“I believe this is definitely going to be a high-scoring game,” he said. I’m going with the quarterback leading the nation in total touchdowns. Oklahoma State gets it done.”

Kirk Herbstreit also went with OSU.

“Another chaos Saturday pick for me. I’m with you guys. I think Oklahoma State at home, Mestemaker’s the quarterback. Texas Tech, a great football team. They’re not the same defense that they had last year. Give me the Cowboys.”

The Cowboys and Red Raiders kickoff at 8:30 p.m. Saturday inside Boone Pickens Stadium. It will be televised on ESPN.