College Preview: Baylor Bears vs. No. 22 Oklahoma State Cowboys

Courtesy of Baylor Football

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The Baylor Bears are slated to play the No. 22 Oklahoma State Cowboys in the season finale for the Bears in Waco. Here's what you need to know about Baylor's de facto bowl game. 

Records: Baylor (2-6, 2-6), Oklahoma State (6-3, 5-3)
When: 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12
Where: McLane Stadium in Waco
How to Watch: ESPN or WatchESPN
Odds: Baylor -4.5, O/U 49

Baylor-Oklahoma State Preview

Baylor has a big-time matchup against a ranked opponent to close the year as No. 22 Oklahoma State travels to McLane Stadium in a rescheduled matchup at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. 

The Bears have struggled for much of the season, but the last four performances have been encouraging. Baylor only went 1-3 over the stretch, but played Iowa State and Texas Tech to a combined eight points and held Oklahoma to its worst offensive performance of the Lincoln Riley era. However, offense has remained an issue even through this final stretch. 

Oklahoma State projected as one of the best teams in the country, but the Cowboys have struggled to get results. Since beating Iowa State on Oct. 24, Oklahoma State is 2-3 with one-score victories over struggling Texas Tech and Kansas State spots. Most recently, the Cowboys lost by a touchdown to TCU in Fort Worth and even lost by four touchdowns to Oklahoma. 

When these teams faced off last season, the undefeated Bears went on the road and decimated the Cowboys in a 45-27 victory. Charlie Brewer went over the top of the defense and threw for 312 yards and a touchdown on just 17 pass attempts. The Bears also won the turnover battle 3-1. 

For Baylor to win the game, the Bears will have to play a steady game and force Oklahoma State into mistakes. We saw what Dave Aranda's defense can do against potent offenses last week against Oklahoma, but Baylor has to give its offense extra opportunities and good field position to have a chance to win the game. A win would be a huge step in the right direction. 

Click here for Texas Football staff picks

Players to Watch

Baylor: Bears cornerback Raleigh Texada's numbers don't jump off the page, but Texada ranks among the most consistent and technically sound performers in Texas. He'll have a tough test against Tylan Wallace. 

Oklahoma State: Defensive back Tre Sterling plays at every level of the defense, leading the Cowboys' vaunted defense with both 9.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. 

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