Here is a prime example of the differences between the betting market place and media. With only eight totals starters back and a completely new offensive system to learn, the Cowboys were at one time as low as a 13.5-point home favorite (currently -15.5) over woeful Washington State and the fifth betting choice out of six to win the Big XII South. OSU's Season O/U Wins total was bet down almost immediately and is now a measly 5.5 (@ CRIS). But the local media – a place where a lot of handicappers search for and gain useful information – has had a lot of glowing reviews regarding the Cowboys. Here is one article
calling for an eight-win season. Even the most optimistic of outlooks shows eight victories to be unreasonable. The betting market has always been a more reliable predictor of success and failure which tells us there will be plenty of struggles in Stillwater this season.
As for the offense, this article has head coach Mike Gundy calling for a
70-30 pass-to-run ratio under new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen's offense.