POKING THE BEAR
OKLAHOMA STATE WILL TRY TO HAND BAYLOR ITS FIRST LOSS
Keys for Baylor
Limit mistakes: The Bears escaped in overtime against Texas Tech despite three interceptions from former Lake Travis quarterback Charlie Brewer. Baylor’s offense can’t overcome those same mistakes on the road against an Oklahoma State offense that can grind out an opposing defense. Baylor needs to take care of the football, value possession and force Oklahoma State’s offense to march down the field. Turnovers also get a home crowd roaring.
Tackle in space: Oklahoma State likes to run the football and use the short passing game to create opportunities for its playmakers in space. Baylor needs to rely on fundamentals and keep the Cowboys from gaining yards after contact. Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders is young and prone to mistakes when forced into third-andlong situations. Tackling on first and second down will help Baylor create those opportunities.
Keys for Oklahoma State
Wear down the Bears: Baylor showed a lack of depth in close wins against Iowa State and Texas Tech. The Bears suffered a blow to the defense with star linebacker Clay Johnston out for the year with a knee injury. Oklahoma State likes to run the football. Expect a heavy load of Chuba Hubbard when the Cowboys are on offense. It’ll pay off in a close game come the fourth quarter because Baylor is a recruiting class away from a true two-deep on defense.
Feed off the crowd: Both of Oklahoma State’s losses came on the road. The Cowboys are fresh after a bye week and the crowd should be hunger from a strong performance. Forcing an early turnover or scoring a touchdown on the opening drive shifts momentum towards Oklahoma State. Baylor coach Matt Rhule doesn’t lose when his team leads in the fourth quarter, so Mike Gundy’s squad must start fast.
Prediction
Oklahoma State 34, Baylor 28: The Cowboys are a field goal favorite at home despite Baylor’s perfect record. The loss of Clay Johnston at linebacker is disastrous for an already thin Baylor defense. Oklahoma State was afforded a week to regroup after a loss to Texas Tech, while Baylor was in dog fights in two of the past three games. Oklahoma State’s run game and explosiveness on offense is enough to beat the undefeated Bears.