The Oklahoma Sooners host the Baylor Bears in a game that has a multitude of implications. The Big 12 is stacked at the top of the standings, with both the Sooners and Bears in need of a victory to gain ground on first place Kansas State.
Also, Baylor (#12) and Oklahoma (#15) are looking for statement wins in order to rise in the playoff rankings as the season heads into its final month of regular season play.
Records:
Oklahoma: 6-2 (3-2 Big 12)
Baylor: 7-1 (4-1 Big 12)
Last Meeting: Baylor won 41-12 in 2013
Oklahoma Outlook: The Sooners blew out Iowa State to get back in the win column after a one point loss to Kansas State in the game prior. Baylor represents the Sooners final tough matchup of the regular season, with games against unranked Texas Tech, Kansas and Oklahoma State to finish the year.
Still, with two losses the Sooners are in must-win mode for the rest of the season if they have any chance at rising in the Big 12 standings.
Receiver Sterling Shepard is closing in on a 1,000 yard season as he comes into this game with 50 receptions for 957 yards and five scores.
Baylor Outlook: Baylor rebounded from an upset to loss to West Virginia by blowing out Kansas, scoring 60 points in the process.
Despite the loss, Baylor still has a chance to win the Big 12 with Kansas State still looming to end the season.
Quarterback Bryce Petty continued his dominant run, throwing for 277 yards and three scores last week. That gives him 20 touchdowns and 2,034 yards on the year.
What to watch for: This game will surely come down to the offense, where both teams are expected to put up a lot of points.
The deciding factor could be the defense, where neither team has much of an advantage. Each defense will be tested by the strongest offense they've seen this year, so how well they hold up will go a long way to a victory.
What they're saying:
Without 'baby blue' jersey Blake Bell is more aggressive blocker these days (NewsOK.com)
Sooners move up in playoff rankings (Crimson & Cream Machine)
Prediction:
Baylor - 34, Oklahoma 37
The Sooners can sneak out a win here, with the edge going to the fact they get to play Baylor on the road - the Bears have scored considerably fewer points on the road than at home in their previous two road games.
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