Big 12 Title Rematch: Baylor Bears vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Staff Predictions
It's finally here. Baylor vs. Oklahoma State.
The game is a rematch of last season’s Big 12 Championship game, one that saw the Bears win in the final seconds and led to the Bears’ first title game victory. After that game, the Bears went on to beat Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl, and Oklahoma State went on to beat Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl, giving the Big 12 two New Year’s Day Six bowl victories.
Now, it's back to building a path to the 2022 Big 12 title game, and both the Bears and Cowboys are contenders. What does the Inside the Bears staff think? Their predictions are below.
Matt Galatzan, Editor in Chief: Oklahoma State will be out for revenge against Baylor after last year's Big 12 title game. That said, both of these teams are vastly different from last year's iterations. Not to mention, these two teams could not be more different in terms of style. The Cowboys are an elite and high-flying passing offense with a suspect defense. The Bears are a ground-and-pound, physical and defensive-minded team. So which style wins out? Well, if the stats tell the story, Oklahoma State's strength on offense (passing) is Baylor's weakness on defense. I think that gives the Cowboys the edge. Oklahoma State 31, Baylor 27
Logan Collier, Staff Writer: The Bears caught a tough break in Week 2 with their loss to BYU, but they’ve recovered and are back on track. Baylor and head coach Dave Aranda still boast one of the best lineman units in the conference on both side of the ball. Baylor makes its move with a victory over the Cowboys. Baylor 31, Oklahoma State 27
Matthew Postins, Staff Writer: Shame on the Big 12 schedule makers for putting this game so early in the Big 12 slate because it could heavily influence who gets into the Big 12 Championship game. Of course, last year, Oklahoma State won this game in Stillwater and they ended up meeting in Arlington anyway, with Baylor winning the Big 12 title game. I wouldn’t say they’re the odds-on favorites to return, but they’re certainly prime contenders. I think Baylor will win by a field goal, but the loss in no way hurts OSU’s chances of getting back to the title game in December. It just reduces the Cowboys’ margin of error. Baylor 33, Oklahoma State 30
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer: In the game of the week, Baylor has a chance to take control of the Big 12. Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders have been efficient, but he tossed seven of his 12 interceptions last season against the Bears. The Bears take the lead in the conference in front of a packed McLane Stadium. Baylor 41, Oklahoma State 30
Connor Zimmerlee, Staff Writer: A rematch of last season’s Big 12 title game could make for a possible revenge game for Oklahoma State. However, Baylor wins this one, too, and continues its path towards a second straight conference title. Baylor 35, Oklahoma State 28.
Denton Ramsey, Staff Writer: The Bears and Cowboys meet again in a rematch of last year's Big 12 title game on Saturday afternoon in Waco. This game will likely come down to the wire once again, but coach Dave Aranda and Baylor will pull off a big win at McLane Stadium once the final buzzer sounds. Baylor 31, Oklahoma State 28.
Drake C. Toll, Staff Writer/Locked On Baylor Host: Spencer Sanders is bad against Baylor. In my book, Sanders is guilty of that until proven innocent. The Bears will stop the run and force him to throw. That's not a good thing for the Cowboys. Baylor 31, Oklahoma State 21
Zach Dimmitt, Staff Writer: Oklahoma State is coming off an open week while the Bears got an impressive road win over the Iowa State Cyclones that showed they’re still ready to make noise in the Big 12. Baylor gets a huge win at home. Baylor 40, OSU 32
Cameron Stuart, Staff Writer: Both teams got to the Big 12 Championship Game last year primarily because of their defenses and while the Cowboys' unit has improved since giving up 44 points to Central Michigan in Week 1, I think the Bears' defense is stronger and more mature at this stage of the season. I don't think it will be the most entertaining game we watch all weekend, but will be a Baylor victory. Baylor 24, Oklahoma State 14.
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