The Cincinnati Bearcats are heading into this weekend’s Big 12 matchup with a clear advantage and Vegas knows it. Laying a hefty 21.5-point spread, Cincinnati enters as the biggest favorite they've been in a conference game since joining the Big 12, and for good reason.
On paper and on the field, the Bearcats have looked every bit the contender this season. Sitting at 5-1 overall and undefeated in conference play (3-0), they’ve shown consistency, explosiveness, and grit. Oklahoma State, on the other hand, is facing the opposite fate. The Cowboys are 1-5 overall and winless in the Big 12 at 0-3, with their season quickly spiraling downward.
There’s more than just standings and records driving this week’s storyline, there’s revenge. The last time these two teams met, Oklahoma State ran away with a lopsided 45-13 victory. Cincinnati defensive lineman Dontay Corleone hasn’t forgotten.
"“That 45-13 loss still hurts,” Corleone said earlier this week. “We need to have a shutout, or a statement win on Saturday.”"Dontay Corleone
It’s clear the Bearcats aren’t treating this as just another conference game. This one’s personal. That added motivation should have Cincinnati playing with intensity from the opening snap, eliminating any potential for a letdown spot against a faltering Oklahoma State squad.
The numbers support the storyline. Oklahoma State has failed to cover in five of their six games this season (1-5 ATS) and has looked worse with each passing week. Cincinnati, meanwhile, is trending upward and seems poised to not only win, but cover the largest spread they’ve faced in a Big 12 matchup.
Fun fact: Oklahoma State has played 17 Big 12 games to date and has gone just 3-14 in that stretch, a concerning stat that could signal a long-term decline in Stillwater.
With history, momentum, and motivation all pointing one way, this game could quickly turn into a statement win for the Bearcats. Don’t be surprised if Cincinnati not only covers the 21.5-point spread but dominates wire to wire.