Inside the Match-Up: Baylor

The Baylor Bears (3-3) are coming to Stillwater this weekend for the most celebrated homecoming in the nation. After stunning the nation last week by defeating the number three ranked MU Tigers, the undefeated Pokes will look to go 7-0 for the first time since WWII. However, can the Cowboys will repeat the 45-14 massacre that took place last year? It won't be easy. The newly improved Baylor team is led by a very talented freshman quarterback in Robert Griffin. Griffin is not only a great passer (throwing 9 TD passes and 0 INTs), but he has shown great mobility and ability to run the ball (8 rushing TDs). Here is the match-up for what should be an interesting game on Saturday. 

Oklahoma State's Offense v. Baylor's Defense

Our offense was able to move the ball down field with ease last week; however, it was turnovers that ended up ruining our drives. (Zac's fumble near half, Dez's fumble) Give credit to Mizzou's defensive unit though, they are a hard-hitting unit. As for Baylor, their defense has been allowing about 135 yards rushing per game against pretty weak opponents (Iowa State, Northwestern State, Washington State). They lack depth and are very weak at the defensive end position and their linebackers have problems getting to the edge. To help the situation, our offensive line has been able to create massive holes for the run game all year, and I believe they are one of the best units in America. They shouldn't have problems continuing that trend against Baylor. I won't be surprised one bit if Gundy runs Hunter and Toston off-tackle all day long. Don't forget about Robinson either.

As for Baylor's pass defense, they have given up an average of 215 yards per game. Their secondary lacks speed and their but they have a great linebacker in Joe Pawelek. He is probably the best defensive player on their team and arguably one of the best linebackers in the Big XII. Regardless, they will have problems defending the pass if they can't penetrate our O-line and get to Robinson. Dez could have another big day.

Baylor's Offense v. Oklahoma State's Defense

Two words: Robert Griffin. He is a stud and has ridiculous amounts of talent. Not only does he have that sub 10.5 one-hundred meter speed or the record for the 400 meter hurdles, but he has a cannon. The Pokes' defense proved a lot last weak, just about ruining Daniel's Heisman resume, but they will be up to another big task in stopping Griffin. 

Pressuring Griffin will be key on Saturday. Griffin hasn't looked comfortable in the pocket all year and unlike Daniel, he wont just sit in the pocket and wait for a play to develop. He looks a lot more comfortable when he is able to scramble and move out of the pocket. If our DEs create pressure from the outside and keep Griffin contained in the pocket, he could have problems. Hopefully we can contain Griffin as well as Iowa State did last week, when Griffin had -15 rushing yards...