MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The MetroNews staff predictions for No. 13 West Virginia hosting No. 6 Oklahoma. Note that the Sooners opened as 1-point favorites and the line has grown to 3:
Allan Taylor’s pick
Win, and WVU goes bounding off to the Big 12 championship game. Lose, and there’s barely a 1-percent chance of a backdoor berth (provided Texas loses to Kansas and Iowa State falls to K-State). Oklahoma can big-play defenses to death or bleed them with crisp short-game execution. The Sooners’ D is bound to keep things interesting, though. Give me the over at 84 and OU to win its 20th consecutive road game. Oklahoma 49, West Virginia 42
Hoppy Kercheval’s pick
The Sooners have dominated the Mountaineers by an average of 22 points over the past four seasons. OU ranks No. 1 in the nation in offense averaging 194 more yards than their opponents, while WVU is No. 11. If the Mountaineers can give up over 600 yards to Oklahoma State, why should we expect them to hold the Sooners under 700? I’m afraid not. Oklahoma 52, West Virginia 44
Brad Howe’s pick
The Sooners have averaged 57.5 points per game during the last two meetings, and this year’s version of the OU offense may be even better. WVU should be able to score plenty against an Oklahoma defense that seems to be getting worse. But it won’t be enough to get the win against Kyler Murray and one of the best offenses in the nation. Oklahoma 52, West Virginia 48
Goose Gyorko’s pick
Oklahoma is the poster child for the perception of the Big 12 over the past decade. Its offense might be the best in college football. It has a Heisman-caliber QB, an experienced offensive line and skilled play-makers. It also might boast the worst defense in the Power 5. But can Tony Gibson’s defense can get enough stop, and can WVU’s offense avoid stopping itself with penalties, drops and redzone ineptitude? Oklahoma 52, West Virginia 42
Kyle Wiggs’ pick
The Oklahoma offense is the best in the country by a wide margin. The Sooners have scored 71 touchdowns while averaging 576 yards per game and 8.8 yards per play. OU can outscore its mistakes on defense as the Sooners are the first team in college football history to win three consecutive games in which they’ve allowed 40 points or more. They’ll stay en route to their fourth straight conference championship. Oklahoma 55, West Virginia 48