Under
Under
Under
Push
what do we win for correct answers anyway? Pokes Report swag?
We’re continuing our game-week series here at Pokes Report called Over/Under. It’ll be five topics with an over/under associated to them. You’ll then drop your predictions in the comments below on how you think they’ll turn out.
The Cowboys are looking to end the 2022 season back in the win column and on a high note following the rough finish to the regular season, which included going 1-4. While the Cowboys don’t have a new head coach like their opponent does, the two teams are in a fairly similar situation. Both starting quarterbacks, as well as multiple starters and backups have entered the portal. Both teams struggled in conference play as well, with the Badgers finishing the season 6-6 overall and 4-5 in Big Ten play.
Be sure and drop your thoughts on how each of the categories will play out below in the comment section.
Our first Over/Under will be Garret Rangel: Over/Under two passing touchdowns.
With Spencer Sanders in the transfer portal, freshman Garret Rangel is getting the nod as the starter against the Badgers. He played in three games this season, two of which he started in (Kansas and West Virginia.) He finished the season going 45-of-84 passing, 54%, with two touchdowns through the air. Those performances came after a relatively short notice of him having to prepare as the starter. He’s had a month to prepare for this game, so can Rangel throw for at least two touchdowns?
Ollie Gordon: Over/Under 100 rushing yards.
The freshman out of Euless Trinity played in all 12 games for the Pokes this season, rushing 263 yards and two touchdowns. However, his breakout performance came in the final game of the season as he rushed for 136 yards and one touchdown against the Mountaineers. The Badgers, like the Big Ten they are, have a pretty salty rush defense, allowing just 103.2 rushing yards per game. They are, however, missing a few pieces off their front line. Can Gordon rush for at least 100 yards on Tuesday?
Oklahoma State defense: Over/Under 350 yards allowed.
This is an interesting one as both sides will be without multiple starters. The Badgers will be without their starting quarterback, Graham Mertz, while the Cowboys are missing a handful of starters, both to injury and the transfer portal. The Pokes’ backups, at times, played very well this season. Has Derek Mason and Co. had enough time to prepare the defense, and can they hold the Badgers to at most 350 yards of total offense?
Jason Taylor II: Over/Under one interception.
The human highlight reel, the human playmaker, the human ballhawk...whatever you want to call Jason Taylor II, is coming off an incredibly season, one in which he recorded 13 pass break ups and six interceptions, easily one of the most impactful players this past season for the Pokes, on either side of the ball. Can he come up with at least one more game-changing interception?
Tanner Brown: Over/Under three field goals.
Tanner Brown has been very crucial for the Cowboys the past two season, either keeping the Pokes in close ball games, or putting them over the edge on the scoreboard. Can he continue that trend and kick at least three field goals on Tuesday evening?