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Oklahoma football can’t overlook Baylor in crucial Week 5 bout

By Matthew Workman

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners walks off the field after the game against the Army Black Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Black Knights 28-21 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners walks off the field after the game against the Army Black Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Black Knights 28-21 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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Oklahoma football is coming off an overtime win versus Army looks to get another conference win against Baylor.

Oklahoma had a close call last against Army but eventually came out with the victory in Week 4. The Sooners only had possession of the ball for 15 minutes during the entire contest to Army’s 45 minutes, and they hope to change that against Baylor.

Kyler Murray was 11-of-15 for 165 yards passing and he also threw three touchdowns and one interception. The Sooners will be looking to get another conference win against Baylor on Saturday.

Baylor had a bounce-back game against Kansas after their loss to Duke in Week 3. The Bears held Kansas scoreless in the first half and only allowed seven points on the day. Baylor won’t be running the triple-option although it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Oklahoma will be facing a more spread out offense with dynamic playmakers at wide receiver. The Sooners’ defense has had a rough time recently but they have been playing very will in 2018. Linebacker Kenneth Murray collected an incredible 28 tackles against Army but Oklahoma shouldn’t need him to be that productive against Baylor.

Here is how  you can watch Saturday Oklahoma vs. Baylor game.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 29
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Norman, Okla.
Venue: Memorial Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: Watch ESPN or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

Baylor has struggled against the run this season and Oklahoma should give them heavy doses of Trey Sermon. Kyler Murray should also be used in run game and he could gash the Baylor defense.

On the defensive side Oklahoma has to limit big plays by Baylor receivers Denzel Mims and Jalen Hurd. Baylor struggles to run the ball and their offensive line is a work in progress so if Oklahoma can take away the passing game it could be a long day for the Bears.

Baylor will have to establish the run some way. The Bears can use Charlie Brewer in running game to keep defense honest and open up passing lanes. They can make this game interesting if it can get the passing game going against the Oklahoma defense.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of OddsShark

Line: Oklahoma -23.5
Over/under: 69

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Prediction

Even the biggest Baylor fan will tell you their chances of winning this game isn’t great. Oklahoma has been cruising along all season and even in a rough game they came out on top. Even so, I expect this game to be closer that it looks on paper. Baylor played the Sooners close last year and this Baylor team is better.

That being said, I expect Sooners to jump out front and Baylor to fight back in first half to keep it close with an 24-13 Sooner lead at halftime. In the second half Oklahoma pulls away but Baylor adds some scores late.

Final Score: Baylor 31, Oklahoma 42

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