The Baylor Bears emerged victorious in their first big test of the season against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, 35-24. The Bears effectively set themselves apart as the front runner in the Big 12 right now. The game was close the entire way, and was never really controlled by either team. However, the Bears had a better game statistically. The Cowboys managed 492 total yards on offense, compared to 523 for the Bears. Furthermore, the Cowboys also had four turnovers, compared to two for the Bears. While it did not seem like Baylor was in control for most of the game, they way able to pull away and take control near the end of the fourth quarter. Let’s take a look at what we learned from Baylor’s win over Oklahoma State in week four.
What We Learned from Baylor’s Win Over Oklahoma State
Ishmael Zamora Could Play a Huge Role in Baylor’s Success
Wide receiver Ishmael Zamora made his return from a three game suspension, for beating his dog, against Oklahoma State on Saturday. He had a sensational game statistically, as he led the Bears in receiving with 175 yards and two touchdowns. The well-known number one receiver for Baylor, K.D. Cannon ended up exiting the game with a muscle strain, according to the Dallas Morning News. That injury could make Zamora’s role even bigger with the team right now. Considering their losses at receiver from last season also (Corey Coleman and Jay Lee), Baylor can use as many receivers as they can find. Other receivers such as Chris Pratt (114 yards and two touchdowns receiving) and Blake Lynch should also be expected to step up in a big way.
Baylor’s Defense Looks Improved Under Jim Grobe
The Bears gave up 396.5 yards and 28.3 points per game last season. Furthermore, the Oklahoma State offense is no joke when it comes to total offense. They held the Cowboys to 24 points, compared to 35 last season. The Bears also forced four turnovers out of the Cowboys. Those turnovers came at crucial times during the game as well. The Cowboys fumbled the ball twice inside Baylor’s five yard line. Turnovers did play one of the largest roles in Baylor’s success on Saturday. But, an improved defense could make a huge difference in the success of Baylor for this entire season.
Huge Mistakes Cost Oklahoma State Again
The Cowboys have lost two games this season because of big mistakes at crucial times in those games. The first loss, against Central Michigan, can partly be blamed on the referees who gave the Chippewas an untimed down that should’ve never happened. However, two fumbles inside Baylor’s five yard line cost Oklahoma State dearly on Saturday. The Cowboys fumbled the ball three times total during the game. Oklahoma State running back Justice Hill had a good game overall, but his two fumbles were the difference maker in the game. Hill had 122 yards and a touchdown.
Mason Rudolph Looks Like an NFL Quarterback
Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph had literally almost half the game statistically on Saturday compared to week three against Pitt, when he passed for 540 yards. He had 279 yards passing with no touchdowns and one interception. However, he made some throws that looked better than he has ever thrown before. Rudolph was hitting wide receivers Jhajuan Seales and Jalen McCleskey on out routes, slant routes, and corner routes, that were thrown well and perfectly timed. He also showed a new level of development in his athleticism. He ended up tallying 30 rushing yards on the game, including a 25 yard run on a third and long. Furthermore, the only interception he threw came on a jump ball he had to throw to James Washington with only a few minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. If he continues developing the way he has this year, he could end up being even a first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Coming Up Next
The Cowboys will take on the Texas Longhorns on Saturday, October 8th, at 11 a.m. central time. The game will be at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater.
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