Georgia vs Oklahoma State Odds - Cowboys to win but not cover in critical opener

The Georgia vs Oklahoma State odds will pit two Top 25 teams against each other in a matchup laced with BCS implications. The Bulldogs will look to play spoiler against the Cowboys, as all of the offseason hype’s pressure will be on Oklahoma State. Online betting cappers will see the Cowboys get a stiff test but eventually outlast the Bulldogs.

Georgia vs Oklahoma State odds: Cowboys -6

• WHAT: NCAA Football betting
  
• WHEN: Saturday, September 5th – 3:30 PM ET
  
• WHERE: T. Boone Pickens Stadium – Stillwater, OK
  
• PICK: Georgia +6

Georgia vs Oklahoma State odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
There isn’t a whole lot on the line for Georgia, believe it or not. Sounds odds to say that for a team that’s ranked No. 13 in the nation, but expectations are low in Georgia after last season’s disappointment. The Bulldogs aren’t expected to give Florida a run in the SEC and they aren’t pegged to make the BCS, so a loss here wouldn’t be a catastrophe. But as many college football betting handicappers know, the Bulldogs are a team that plays better when there is no pressure or expectations.

For Oklahoma State, we’ll find out right off the bat if they are for real. They are supposed to be a contender for the Big 12, and people in Stillwater are even talking about a BCS Championship - but that all starts and ends with Georgia. If the Cowboys win, they’ll be undefeated by the time Texas comes to visit later in the year. If they lose, the balloon of optimism in Stillwater won’t just deflate; it will pop.

Betting Edge: Cowboys

Georgia vs Oklahoma State odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Bulldogs offense took some big hits in the offseason as Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno left for the NFL. Joe Cox and Caleb King take over those respective positions, but they are steep downgrades at this point. The Bulldogs offense is not nearly on the same talent level as the Cowboys, but the Cowboys defense should make the Bulldogs pro-style offense look pretty good.

The Cowboys have an explosive offense, which on paper should be able to put up more than enough points to win against Georgia. But the Bulldogs are an SEC defense and no one runs circles around them – usually. With Zac Robinson, Dez Bryant and Kendall Hunter, the Cowboys clearly have the edge on offense, but their offense versus Georgia’s defense will be the story of the day.

Betting Edge: Cowboys

Georgia vs Oklahoma State odds maker breakdown: Defense
The key for Georgia in this game will be their pass rush. The Bulldogs had only 24 sacks last year and that must improve. If Zac Robinson has all day to throw, he won’t have any problems moving the ball. In general, the Bulldogs are solid against the run, but their secondary is suspect after Asher Allen unexpectedly left for the NFL.

The Cowboys defense is a major work in progress, which all starts with new coordinator Bill Young. There’s no question he’ll make this defense better long term, but can he do it this year? We’ll see how much progress was made in the offseason. If the Cowboys’ pass rush - which ranked last in the Big 12 - hasn’t improved, then the Bulldogs offense should be able to pass and run the ball enough to play keep away.

Betting Edge: Bulldogs

Georgia vs Oklahoma State odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Georgia will be without sophomore guard Tanner Strickland, who will miss the entire 2009 season because of a shoulder injury. Otherwise, the teams are healthy.

Betting Edge: Cowboys

Georgia vs Oklahoma State betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Cowboys are a six-point favorite in the sportsbook but that might be too big of a spread for them to cover. If they are relaxed, they should be able to pull away from the Bulldogs in the second half, but the Cowboys have not been in this type of high-pressure situation in a long time. Also, Georgia head coach Mark Richt will have his team prepared for the intense atmosphere. Look for the Bulldogs to keep it close but for the Cowboys to get the big win.

BLAKE’S PICK: Cowboys

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Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand. Thoughts or questions?