Oklahoma at Cincinnati Prediction - College Football Picks 9/23/23

• The Sooners have played through three backs, with sophomore RB Jovantae Barnes leading the way with 68 yards and a score on 13 touches versus the Golden Hurricane.

• Michigan transfer Andrew Anthony has become Gabriel’s favorite target early, catching seven passes in the SMU win, before going for 112 yards in the Tulsa victory last weekend. Anthony leads OU in receptions (14) and receiving yards (254).

• Freshman wideout Nic Anderson burst onto the scene with 120 yards and three touchdown catches in the win over Tulsa.

• The OU defense has allowed 9.3 ppg. 

Cincinnati Bearcats Preview

Cincinnati comes in at 2-1 after losing to Miami (OH) at home by a touchdown,  31-24. The Bearcats led the RedHawks stick around too long last week, and after falling to their in-state rivals at home, they’ll attempt to regroup in their first taste of Big 12 action. The Cincinnati offense is scoring 39.0 ppg, while passing for 286.0 ypg, rushing for 239.3 ypg, and converting 51.1% of their third downs.

Cincy Player Notes

• Emory Jones did not look like a veteran college quarterback last weekend, only going 18/34, while tossing a pair of costly interceptions in the loss to Miami. Jones did managed to gain 101 yards on the ground, but his inability to move the needle thru the air led to last week’s loss, and he’ll need to bring his A-game here against OU. Jones has passed for 735 yards with seven touchdowns to three interceptions, and he’s added 144 yards and three scores on the ground thru three starts. scored twice on the ground thru two games. 

• Junior back Corey Kiner leads the team in rushing yards (289), after surpassing the 100-yard mark in the first two contests, but veteran RB led the way with 104 yards on 20 carries last weekend. 

• The former Florida Gator connection of Jones and Xzavier Henderson was on full display again last weekend, with the senior wideout posting a 12-catch, 140-yard outing. Henderson leads Cincinnati in receptions (20) and receiving yards (299). 

• The Cincy defense is allowing 21.6 points per game.

Oklahoma vs Cincinnati Trends

• Oklahoma is 2-1 against the spread, with a 2-1 O/U record. 

• Cincinnati is 2-1 ATS, with a 2-1 over/under record.

• Oklahoma has hit the Game Total Over in 8 of their last 13 games.

• Cincinnati has hit the Game Total Over in 5 of their last 7 games at home

Corey’s Free Pick

Cincinnati will begin their time in the Big 12 on the heels of an embarrassing Victory Bell loss to Miami with a stiff test against Oklahoma this weekend. The Bearcats went into Pittsburgh and picked up a victory prior to the unexpected loss, and I believe they’ll come out a bit sharper here in their home opener. As good as Oklahoma may look, this will mark their first Power Five matchup, and they struggled defensively on the road last season. Cincy’s ground game and defense has a chance to keep them in this game at home, and they should come in with plenty of motivation after falling to an in-state rival. I do think Oklahoma wins this ball game, but let’s spot Cincinnati the two touchdowns here at home. Give the Over a look as well, as Oklahoma may be capable of handling the heavy duty.