Four Downs: Why Oklahoma State's Jason Taylor II will play a key role vs. Baylor
WACO, Texas — Oklahoma State hits the road for the first time this season, and it’s for what could be one of the biggest games of the year.
The ninth-ranked Cowboys visit 16th-ranked Baylor for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff Saturday at McLane Stadium, pitting the opponents from last year’s Big 12 Championship Game against each other in what serves as OSU’s conference opener.
Baylor began conference play with a win over Iowa State last week, but the Pokes have had plenty of time to prepare, with a game against FCS-level Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sept. 17 followed by an open week.
Here’s a look at some intriguing aspects of the game in this week’s edition of Four Downs:
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First Down: Cowboy in the Crosshairs
Safety Jason Taylor II: Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen picked apart the Cowboy secondary in the first half of the Big 12 title game last year, and a big part of that was throwing to the tight ends. Taylor will regularly find himself in coverage on Ben Sims, who is one of the top tight ends in the conference. Limiting Shapen’s comfortable throws will be key, especially early, so Taylor will have a chance to make a quick impact.
Tramel:Baylor's Siaki Ika is a difference-making nose guard. Can Oklahoma State stop him?
Second Down: Matchup that Matters
OSU center Preston Wilson vs. Baylor nose guard Siaki Ika: Ika might be the most impactful defensive player in the Big 12, because of what he can do to eliminate the inside run game and push blockers into the backfield. In last year’s regular-season matchup, OSU had Danny Godlevske blocking the big man — Ika checks in at 6-foot-4 and 358 pounds. OSU ran the ball fairly well that day, with Jaylen Warren passing the century mark. Godlevske was injured for the Big 12 title game, leaving backup Joe Michalski to man the middle. OSU struggled running anywhere, but especially between the tackles. Now, Wilson, who was at right tackle last season, will get his shot.
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Third Down: Number to Know
9: That’s the home winning streak on the line for Baylor, nine straight games, including victories over OU, Texas and Iowa State last year. You know what that means? The last team to walk into McLane as a visitor and walk out a winner was Oklahoma State in December of 2020, via 42-3 decision. But that was a rare Waco win for the Pokes. In fact it’s their only win there since 2010.
Fourth Down: Uni-Guess
Black-White-Black: With Baylor going gold — as in, the entire uniform, plus the crowd — OSU should counter that with as much black as possible. Obviously, the white jersey is required, but a matte black helmet and black pants would look good opposite the gold-out.
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football: Jason Taylor II will play key role vs. Baylor
