This is Oklahoma State's 11th straight bowl trip behind Mike Gundy a former Cowboys quarterback. He received good new that quarterback Mason Rudolph and Justin Hill will be returning for a team that ranked 17th nationally in points scored. This past month was a lot of extra time to practice and prepare with his veteran group. On the flip sode, this is the Buffs' first bowl game since 2007! They've had a tremendous season and finished 10-3 against the number, but dropped their last two against the spread. They were trounced in the PAC-12 Championship game by Washington. Their offense that was averaging 32.8 points per game was held to 10 points. It seemed like COL pounded the weaker teams and struggled with the elite ones. Its the kids and HC first visit to a Bowl game and are inexperienced.
Oklahoma State has a solid defense and made 13 interceptions on the season. I believe Mason Rudolph will be the x-factor for the Cowboys. If he plays up to his standards, the Cowboys should win outright.