NOTE: If you’re looking for
the 2015 Week 12 matchup between these teams, please go here: Baylor
vs. Okie State Preview.
No. 4 Baylor Bears (9-0 SU, 8-1 ATS) vs. No. 10 Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-1 SU, 7-3 ATS)
College Football Week 13
Date and Time: Saturday November 23rd, 2013. 8:00PM Eastern
Where: Boone Pickens Stadium Stillwater, O.K.
TV: ABC
by Jay, Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: BU -10/OSU +10
Over/Under Total: 78
Big 12 Championship implications will be on the line in Stillwater this
Saturday when the 4th ranked Baylor Bears take their undefeated
campaign into Boone Pickens Stadium for a showdown with the 10th ranked
Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Bears are among 4 remaining
unbeaten major programs in college football but Oklahoma State at 9-1 SU
could overtake the Bears in the Big 12 race with an upset at home this Saturday
where the Cowboys have won 16 of their last 17 games.
Despite their stout resume inside Boone Pickens Stadium, Oklahoma State will enter this Saturday’s match-up as a double digit underdog for the first time since 2005 and only the 2nd time in the Mike Gundy era. However the reasons may be justifiable if you look at the insane numbers Baylor has posted thus far. The Bears offense is on pace to shatter the FBS team record in total offense currently held by the 1989 Houston team with 629 yards per game. Baylor has averaged 684 yards and 61.2 points per game which ranks 1st in the FBS in both categories. To put things in perspective, that is 100 more yards and 10 more points per game than the dynamic Oregon offense that gets most of the offensive hype around the nation.
Personally I believe quarterback Bryce Petty should be getting more of the Heisman Trophy buzz. Petty has been flawless completing 65% passing for 2,992 yards with 24 touchdowns and just 1 interception. Outside of the elite passing attack that averages 378 yards per game through the air (3rd in FBS), the Bears also having a silly running game averaging 300.3 yards per game (9th in the FBS). While the numbers are ridiculous, they are more impressive considering the injuries the offense has overcome this season. Coach Art Briles has dealt with the losses of receiver Tevin Reese, tailback Glasco Martin, and most recently OL Spencer Drango. Additionally running back Lache Seastrunk is questionable this Saturday with a groin injury. Seastrunk is the leading rusher on the team with more than 800 yards and 11 scores. Tailback Shock Linwood has shared the rushing duties with Seastrunk and nearly mirrored his accomplishments with 812 yards and 8 scores. However many still wonder if those injuries will start taking a toll on the offense?
If the injuries do not slow Baylor’s offense down perhaps Oklahoma State’s defense can contribute towards the cause. After all the Cowboys defense has been rather impressive holding opponents to just 19 points per game (14th in FBS). Of course reality still tells you that Baylor is going to get their share of points, hopefully it’s not another 40-50 plus if you are an OSU fan. Still, the Cowboys offense is going to need a big number to pull off the upset. Quarterback Clint Chelf has played relatively well in the last two wins over Kansas and Texas. Additionally the running attack has been strong all season averaging 171 yards per game. Tailbacks Desmond Roland and Jeremy Smith have combined for 19 of the Cowboys’ 28 rushing touchdowns this season. Those 28 touchdowns are the 15th best mark in the FBS and 2nd in the Big 12 behind Baylor. Oklahoma State could really benefit from a strong running game to offset the number of snaps the Baylor offense has this Saturday.
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: This game features a ton of offensive talent but I believe everyone is forgetting the talent on the other side of the ball. Baylor has the 7th best scoring defense in college football holding opponents to just 17 points per game and Oklahoma State nearly as strong holding opponents to just 19 points per game. Therefore the 78 seems a bit high. Don’t get me wrong there will be plenty of scoring. I just don’t think it will be more than 78. As far as the side is concerned, I believe Baylor is too tough on both sides of the ball. They win this one just like all their others this year, BIG! Take Baylor -10 and the under.
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