Oklahoma Sooners vs Mississippi State Bulldogs Predictions

Injuries cloud a short spread

Oklahoma is a 2.5-point road favorite and -135 on the moneyline, while Mississippi State is +2.5 and +114. Sooners Wire (syndicated by AOL) reports that Oklahoma offensive linemen Michael Fasusi and Heath Ozaeta are questionable, while offensive linemen Eddy Pierre-Louis and Ryan Fodje are out. Those absences make it harder to justify laying points or paying -135.

Mississippi State has the more important unresolved injury. The Mississippi Clarion Ledger (syndicated by Yahoo Sports) reports that quarterback Kamario Taylor remains questionable after missing the Bulldogs' 31-0 loss at LSU. Running back Fluff Bothwell is available after also missing that game, but Taylor's status makes Mississippi State difficult to back before kickoff.

Recent results offer no clear side

Mississippi State enters at 4-2 overall and 2-2 in the SEC, compared with Oklahoma's 3-3 overall and 1-2 conference record. The Sooners, however, lost 21-13 to Kentucky while committing four turnovers in their previous game. Mississippi State's better record supports the home underdog, but neither team's latest performance provides a sound basis for a wager.

Prediction

Oklahoma is the likelier winner because the SPF market favors the Sooners, but its offensive absences make the road price unattractive. Taylor's uncertain availability rules out a confident Mississippi State play. Pass on the side and moneyline.