Oklahoma Football: Unexpected Bye Week Thread, Gambling Picks, Texas-Iowa State, Iron Bowl and more – Crimson And Cream Machine

With the news that the Oklahoma Sooners would not be playing the West Virginia Mountaineers this Saturday, Thanksgiving weekend has become a period of observation with a tinge of potential schadenfreude. First on the docket is perhaps the matchup that carries the most intrigue for OU fans, as the Texas Longhorns take on the first-place Iowa St. Cyclones in a game that essentially serves as a play-in for a Big 12 title spot. If the Cyclones and Sooners win out, OU gets a shot at revenge. If OU and Texas win out, the Sooners get a shot at a second win over the Horns.

Most of us would prefer the former, but this feels like a win-win situation (provided that Oklahoma wins out).

Anyway, feel free to head on down to the comments section to discuss all of this weekends action as it unfolds.

Iowa State (-1) at Texas - Texas hasnt played a football game since Nov. 7 hasnt looked particularly good in any of its three wins since the Red River Shootout/Showdown/Rivalry/whatever. Meanwhile, Iowa State looked like a well-oiled machine against Kansas State last weekend though the Wildcats are a shell of their former selves in the absence of Skylar Thompson. Itll be important for Brock Purdy and the Clones can make Sam Ehlinger pay for his shortcomings and build enough of a cushion entering the fourth quarter, because a close affair allows for Ehlinger to work his late-game magic. Just ask OU and OSU. Gambling pick: Iowa State holds off a comeback attempt and sets itself up for a trip to Arlington. Under 57.5

Notre Dame (-6) at North Carolina - When taking Lawrence-less Clemson into account, UNC might have to best offense (No. 4 in offensive SP+) the Irish have faced this season, so this could be entertaining for three quarters. Gambling pick: Notre Dame is too balanced for the Heels and cover on the road. Under 70

Texas Tech at Oklahoma State (-11) - OSUs defense really is good in spite of allowing OU to score 41, but a post-Bedlam hangover seems likely. Needless to say, spirits are not high in Stillwater. Gambling pick: Oklahoma State wont succumb to the upset bug, but Texas Tech beats the spread. Over 54

Auburn at Alabama (-24.5) - People like to refer to as Bo Nix Trevor Knight Jr., so maybe he can pull a rabbit out of his ass and somehow beat Nick Sabans team. Gambling pick: Nix will do no such thing. Bama by a lot. Under 62.5

Mississippi State at Ole Miss (-9.5) - I dont care that Steelers-Ravens was originally scheduled for Thursday night. This game shouldve been played on Thanksgiving anyway. This rivalry is the gift that keeps on giving, and now we add Leach and Kiffin into the mix? The teams respective records have zero bearing on the entertainment factor here. Gambling pick: Ole Miss wins another instant classic. Close enough for Mississippi State to cover. And the over/under is 69?!?! How perfect for this borderline-erotic matchup. Ill take the over.

Texas A&M (-14.5) at LSU - LSU isnt good, but theyre good enough to cover with this big line. Gambing pick: Screw it, LSU pulls the upset, too. Over 64

Kansas State at Baylor (-5.5) - Each of Baylors five losses have been relatively competitive, and I think they finally break through against the hampered Wildcats. Gambling pick: Baylor covers. Over 46

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Oklahoma Football: Unexpected Bye Week Thread, Gambling Picks, Texas-Iowa State, Iron Bowl and more - Crimson And Cream Machine