UL Lafayette @ Oklahoma State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 3, 2011 ) UL Lafayette 34, Oklahoma State 61

It is hard to imagine two weeks being more different from one another than those experienced by Oklahoma State to start the season. After whipping an overmatched Savannah State squad 84-0, the Cowboys gave up 501 yards in a 59-38 loss at Arizona last week. Oklahoma State leads the nation in several offensive categories, but will need to find its defense and discipline (the Cowboys committed 15 penalties for a school-record 167 yards last week) before the Big 12 slate begins, beginning with Saturday's home game against Louisiana-Lafayette. Oklahoma State owns an 8-0 series advantage over the Ragin' Cajuns, which is 11-3 since a season-opening loss to the Cowboys in 2011.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, FSN. LINE: Oklahoma State -21

ABOUT LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE (2-0): The Rajin' Cajuns have forced seven turnovers through the first two games. They've had just one giveaway of their own, ranking second nationally in turnover margin. In addition, coach Mark Hudspeth's team has yet to allow a sack and ranks sixth in the nation in rushing defense, allowing 49 yards per game.

ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (1-1): The 21-point loss in Arizona was an odd one. The Cowboys had 636 total yards, the 13th-highest output in school history, and held a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter. It was only the second time the program has had a 400-yard passer, a 100-yard rusher and two 100-yard receivers in the same game. However, the penalties and four turnovers were too much to overcome and Oklahoma State fell in regulation for the first time since Nov. 27, 2010. Freshman Wes Lunt threw for 436 yards in his first road start, including 317 in the second half.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Rajin' Cajuns allowed Troy quarterback Corey Robinson to throw for a school-record 485 yards last week.

2. After this contest, the Cowboys will play only once in the next 27 days. They have a week off on either side of a meeting with Texas on Sept. 29.

3. Oklahoma State has won seven straight games at home, its longest streak since 1984-85.

PREDICTION: Oklahoma State 38, Louisiana-Lafayette 20