Tulsa vs Oklahoma State Odds, Prediction & Betting Preview | 9/19/25
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane face the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma, with the game broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 PM ET. Oklahoma State is a significant favorite according to sportsbooks, but both teams are coming off poor performances in their last outings.
Game Details
- Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET, Friday, September 19, 2025
- Location: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Oklahoma
- Broadcast: ESPN
Records and Recent Results
- Oklahoma State Cowboys: 1-1, coming off a historic 69-3 loss to Oregon
- Tulsa Golden Hurricane: 1-2, lost 42-23 against Navy in their last game
Key Stats
| Oklahoma State | Tulsa | |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 15.0 | 24.0 |
| Defensive PPG | 38.0 | 23.3 |
| Turnovers Allowed | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers Forced | 1 | 5 |
| Spread Record (ATS) | 0-2 | 1-2 |
Betting Odds
- Spread: Oklahoma State -11/ Tulsa +11
- Moneyline: Oklahoma State (-4394), Tulsa (+327)
- Total: 55 points (Over/Under)
- Odds From MyBookie
Where both teams stand right now
Oklahoma State (1–1): The Cowboys opened with a comfortable 27–7 win over UT Martin, then got drilled at Oregon, 69–3, the program’s worst day in years. With Hauss Hejny (broken foot) sidelined for several weeks after the opener, Zane Flores is QB1 for the foreseeable future. Through two games OSU averages 149.5 passing yards and 135.5 rushing yards per game, with only 15.0 points per game scored and 38.0 allowed—bottom-third numbers all around. RB Kalib Hicks (119 rush yds) and WR Terrill Davis (78 rec yds) headline the current stat sheet, while LB Bryan McCoy Jr. leads the team with 23 tackles.
Tulsa (1–2): Tre Lamb’s first Golden Hurricane squad mauled Abilene Christian 35–7, fell 21–14 at New Mexico State after losing starting QB Kirk Francis to a concussion, and then got optioned to death by Navy, 42–23. Francis was ruled out last weekend and remains iffy; redshirt freshman Baylor Hayes has taken over and thrown for 323 yards (2 TD, 2 INT) across his appearances. Tulsa’s identity is forming around the run game (181.3 rush ypg) with Oklahoma State transfer Dominic Richardson at 296 yards, and WR Zion Booker pacing the receivers (214 yards). On defense, LB Ray Coney has 36 tackles, and CB Elijah Green already has three interceptions.
Matchup edges that matter to your bet
1) OSU rushing offense vs. Tulsa rushing defense
This might be the swing factor. OSU hasn’t lit up the air with Flores yet, but the run game can grind: 135.5 rush ypg against a Tulsa front allowing 175.3 ypg on the ground. That profile screams “Cowboys will try to lean on the run and stay on schedule.” Tulsa’s strength is pass defense (more on that next), so Mike Gundy’s best path is obvious.
2) OSU passing offense vs. Tulsa secondary
The numbers are harsh: OSU’s passing attack sits 116th nationally by yards per game (149.5), and Tulsa’s pass defense ranks 32nd. That matches the eye test; Flores has been more caretaker than creator so far, and Tulsa has real ballhawks Elijah Green (3 INTs) is playing with confidence. Translation: chunk plays through the air may be limited unless OSU manufactures YAC.
3) Tulsa run game vs. OSU run defense
This is where Tulsa can keep it interesting. The Hurricane run for 181.3 ypg, and OSU is surrendering 214.0 ypg on the ground skewed by the Oregon fiasco, sure, but still a pain point. Dominic Richardson’s one-cut style and Ajay Allen/Braylin Presley as change-ups are a legit trio. If Tulsa lives in 2nd-and-5, the Hurricanes will string together long drives and shorten the game.
4) Turnovers & field position
Small edges count in a spread around 12–13. OSU has lost only two turnovers; Tulsa has gained five but the Hurricanes have also given it away five times. Special teams lean slightly OSU: Logan Ward is 3-for-3 on FGs (long 42) and the Cowboys’ kickoff return defense has been excellent on limited reps.
5) Quarterback availability
We know OSU’s situation: Flores is the starter with Hejny out. For Tulsa, all signs point to Hayes getting another start while Francis recovers. That continuity week-over-week matters, but it also lets OSU’s staff tailor a plan to Hayes’ strengths (and weaknesses) after his first full-game tape vs. Navy.
Pace, weather, and the total
Tulsa prefers balance with a run-first tilt; OSU will likely be even more run-heavy with Flores while its WR group sorts itself out. Fewer incompletions and a ground-centric script generally help the under, especially if both sides string together 9–12 play drives.
Weather looks pleasant in Stillwater (low–mid 80s, light wind, 0% rain) neutral to the offenses, but not the kind of breeze that turns 50/50 balls into punts.
Series & intangibles
The Cowboys have the better roster depth and a 10-game series streak; they’re back home under the lights with a chance to flush Oregon before Baylor arrives. Tulsa’s angle is equally clear: shorten the game with Richardson, keep Hayes clean, and hunt a couple of interceptions to steal possessions. If they hit those checkpoints, the back door is very real.
Betting picks & prediction
Best bet: Under 55
Both staffs project to lean on the run. OSU’s pass game hasn’t proven it can consistently separate, and Tulsa’s secondary has played well when not staring at Navy’s option all night. If the Cowboys control the line, we’ll see long, methodical drives and a running clock. Even if OSU leads throughout, Lamb won’t panic he’ll keep the ball on the ground, protect Hayes, and aim to cover late. That game script points under.
Side (vs. the spread): Oklahoma State -11
Numbers say Tulsa can run; logic says Stillwater + OSU’s lines + depth eventually wear the Hurricane down. The Cowboys’ rush offense (135.5 ypg) against Tulsa’s rush defense (175.3 ypg) is the cleanest edge on the board. Add home field and a defense that should look a lot better than it did in Eugene, and I’m comfortable laying it at -11.
Projected score: Oklahoma State 31, Tulsa 17
That’s OSU -11 and Under 55 both home.