In the Web: What "They" are saying about Baylor in Week 5
Saturday will mark the third meeting between No. 16 Baylor (3-1) and No. 9 Oklahoma State (3-0) in the calendar year, with each team claiming a victory. The battle of Top-25 foes could have major implications on who returns to AT&T Stadium to compete for the Big 12 Championship.
The Bears and Pokes are one of five games featuring ranked opponents this weekend.
When these two programs met last with the Big 12 title on the line, it ended in arguably the greatest play in Baylor football history. Early this week, 247Sports analyst Josh Pate discussed where he was at when the “McPlay” went down.
Saturday’s game should garner national attention and will provide an opportunity for two of the cornerstone programs of the new look Big 12 to put the conference on their backs. At the moment, Baylor sits in second place and Oklahoma State sits in fifth place of the conference standings.
Last week in Ames against Iowa State, Baylor was able to put the narrative of not being able to win a true road game to rest with a 34-24 victory over the Cyclones. Quarterback Blake Shapen looked completely in control of the offense, as he finished the night 19-26 for 238-yards and 3TD.
His performance against the Cyclones put him in the mix for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.
When the betting lines opened for this week’s slate of games across the college football landscape, the Bears were -1. As of Friday morning however, the line moved to -2.5.
As we put together our staff predictions this week, I went with Baylor 34-24. Here is a look at how analysts from across the country see this game shaking out.
Athlon Sports:
Final Analysis: We've seen two different versions of Baylor this year. A similar showing to BYU on offense this week will put Baylor at the mercy of Sanders, who is looking to atone for the dismal effort the last time these teams met. OSU’s QB is excelling in 2022 by spreading the ball around to receivers like Braydon Johnson and Brennan Presley. Meanwhile, junior Dominic Richardson has stepped into the role of featured running back, rushing for an average of five yards per attempt. Stylistically, Baylor's methodical offense seems to be at a disadvantage against an OSU defense that is prone to giving up explosive plays. The Bears need to find chances on early downs to generate big gains through the air against the Pokes, who are thriving in running situations. Forcing Baylor to play against type that way probably works in favor of the Cowboys. Prediction: Oklahoma State 28, Baylor 24
CBS Sports:
Oklahoma State has won the last two regular-season matchups between these two teams, but the Cowboys have not been tested in 2022 since losing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Ohio State. The Bears have maintained their impressive defensive performance and showed real upside in the passing game in a win over Iowa State. Home field advantage carries the day. Prediction: Baylor -2.5
College Football News:
Can this be half as entertaining as the epic 2021 Big 12 Championship thriller? Maybe. Oklahoma State will come out surging with a few good, strong drives, but the Baylor defense that’s been fantastic in the red zone so far will hold firm and not let the game get too crazy. Turnovers won’t be an issue for either side, but consistently keeping things moving will be. At home, the Baylor defense will keep Spencer Sanders from getting comfortable, and Shapen will dink and dunk the offense to a tough, big win. Baylor 26, Oklahoma State 23.
Pro Football Focus
Matchup to watch: Baylor’s offensive line vs. Oklahoma State’s defensive line. Prediction: Baylor 28, Oklahoma State 27. Baylor takes this game in what should be a nail-biter and emerges as the new favorite in a wide-open Big 12 to this point.
As always, get the latest on Baylor Football from SicEm365.com and tune into our pregame show on the 365 Sports YouTube Channel or KWTX on local television in Central Texas!
