Big 12 Power Rankings: K-State Re-Establishing Themselves in Conference

Oct 19, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops on the sidelines against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Oklahoma won the game 34-19. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

3. Oklahoma Sooners

Record: 7-1 (4-1)

Previous Ranking: 4

Last Week: Bye

This Week: at #6 Baylor (Thursday night)

Next Week: vs Iowa State

Here’s Oklahoma’s chance to get right back into the Big XII title discussion with a road win over Baylor. Of course, that’ not going to be an easy thing to do.

Baylor’s most difficult game this season was on the road against Kansas State, who rushed for over 300 yards and had a lead heading into the fourth quarter. They built this lead by protecting the ball and using an option running game that forced Baylor’s defense to play smart and disciplined. The reduced possessions due to the amount of time K-State was able to eat up kept the Bears offense off the field.

Still, even with the reduced possessions, Baylor scored 35 points. They had two scoring drives that lasted less than 40 second and another that lasted 1:12. Even with the Wildcats playing against the big play, Baylor got them. Slowing down Baylor’s offense is going to see the Bears scoring 30+ points.

So can Oklahoma use Blake Bell and their running game to a) score 30+ points and b) sustain long drives? And can they do this without the benefit of a home crowd?