Big 12 Power Rankings: Baylor, Kansas, and Oklahoma State All have Big Weekends

Nov 16, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback

(10) and fulback

(9) celebrate after a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns during the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

2. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Record: 9-1 (6-1)

Previous Ranking: 3

Last Week: OSU 38, Texas 13

This Week: vs #4 Baylor

Next Week: Bye

Oklahoma State passed round one of the three-week, three-round knockout schedule, but will they be able to survive round two?

Baylor comes into Stillwater undefeated, battle tested, and a near 10-point favorite on the road. Take that as an insult to OSU or as a confirmation of Baylor being very good. Either way, Saturday is not shaping up as a game that favors the Cowboys.

In the last two weeks Baylor has defeated Oklahoma at home and Texas Tech in Dallas. Each time they been punch hard early and responded by blowing out their opponent. After being down 20-7 in the first quarter to Tech, Baylor went on a 56-14 run to end the game. Does OSU have the offensive fire power and defense to ground Baylor?

K-State has played Baylor the best of any team so far this season, using the option running game to limit Baylor’s possessions and sending an aggressive pass rush. Baylor is going to score points, there’s no question about this, but limiting their opportunities to score and ending long drives with points is the key to staying with Baylor.

If OSU can limit those possessions and force Bryce Petty into a few mistakes, OSU can pull this game out at home. But saying these things is far easier than accomplishing them. OSU may need to hope for snow and a few breaks to win this one.