WACO, Texas — Oklahoma State finally found a consistent offensive presence, but couldn’t pull off a victory last week at BYU.
Baylor had an offensive explosion in a rout of Texas Tech.
Neither team has been all that great defensively, but a couple key stops might be the biggest influence on the final score when the Cowboys and Bears meet at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at McLane Stadium, broadcast by ESPN+.
Here’s a look at the matchup breakdown:
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When Oklahoma State runs the ball
This week, the question is less about whether Oklahoma State can run the ball. The Pokes finally showed their capabilities against BYU. The bigger question is, how often will Alan Bowman run the ball? The run game got off to a good start because of the boost provided by the quarterback run game — primarily Garret Rangel before his injury, but also Bowman afterward. So maybe Bowman gets some opportunities to run, but the Cowboys also have to protect him with only true freshmen behind him, led by Maealiuaki Smith as the backup.
When Oklahoma State throws the ball
Obviously, with Bowman back in the saddle, this is an area fans will be watching intently. Bowman was solid last week, completing 11 of 19 passes for 81 yards with a touchdown and an interception. But in the three weeks prior, he had barely completed half his passes with four touchdowns and six interceptions. The Cowboys don’t need him to be a star. They just need him not to give the ball away.
When Baylor runs the ball
The Bears haven’t been frighteningly good on the ground, but OSU hasn’t done much to stop anybody with its run defense. Baylor rushed for 255 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries in the 59-35 win over Texas Tech last week, so it’s enough to make OSU nervous. Additionally, quarterback Sawyer Robertson isn’t afraid to take off and run the ball.
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When Baylor throws the ball
Robertson, a redshirt junior, is coming off perhaps his most efficient game, completing 65.6% of his passes for 274 yards with five touchdowns. He has a 14-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio this season, and the Cowboys could be without multiple defensive backs. OSU coach Mike Gundy did not offer specifics on either starting safety, Trey Rucker or Dylan Smith, who both missed last week’s game. And Cameron Epps suffered a torn ACL late in the BYU game, so the depth is waning.
