Betting analysis: Maine vs. Oklahoma gambling picks

It’s a welcomed return home for Oklahoma. The Sooners are set to face FCS opponent Maine in the midst of a three-game losing streak.

There’s already some tricky layers to this matchup. Kickoff has been moved up from 1:30 p.m. CT to 11 a.m. CT, inclement weather is expected in the area and Oklahoma is still working through some personnel issues from a health perspective. How will all this impact the game?

Each week here on Sooners Illustrated, we breakdown the betting angles for every Oklahoma football outing. Here’s a look at the gambling aspects of this game between OU and Maine.

Game spread: Oklahoma favored by 34.5

Analysis- Sizable spreads favoring the Sooners are nerve wracking these days considering that’d mean the offense is doing enough to actually cover the number. But last week against Ole Miss, some signs of life were shown as interim offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley took over play calling duties.

In a piece published to Sooners Illustrated earlier this week (Click here to read more), we learned that Maine might be most proud of its defensive line going in. So as long as Oklahoma is able to establish itself on the line of scrimmage, the Sooners have a shot to neutralize several other aspects of the Black Bears’ squad. Far easier said than done, of course, as we’ve seen to this point to struggle that is offensive line play at Oklahoma.

As crazy as it is to say, as long as OU shows up looking like an FBS program, this should be an easy win. And off of that, it should be an easy cover considering the caliber of opponent and nature of the game.

CK’s play- Oklahoma covers the 34.5-point spread

Confidence level- 7.2/10

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Game total: Over/under 46 combined points scored

Analysis- This is arguably the area of the game where the potential inclement weather creates an impact. Trying to get over a point total when both teams are potentially trying to deal with poor conditions, reaching the proper amount of points could quickly become a very difficult task.

That’s especially true when you consider Maine isn’t an outstanding offense to begin with. The Black Bears do not have a unit that features a firm identity or an elite trait, it’s more so a group that relies on scheme for an advantage. Trying to beat a Brent Venables defense with its caliber of personnel with scheme, in the rain, doesn’t seem like the best situation.

Then there’s the Sooners who did just run the ball well against Ole Miss, but that may have to be the go-to in this setting. Oklahoma probably isn’t too worried about lighting up the scoreboard, more concerned with getting a win, emphasizing team health and letting young players get quality reps. All this combines to paint a less than stellar picture for the over.

CK’s play- Under 46 combined points scored

Confidence level- 4.7/10