Saturday’s Oklahoma vs Baylor game should be a blowout, on paper, but here’s everything you need to know for the Week 4 Big 12 battle.
One of the more interesting games of Week 4 will be Oklahoma vs Baylor. The Sooners should be heavy favorites in this one as Baylor has yet to win a game this season. Oklahoma, on the other hand, has been putting the beatdown on opponents. In fact, the Sooners are averaging 47 points per game and only giving up 12.
Baker Mayfield is playing like a Heisman frontrunner as well. The senior quarterback has led the Sooners to a road win over Ohio State and he made it look relatively easy. He’s completing about 75 percent of his passes for 1,046 yards and 10 touchdowns. Expect him to have another big game.
The run game isn’t quite at the same level it was a year ago with Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon, but Abdul Adams leads the way — he has talent.
Baylor, on the other hand, started Arizona-transfer Anu Solomon under center to start the year, but first-year head coach Matt Rhule has since gone with Seth Russell. The latter had a forgettable performance in a Duke loss last week but will he bounce back?
Chris Platt has been the lone bright spot on offense with 11 catches for 308 yards and four touchdown receptions, but John Lovett could alleviate some of the pressure in the run game.
Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Oklahoma vs Baylor game:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Waco, Texas
Venue: McLane Stadium
TV: FOX Sports 1
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go
Keys to Victory
Just keep doing what you’ve been doing, Oklahoma. Let Baker Mayfield torch the Bears’ lackluster defense through the air and, while you’re at it, establish a run game. Abdul Adams could use some tuning up before conference play gets tougher. Also, make sure Seth Russell feels the rush all evening.
If the Bears want to have any chance at even keeping this close, they will have to force Mayfield into some uncomfortable situations. Whether that means blitzing him or locking down his receivers, they need to make sure he’s uncomfortable. However, that’s not likely. It might get ugly in Waco.
Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 3
Prediction
This one won’t even be remotely close. Oklahoma is going to pounce on Baylor early and Mayfield will finish with five touchdown passes. Adams will score a rushing touchdown and Kyler Murray will come in to throw a touchdown pass in garbage time. Sorry, Baylor, this one will be forgettable and 0-4 seems to be coming your way.
Final Score: Oklahoma 49, Baylor 17