Temple vs Oklahoma Player Props & Best Bets: Burks Makes Big Impact in Sooners Debut

Prop bet #1: Jackson Arnold Over 2.5 touchdown passes

-110 at DraftKings

This is uncomfortable to ever say, and certainly before a game has even been played, but the Temple Owls might have the worst defense in the country. It certainly has one of the five or 10 worst. More than anything else, that is the reason the Oklahoma Sooners are favored by six touchdowns.

The Sooners know they have a strong defense. They need to prove their offense. They need to prove it to themselves and to future SEC opponents.

Enter quarterback Jackson Arnold, guilty of four turnovers in Oklahoma’s Alamo Bowl loss to Arizona. Good news for the sophomore: The Owls forced the fewest turnovers in the FBS last season.

That should create a cushion for Arnold to be a bit aggressive tonight, and that is something the Sooners need to see. That aggression should expose a blown coverage at least once, creating some value in the Over on this touchdown prop.

Prop bet #2: Deion Burks first touchdown scorer

+475 at DraftKings

Deion Burks has the second-shortest odds in this market, behind Oklahoma running back Gavin Sawchuk. For most of the season, Sawchuk should probably be given that deference. Well, that is, if Oklahoma’s entirely rebuilt offensive line holds up in SEC play. (Sidenote: Take a minute and go look at the Sooners’ conference schedule. Their debut SEC season was done no favors, ending vs. Alabama and at LSU, plus trips to Auburn, Mississippi, and Missouri.)

But betting on Burks to reach the goal line first tonight is a bet against Temple’s secondary. Opponents could gash it for big plays last season, and now the Owls are devoting more personnel to the line than the second-level, switching to a 4-3 scheme.

A Purdue transfer, Burks should collect catches by volume tonight. If he slips loose on one of them — be it a missed tackle, a blown coverage, or a genuinely good offensive play — the end zone should be awaiting.

It would most likely take a methodical drive for Sawchuk to score first, and against Temple, a methodical drive will be unnecessary.

Prop bet #3: Jalil Farooq anytime touchdown

-125 at DraftKings

Full disclosure: This is, in part, an entertainment prop. Jalil Farooq is Oklahoma’s kickoff returner, and while he will not get many chances at that given Temple may struggle to score more than once tonight, having a reason to watch the subsequent kickoff(s) could be enjoyable. He averaged 22.5 yards per return last season, almost always giving that moment of thought, “Hey, if he finds a lane here …”

But more sincerely, Farooq is one of Arnold’s most proven receivers. He caught 45 passes for 694 yards last season, pulling in seven touchdown passes across the last two seasons. On an offense returning exactly two starters, trusting in one of them to make a mark is only logical.

Ideally, this prop would be a bit north of even money, but sportsbooks are surprisingly reticent to offer player props heading into this weekend, limiting chances to shop around in this market.