Oklahoma State vs Murray State picks, predictions, odds for Week 3 college football

STILLWATER — It seems Drew Mestemaker’s Heisman campaign is starting.

After OSU’s upset win against No. 6 Oregon, where Mestemaker accounted for 426 yards and three touchdowns, the quarterback appeared for interviews on SportsCenter, David Pollack’s show and even the official Heisman YouTube Channel.

An important step for Mestemaker’s bid is continuing OSU’s (1-1) momentum with a win against Murray State on Saturday (6 p.m., ESPN+) and, maybe, padding some stats. 

Murray State (1-2) is 3-43-2 all-time in games against FBS opponents, with the most recent win coming in 1984 against Louisville. In 2024, Murray State lost 48-6 against Kentucky and 51-0 against Missouri. 

The Racers allowed 28 points against Eastern Illinois in their season opener, 38 points against Middle Tennessee and 18 against Valparaiso. As a 55.5-point favorite against Murray State, this is an opportunity for Mestemaker to throw for yardage and touchdowns that may help his case for a Heisman Trophy in December. 

Here’s a look at our predictions for the game:

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What time does Oklahoma State football play Saturday? Oklahoma State vs Murray State game time

• Time: 6 p.m. CT
• Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
• Location: Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater

The Cowboys-Racers game is set for a 6 p.m. CT kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 19, from Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater.

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What channel is Oklahoma State vs Murray State on Saturday, Sept. 19? Where to watch Cowboys-Racers game

• Streaming: ESPN+ (here's how to stream it live)

Oklahoma State vs Murray State will stream live on ESPN+ in Week 3 of the 2026 college football season. James Westling (play-by-play) and Jeff Woody (analyst) will call the game from the booth at Boone Pickens Stadium.

Oklahoma State vs Murray State predictions, picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Sept. 18:

• Spread: OSU (-55.5)
• Over/under: 70.5
• Moneyline: N/A

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OSU vs. Murray State predictions

Ben Hutchens, OSU beat writer

OSU 55, Murray State 6

LIKE THEY DREW IT UP

Oklahoma State offense runs up the score on Murray State. Last year, quarterback Drew Mestemaker and Eric Morris scored more than 50 points seven times. Against an overmatched Murray State defense, the Cowboys cross that mark for the first time in the Morris era.

Joe Mussatto, columnist 

OSU 63, Murray State 10 

JOY RIDE 

This is nothing more than a tune-up game for the Cowboys before Big 12 play begins. Drew Mestemaker and Caleb Hawkins will be watching the fourth quarter from the sidelines. 

Jenni Carlson, columnist

OSU 59, Murray State 10

RACING AHEAD

The Cowboys use the Racers as a tune-up for Big 12 play. The defense continues its strong play while the offense goes more vanilla than it was against Oregon but still rolls.

Jeff Patterson, sports editor

OSU 54, Murray State 13

CRUISE CONTROL

The FCS-level Racers have a proud history with the likes of Frank Beamer and Bud Foster roaming the sidelines, but there's way too much offensive firepower from these Cowboys. Expect to meet Drew Mestemaker's and Caleb Hawkins' backups Saturday night.

Jacob Unruh, deputy sports editor

OSU 63, Murray State 13

ORANGE STATE

A fine tune-up for Big 12 play, the Cowboys' trio will be on the sideline sooner than later relaxing, which allows fans to see who is behind Drew Mestemaker on the depth chart. 

Ben Hutchens covers OSU athletics for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Ben? He can be reached at bhutchens@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @ben_hutchens_. Sign up for OSU Sports Minute newsletter to access more coverage of the Cowboys and Cowgirls. Support Ben's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State vs Murray State picks, predictions, odds for Week 3 college football

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