PFB Picks: How We See the Cowboys Performing in the Desert

The Cowboys head back to the desert this weekend for a late-night kick between two teams that struggled with FCS foes last weekend — let’s get weird.

Oklahoma State plays Arizona State in Tempe at 9:30 p.m. Central on Saturday. Oklahoma State comes into the game having pulled away late from Central Arkansas in Week 1 to win 27-13, while the Sun Devils had a dust storm delay in their six-hour, 24-21 win against Southern Utah.

Here is how the Pistols Firing staff sees Saturday’s game going.

Marshall Scott

Score: Oklahoma State 17, Arizona State 10

Thoughts: As I was watching Oklahoma State’s game against Central Arkansas last Saturday, I thought to myself, ‘There is no way I can pick the Pokes next week.’ Then I looked at the Arizona State score against Southern Utah.

I think this thing could be ugly to watch, but I think Bryan Nardo and Co. show enough new wrinkles to stump the Sun Devils after OSU’s defense kept things vanilla last week. I want to say Oklahoma State will run the ball better after doing so in the fourth quarter Saturday, but I’m at the point with OSU’s running game that I’ll believe it when I see it. OSU does just enough to leave Tempe with a W.

Kyle Cox

Score: Oklahoma State 24, Arizona State 18

Thoughts: I was no more enthused with OSU’s offensive output than our fearless leader, but I’ll give the Cowboys a little more benefit of the doubt for it having been Week 1. I think we see a marginally better run game performance, and I’m hopeful that one of the QBs steps out from the pack and gets clicking on a few drives. Also, Arizona State is not a great football team and is in Year 1 of a ground-up rebuild.

Dekota Gregory

Score: Oklahoma State 20, Arizona State 14

Thoughts: I really try hard not to overreact over Week 1 games, but neither of these teams showed us anything to expect many fireworks in this one. I do think OSU has things figured out at least a little better, though. Defensively, I feel like I’m in the minority of being impressed by Nardo’s debut. It sounded like the ASU coaching staff is worried about handling that 3-3-5 after a vanilla Week 1, too. We still won’t be impressed and OSU fans will still be worried about the rest of 2023, but the Cowboys will still be 2-0. Here’s to hoping no offense doesn’t put me to sleep with this late kick.