Can Oklahoma State's dynamic defensive front win battle against Baylor's stout O-line?
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Oklahoma State finally gets its chance for redemption. The ninth-ranked Cowboys travel to No. 16-ranked Baylor at 2:30 p.m. Saturday looking to pull off a huge road victory after falling to the Bears in last year’s Big 12 title game.
Here are three players to watch, two big questions and one wild prediction:
3 players to watch in OSU at Baylor
➤ Linebacker Mason Cobb: Through four games, the Baylor offense’s statistics are not exactly eye-popping. But the Bears have shown an ability to run the ball, primarily with true freshman Richard Reese, who has 315 yards and six touchdowns. That adds importance to Cobb’s ability to get to the football. He leads the Cowboys with 24 tackles. If he can get to Reese and Co. in support of the dynamic defensive front, the Cowboys’ defense could be in line for a big day.
➤ Quarterback Spencer Sanders: There is perhaps no more important player in this game than OSU’s dual-threat leader. Last year’s struggles against Baylor are well documented — primarily the seven interceptions in two games. But through three games, this appears to be the best version of Sanders we’ve seen. Since that four-pick day against Baylor in December, he’s actually been phenomenal, a trend that if it continues Saturday will carry OSU.
➤ Offensive lineman Preston Wilson: A year ago, Wilson was primarily playing right tackle for the Cowboys. Now, the redshirt junior has converted to center, which means he gets to primarily deal with big defensive tackle Siaki Ika. Baylor’s force in the middle of the defensive front was a huge problem in December, wrecking OSU’s attack with his ability to push back the line. Wilson is no pushover, though. If he holds strong, the Cowboys’ run game could find some much-needed holes.
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2 big questions in OSU at Baylor
➤ Who wins the battle? OSU’s defensive line or Baylor’s offensive line? Strength on strength. OSU has perhaps the best defensive line in the Big 12 and even the country. Baylor’s offensive line is arguably the best in the conference. The Cowboys have 10 sacks through three games, while Baylor has allowed just eight in four games. Baylor averages 206.8 rushing yards per game, while OSU has allowed 111.3 rushing yards per game. As much as the focus will be on Sanders and Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen, the game will likely be won right here.
➤ Can OSU take down a top-20 opponent on the road? The Cowboys have not beaten an opponent ranked in the AP's top 20 on the road since Bedlam in 2014, falling five times since. But against No. 21-25 opponents on the road, the Cowboys are 4-1. In reality, it’s an oddity. OSU is 15-6 against top-25 teams in the past 21 games. And this team is built to win anywhere, much like last season.
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1 wild prediction in OSU at Baylor
➤ Shapen throws more interceptions than Sanders. Each quarterback has thrown just one interception to start the season. Shapen is coming off a performance against the Cowboys that featured 17 straight completions at one point. But don’t expect OSU to sit back and let that happen again. The pass rush will cause havoc, leading to a big day for the secondary.
Jacob Unruh, Staff writer
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football: Cowboys' defensive line faces test vs. Baylor
