Final Predictions: Oklahoma State-Baylor

This week feels like it has lasted forever, but the first Big 12 game of the season is finally here. We are here with some predictions for Mason Rudolph’s return to Waco.

Kyle Porter

Player of the game: Jalen McCleskey. Thomas Fleming laid out here why McCleskey is such a threat right now, and I think he will rack up some insane numbers in Waco. Whether he gets to the end zone will determine his POG status, but I’m ready for Thunder (The Prez) and Lightning (McCleskey) to take full effect against BU.

Bold prediction: OSU will run for 5 yards per carry on Saturday. Yeah, I said it. I don’t think they’re going to run it 40 times or anything, but I do think it opens up for them on Saturday night on the Brazos.

[OSU runs for 2 yards per carry and I erase this by midnight: 2-1 odds]

Final score: Oklahoma State: 51 | Baylor: 45

I’m not totally sure why I’m picking the Pokes in this one, but I do feel like they will at least rise to the occasion and make it lively. Baylor is different than it was last year, and even though I’m not positive I trust Glenn Spencer’s side of the ball to get stops when they need them, I think the offense is going to rock in Waco.

Kyle Boone

Player of the game: Rennie Childs. The Bears are giving up a gaudy 163 rushing yards per game against SMU, Rice, and , including 234 on the ground to Rice last week. Even with the running game not being a strong suit, Oklahoma State will have their opportunities today in Waco, and Childs who had over 100 yards last week, will take advantage of the weakness.

Bold prediction: Mason Rudolph throws for 400. He had 540 last week and by many accounts didn’t even play to his full potential, missing high on the short and intermediate routes throughout the game. But the deep ball was hitting last week, and with James Washington and Jhajuan Seales coming into form, I don’t see why this week will be any different.

Final score: Oklahoma State 45, Baylor 42

I like the Pokes in this one but I think it will depend on the matchups in the trenches whether they can pull it off. I’m banking on OSU to take advantage of Baylors weakness in rush defense, and OSU’s strong defensive line to limit the Bears running game. I think we’ll be in for a shootout and another nail biter.