Baylor vs. Oklahoma State: Preview and Prediction
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Big 12 game in our Baylor vs. Oklahoma State preview and prediction.
Game Info
2:30 p.m. CST; December 12th, 2020; McLane Stadium, Waco, Texas
TV: ESPN (Clay Matvick and Rocky Boiman)
Spread: OSU (-4.5)
Fun Fact: The Bears have owned the Pokes as of late, winning the last two match ups, and six of the last seven meetings between the two teams.
Key Players
Oklahoma State Cowboys
CB Christian Holmes
In last week’s preview I mentioned how Oklahoma State struggled in the secondary the week before when lockdown corner Rodarius Williams left the game with a mild foot sprain. Well, he tried to give it a go against TCU and again had to leave the game early due to the injured foot. Again, OSU got beat for a lot of big plays through the air. I don’t know if Williams will play this week, and if he does whether he will be at full strength. Holmes is his primary back up and has to play well if needed for a big roll. Oklahoma State’s defense is built on great man coverage and pressure up front. It’s no surprise that teams starting finding success as the small injuries have forced the stellar starters to miss some time.
WR Dillon Stoner
Tylan Wallace has the nickname Superman, which is fitting because plays like a superhero every play. The problem OSU has is Superman never had a sidekick because quite frankly he didn’t need one. Tylan Wallace does. Dillion Stoner needs to be involved in the passing game more that he has been all season. Teams are rightfully shading their defenses to Wallace’s side but none of the other receivers have taken advantage. A lot of the blame falls on QB Spencer Sanders for seemingly deciding where the ball is going before the snap a lot of the time. Stoner runs the tough routes, the slants and the over the middle stuff, that receivers hate but also that defenses hate defending. There’s yards there for the taking and if not the in final game of the season, then when?
Baylor Bears
QB Charlie Brewer
TCU’s Max Duggan shredded the Cowboy defense for 265 yards in the air and 97 on the ground last weekend. Charlie Brewer is an old, wiser Duggan. The Pokes should be scared. This year has to be a let down for the senior who played in the Big 12 title game a year ago but no one is really having the season they expected in 2020. Baylor seemed to put it together defensively against the Sooners last week and if they can play even half that well this week Duggan will get plenty of chances to show what he can do. I expect a big game from gunslinger.
LB Jalen Pitre
Pitre was a wrenching ball against the Sooners. The Bears played defensively as well as anyone has against Oklahoma in a few years and Pitre in the middle of all of it. It seemed like any time there was a big hit or pressure on Spencer Rattler it was Pitre’a name you heard. Oklahoma is excellent offensively, both in protection and execution. Oklahoma State’s offense is good at neither of those things. Jalen Pitre had him a game against the Sooners and the linebacker may just feast against the Cowboys.
Key Storyline
Will this game even be played? Should it be? As I’m writing this it’s up in the air. Baylor has paused all football activities due to COVID-related issues but still plans on playing the game. So far no cancellation but they did move it from 6 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. In my gut I think it gets cancelled. I’m not sure that’s such a bad idea. Both these teams are bad. Baylor was expected to struggle with an entire coaching staff overhaul but OSU was supposed to be good before they got riddled with injuries. I’m sure new BU HC Dave Aranda would like to get as much time with his kids as he can just as I know OSU HC Mike Gundy would like to get as many reps with his suddenly young team as he can but the reality of the world we live in presently says just cancel the game. OU, WVU, UT, and KU already aren’t playing make up games this weekend due to COVID, one more won’t hurt. Let the teams lick their wounds and get ready for the bowl season, or with the way cancellations are starting to pile up, next season.
Prediction
Baylor: 31 Oklahoma State: 17
Oklahoma State’s offense is bad. They can’t run. They can’t pass. They can’t protect the quarterback. Baylor has found its stride on defense and I fully expect them to completely control the game. Oklahoma State could only manage 22 points against TCU and they forced 5 turnovers. Baylor isn’t a powerhouse offensively either but Brewer is a gamer and he’ll get plenty of possessions to feel out the Cowboys. The Poke’s defense will put up a fight but they will be on the field a lot and will eventually let a few big plays through.
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