Staff Predictions: Oklahoma State vs. Baylor

Welcome to the first installment of our weekly staff picks! The Cowboys have a golden opportunity in front of them, and if they can pull out a win tonight, it would put them in the driver’s seat early in Big 12 play. That is easier said than done.

Check out what makes us confident, and nervous, in our picks below.

Cade Webb:

Analysts love to dish out cliches like, “this game will be won in the trenches.” For this game, I think it applies. While I think that a lot more will be at play here, if Oklahoma State can contain the Baylor run with just their front six or seven (depending on the package), then it should allow OSU to lock down in the secondary with an extra man. If Baylor is running the ball well, and the Cowboys are forced to put an extra man in the box, it won’t end well. I like OSU’s chances, though, against a very inexperienced offensive line for Baylor. Give me Oklahoma State to win in a nail-biter. 45-41, Cowboys.

Kyle Cox:

The Cowboys win after the defense forces two fumbles and an interception. The running backs continue to operate by committee with Justice Hill having a big game this week. 105 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears storm back after an early two touchdown deficit but it's not enough. 45-36, Cowboys.

Christopher Snodgress:

Seth Russell's passing yardage has increased each game this season, and that continues this week as he eclipses 350 yards, including 150+ to KD Cannon. The Pokes will find some running room against the Bears, but the offense will still be heavily dependent on the passing game. Baylor will pressure Rudolph all day and play soft coverage. Mason plays a decent game, but doesn't quite keep up with Russell and the Cowboys don't quite keep up with the Bears. 51-41, Baylor.

Dustin Ragusa:

I think Glenn Spencer draws something up to get Seth Russell rattled early. This causes Baylor to get off to another slow start and the Cowboys get up early. Baylor ends up finding their rhythm late, but the Cowboys hold them off. Another big day for Rudolph and Washington. 41-38, Cowboys.

Phillip Slavin:

I don't think this will be the high scoring affair we expect. Baylor's lines are young and we already know the problems with our O-Line. If it's raining, it's going to be all about the ground game and the short and intermediate throws. That worries me for OSU. I want to pick an OSU win, I really do. But I think Baylor, at home, in a stadium they've only lost twice in, in the first game of the season that matters for them, gets it done. 34-27, Baylor.

Garett Bechdolt:

In this game, I think we'll finally see the effects of Baylor's recent off the field issues and the departure of Art Briles. Everyone is expecting for the Cowboys to get in a few big plays offensively, but I think they can make some on the defensive side in this game as well. I haven't been thoroughly impressed by Baylor's offense thus far, but then again they have the athletes to be special. This is gonna be a fun one. 37-31, Cowboys.