Game Balls: Best performances on Offense and Defense against Baylor

Once again, the Oklahoma State offense was clicking very well on Saturday and a lot of points were scored. In other words, the grass is green. There were many standout performances by multiple individuals against the winless Baylor Bears. It made for tough decisions, but here’s who receives game balls from the 59-16 victory in conference play.

Offensive Game Ball: Mason Rudolph

Let’s be real, did you expect anything different? The senior quarterback completed 19 out of 31 passes for 459 and 3 TDs. He also rushed for 11 yards and another score. Other notable performances include RB Justice Hill who surpassed 100 yards on the ground (117) and recorded a touchdown, and WR James Washington; he only had 6 catches, but they resulted in 235 yards (39.2 avg) and a touchdown.

The offensive unit went nuclear on the Bears secondary. Rudolph averaged just under 15 yards per completion, and had an overall QB Rating of 97.3. All three of his passing touchdowns came from at least 25 yards out, with his longest going to James Washington for 68 yards at the 6:24 mark in the third quarter. Honestly, the game ball could go to a number of guys, but Rudolph is the top man this week.

Defensive Game Ball: Justin Phillips

Handing out defensive game balls can be difficult because often times players have very similar statistics and the impact they have on the corresponding game is often interpreted in different ways by different people. This week’s star standout is junior linebacker Justin Phillips. He led the team in three categories: solo tackles (5; 6 total), sacks (1), and tackles for loss (2.5).

As a unit, the Cowboys forced the Bears to throw 2 INTs, and recorded 6 total tackles for loss. Phillips forced a fumble by sacking Baylor QB Zach Smith in the first quarter; the Bears’ starting signal caller had an overall QB rating of just 3.2 (!!!). The Cowboys also picked off two passes in the fourth quarter. Both Gyasi Akem and Thabo Mwaniki pulled in interceptions. Only 16 points were allowed and 3 turnovers were forced, but that will be taken with a grain of salt considering Baylor has still yet to win a game.