Keys to the Game: Baylor Looks to Establish Run Early versus Oklahoma State

While last Saturday was fun from Baylor’s perspective, it’s time to see if the Bears can carry that momentum into this week against Oklahoma State. The Bears have been absolutely awful at McLane Stadium in Big 12 play over the past few seasons, with their last victory coming back on Oct. 22, 2022, against Kansas 35-23.

The Pokes aren’t a good football team, but Baylor is in no position to take anybody for granted. Here are this week’s keys to the game for Baylor to defeat Oklahoma State.

1: Establish the Run Early 

Baylor has struggled to run the ball consistently for over a year now, but when Bryson Washington (RFr.) is available, that seems to make life easier for everyone. Washington has been working his way back from a brutal hit that he suffered against Iowa State, and he made a statement with just 10 carries for 100-plus yards last week in Lubbock.

The offensive line continues improving, but that’s still a major work in progress. Oklahoma State’s defense has been completely depleted by injuries, and teams have had much success running on the Pokes. If Baylor can force Oklahoma State to focus on stopping the run, that opens things up again for Sawyer Robertson (RJr.) to pick apart their secondary.

2: Make Alan Bowman Beat You

Coming into the season, many Oklahoma State fans were confident in Alan Bowman's (7Sr.) ability to lead the charge with all of his experience, but it turns out that maybe if you’re still trying to play quarterback in college for a seventh year, you have no future in the NFL. Bowman has clearly not progressed and was ultimately benched last week before reclaiming the starting job by default, with Garret Rangel (RSo.) breaking his collarbone against BYU.

With Bowman at the helm, Oklahoma State ranks 69th nationally in total offense, 32nd in passing offense and 83rd in turnovers lost. Through seven games this season, Bowman had thrown for 13 touchdowns with nine interceptions and a QBR of 132.57.

3: Be the More Physical Team

Baylor’s defense wasn’t perfect against Texas Tech, but they did play with some aggression. Oklahoma State prides itself on physicality, so the Bears must up the ante this week and be the more physical program.

The Pokes will heavily rely on Ollie Gordon (Jr.) to carry them to a victory, but Gordon’s health has been a concern as of late. Baylor has to lay the wood on Gordon early and often to test how ready he is to compete for all four quarters of action. If Gordon can’t bang with Baylor, the Bears should have no problem beating Oklahoma State.

Conclusion:

If Baylor comes out and lays an egg this week, then all of the goodwill they built up last week in Lubbock was all for nothing. The Bears have no room for error down the stretch if they want to become bowl-eligible, and they owe it to their fans to prove that they can win meaningful games at McLane Stadium. 

I picked Baylor to win, 35-24, but anything can happen in the Big 12. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+. Be sure to tune into the 365 Sports pregame show from 9-10:30 a.m. on YouTube and KWTX.