Chris vs. Zach: Grading the Over/Unders from OSU’s Win Over UT Martin
STILLWATER – Before kickoff, Zach Lancaster set the lines on five Over/Unders for the opener (read Zach’s article here). I went on record with my predictions, and now that the Cowboys took care of UT Martin, 27-7, it’s time to grade how I stacked up.
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Passing – 250 yards | Chris: UNDER (✅ Correct)
I figured the staff would keep things pretty tame before Oregon, and I had the Cowboys landing around 200–230 yards. They finished with 232 and one touchdown between Hejny and Flores. Right in the zone.
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Rushing – 150 yards | Chris: OVER (❌ Missed)
This one burned me. Neither Trent Howland nor Rodney Fields Jr. got a carry, leaving Kalib Hicks (21 for 56) and Sesi Valiahi (9 for 32) to grind it out. OSU ended at 127 yards on 42 attempts. Committee or not, that’s not good enough — and even Gundy admitted as much in his postgame with Robert on the radio.
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Tackles for Loss – 5 | Chris: OVER (✅ Correct)
The new defense showed up. Nine TFLs, with Jaleel Johnson (2.5) and Bryan McCoy Jr. (1.5) leading the charge, proved this unit is as aggressive as advertised.
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Turnovers – 2 | Chris: PUSH (❌ Missed)
I said two. The defense grabbed just one — Kale Smith’s interception — and dropped at least two more. If it hits you in the hands, you’ve got to come down with it.
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Field Goals – 3 | Chris: UNDER (✅ Correct)
No complaints here. Logan Ward went 2-for-2, including a 42-yarder. Reliable, efficient, and no need for more.
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Final Scorecard: 3/5 Correct
• Passing: ✅
• Rushing: ❌
• TFLs: ✅
• Turnovers: ❌
• Field Goals: ✅
The pass game and defense looked solid, special teams steady, but the run game and missed turnover chances stand out. And when the head coach is echoing the same concerns on-air, you know it’s not just nitpicking.
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So what do you think — did you side more with Zach’s lines or my picks? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the Over/Under game rolling all season.
