Baylor football faces stiffest test to date vs. Oklahoma State to remain unbeaten

Baylor football travels to Stillwater to take on Oklahoma State in hopes of remaining among the Big 12’s undefeated. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Baylor Bears and Oklahoma State Cowboys are two programs that are heading in two completely different directions. The undefeated Bears are tied for first place in the Big 12.

With both Texas and Oklahoma both on the schedule, the possibilities are endless for the Bears. The Cowboys have lost two of their last three, and need a home win to stay in the conversation for the Big 12.

Last week it took 352 yards passing from Charlie Brewer and two overtimes to defeat a pesky Texas Tech squad. The Pokes suffered their second loss in the state of Texas when they gave up 45 points to that same Texas Tech squad on Oct. 5.

Head coach Mike Gundy has had time to get his team ready for this one, so we’ll see how the Cowboys fare hosting the Bears.

Here’s more information about the game:

Date: Saturday Oct. 19
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: Stillwater, Okla.
Venue: Boone Pickens Stadium
TV: FOX
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go

Keys to Victory

Oklahoma State has to play better defensively. They’ve given up 65 points in their two losses. Both Sam Ehlinger and Jett Duffey had big days in those losses as well. Both quarterbacks combined for almost 700 yards and eight touchdowns in those losses. They haven’t gotten pressure on opposing quarterbacks very much this season and have struggled against the Big 12’s best.

Their Cowboys’ quarterback, Spencer Sanders hasn’t played well in his last three games either. Sanders has thrown seven interceptions his last three games, and has only 98 rushing yards on 33 carries in his last two games. Hopefully the bye week is the medicine they’ve needed.

The Bears have found themselves playing in and winning close games this season. Three of their wins have been by one possession. Either they’re tough in tight games, or can’t put average teams away. It’s a matter of perspective on that one. Charlie Brewer has been fantastic this season, but did throw three interceptions in his last game.

The Bears need to get their run game going as a complement to Brewer’s passing to keep the Cowboys’ offense off the field if they want to pull off the road win.

Prediction

The Pokes have had an extra week to prep for the Bears, and still have arguably the best trio in the conference. The Bears didn’t play well against Texas Tech, but found a way to win. The matchup to watch is in the trenches. If the Cowboys can’t stop the Bears’ pass rush, it’s going to be a long day in Stillwater for the Cowboys. The big question for this one is, “Can the Bears score enough to hide from the Cowboys?” This one’s tough, but the Pokes are at home off a bye week.

Final Score: Oklahoma State 27, Baylor 24