Oklahoma State +9 2.2%
Call me crazy, but I believe Oklahoma State has the edge here in the trenches as Baylor lost everyone on their starting offensive and defensive line with the exception of one player. Baylor also off to a slow start and this offense is not quite the same as they were unable to score a 1st quarter TD against Rice and SMU (7 TD in 1Q last year against them). Baylor 5.9 yards per play so far this season averaged 7.1 a year ago and they have faced very bad defenses so far.
Oklahoma State meanwhile has 101 career starts returning on the offensive line and DT Vincent Taylor, a likely first team All Big 12 is the best defensive lineman in this game. Baylor also struggling to get any type of pressure ranking 78th in sack % against weak opponents. Mason Rudolph should have plenty of time to move the chains in this one. Rudolph has James Washington and the leagueâs second best TE in Blake Jarwin.
Many will point to Oklahoma Stateâs loss to Central Michigan out of the MAC. I will say what I have been saying all along. The Big 12 is over rated! That play was actually never supposed to happen, and I am really impressed with the way the Cowboys responded by coming back and winning against a very good Pitt team out of the ACC. Baylor simply has not been themselves, they have 34 penalties in 3 games and they lack a killer instinct and Oklahoma State could be poised for a back door cover if they get behind.
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