The Oklahoma Sooners are set to square off against Baylor in the most important Big 12 game of the season to this point as both teams' hopes of the making the College Football Playoff are on the line. Here are three reasons why Oklahoma will knock off the Bears in Waco on Saturday:
3) Explosive offense against Baylor's suspect defense
Oklahoma's offense ranks sixth in the country in total offense and third in scoring offense as they've absolutely shredded every one they've faced. Baylor's defense has been the Bears' downfall over the past few years, and since they haven't played a team with a winning record this season, we really don't know how improved this unit is - if they're improved at all. Either way, expect the Sooners to be able to move the ball up and down the field with ease in this one.
2) Improved defense
Oklahoma's defense has been amazingly impressive ever since they lost to Texas, giving up just 12.5 points per game over the last four games. This game will obviously be a shootout with two top-five offenses, but the talent the Sooners have on the defensive side of the ball - led by Zack Sanchez, Eric Striker, and Charles Tapper - to confuse and limit Baylor freshmen quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who is making his second career start.
1) Baker Mayfield's greatness
Mayfield, the former Texas Tech QB, has surpassed nearly all expectations placed on him this season. He looks like a completely different QB from the one who suited up for the Red Raiders in 2013, and that QB was still pretty good. Mayfield is completing 67 percent of his passes for 2,812 yards, 28 TDs and just four interceptions. He's also proven to be a dual-threat, racking up 225 yards and five TDs on the ground.
Mayfield may not get the hype that TCU QB Trevone Boykin gets, but he's every bit as good. Expect him to have a Heisman moment while leading the Sooners to a victory in Waco.
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