The Baylor Bears play host to the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday afternoon in a crucial Big 12 matchup from McLane Stadium. These two last met in the Big 12 Championship last fall, with the Bears coming away with the win in dramatic fashion in the final seconds. The Cowboys are unbeaten this season as they hit the road for this one, while the Bears are coming in fresh off a win in their own Big 12 opener. This has been an even series over the years, with Baylor having a slight edge, winning six of the last ten matchups between the two teams. In what is expected to be a close one again, this is a matchup fans won't want to miss.
After losing in the Big 12 Championship last season, Oklahoma State will want nothing more than to avenge that loss and open up Big 12 play with a win in this one. The Cowboys are undefeated on the season but considering the lack of quality in their opponents, Saturday will be their first test. Having to o on the road to Waco to take on their first quality opponent is far from ideal, while the Cowboys know that grabbing the win is crucial towards making a return trip to the conference finale. Oklahoma State has performed well on the road over the last few seasons and the hope is that can be the case yet again in this one.
There are two injuries for Oklahoma State to keep an eye on as they hit the weekend. Jaden Bray (arm) is probable for the weekend, which will mark his first appearance of the season. He'll be a much-needed addition, especially with Blaine Green (wrist) questionable for the weekend at receiver. 3;
All in the details ?#DAT | #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/bVCPzoR9DV
— OSU Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) September 27, 2022
Oklahoma State has one of football's best offenses and with the amount of experience building within this group over the last few years, it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that they can score points in a hurry. The Cowboys rank eighth nationally in total offense and ninth in passing yards per game, while ranked tops nationally in scoring. The lack of a running game shouldn't be a concern given all the talent at their disposal. Spencer Sanders (10 touchdowns) is elite under center and given the talent at wide receiver, Baylor could have trouble keeping pace.
Defensively, the Cowboys will want to focus on stopping the run and if they can keep Baylor from controlling the game on the ground, they'll have a chance in this one. One issue this season has been Oklahoma State's inability to force turnovers, though Baylor has been struggling to take care of the ball. Mason Cobb (24 tackles, 2 sacks) is the leader in the middle of the field and with an athletic secondary, winning in the air is a key for this group.