In the 42nd matchup between the Big 12 foes, the Oklahoma State Cowboys got the best of the Baylor Bears, winning 36-25. The Bears started the game in the lead by a field goal following the opening drive, but the Cowboys took the lead shortly after and never looked back. Although Oklahoma State stayed in control the entire game, it was a competitive and fairly even game overall.
Baylor finished with more yards (457 to 370), which was mainly done thanks to QB Blake Shapen, as he threw for 345 yards on 28 of 40 passes thrown with 2 TDs and 2 INTs as well. Although RB Richard Reese found himself on the wrong end of the stick in some of the game’s most impactful plays (shown later), he added in a balanced rushing attack, as he finished with 85 yards and a TD on 17 rushes.
Even though Oklahoma State finished with fewer yards, a big x-factor was their ability to put points on the board through defense (safety) and special teams (kick return TD). These plays helped cement the Cowboys’ lead, allowing them to play their game offensively, which is through the former 4-star QB and dual-threat Spencer Sanders. Sanders’ ability with his legs proved to be a factor in the Cowboys winning the game.
Turning Point in the Game
I was tempted to put the kick return (shown later) as the turning point but that was more so an addition to momentum following the true turning point when Oklahoma State’s defense made a stand in their own territory.
With the score being 9-3 in the middle of the 2nd quarter, Baylor had a chance at taking the lead, marching down the field from their own 29-yard line to the Oklahoma State 7. On 4th on 1, RB Richard Reese wasn’t able to make it past the sticks, unable to convert the first down deep in Cowboys territory.
This was a huge turning point in momentum, as Oklahoma State was able to maintain their lead and created a bigger gap two drives later at the end of the half. This was also a big statement for their defense, as they held strong for three downs after being faced with a 2nd and 3.
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BIG TIME STOP ?@CowboyFB denies the 4th down conversion ? pic.twitter.com/aDP3c8LjUn
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 1, 2022
Oklahoma State Game Ball
QB Spencer Sanders
Sanders did his job in the air, finishing for 181 yards 1 TD and 1 INT on 20/29 passes thrown, which isn’t necessarily spectacular but considering his ability to run and provide balance, he did what he needed to do. The QB finished with 75 yards and a TD on 14 carries on the ground.
THIS GAME IS INSANE
WHAT A PLAY FOR OKLAHOMA STpic.twitter.com/rGUKKjRX3T
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) October 1, 2022
Baylor Game Ball
WR Monaray Baldwin
A breakout game for the sophomore, finishing with 174 yards on 7 receptions and 2 long TDs. Baldwin had the play of the game for the Bears, taking a 70-yard reception to the house.
MONARAY BALDWIN HIT THE TURBO?
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 1, 2022
Game thoughts & Notes
There are a few plays that impacted the game that haven’t been shown, specifically the safety and kick return touchdown.
- Early in the 2nd quarter, the Cowboys pinned the Bears on their own two-yard line, which they then capitalized, as a swarm of Cowboys met Richard Reese in the end zone. The safety made the game 9-3, giving Oklahoma State momentum.
SAFETY
What a play by the @CowboyFB defense ??
(Sponsored by @Allstate #CFBisMayhem) pic.twitter.com/ATgcszOyMI
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 1, 2022
- Up 16-3 to start the 2nd half, return man Jaden Nixon took matters into his own hands and returned the kickoff for 98 yards. Nixon made the game 23-3, which later proved to be essential in serving as a cushion for Baylor’s two consecutive TDs directly after.
? KICK RETURN TOUCHDOWN ?
Jaden Nixon to the HOUSE for @CowboyFB ? pic.twitter.com/plJCdl8nNh
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 1, 2022
What it Means for Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State gets their first quality win of the season which is a good way to start Big 12 play. The Cowboys should be able to add to their 4-0 start, as their next three matchups are against the 3 Texas schools (Texas Tech, TCU, and Texas).
What it Means for Baylor
After a strong 12-2 season in 2021, dropping to 3-2 the following year is never a good feeling. The Bears still have a good chance to make a run in the Big 12, with their defining games later on in the season against Oklahoma and Kansas State. Prior to those matchups, Baylor will more than likely be able to climb to 6-2, as they are slated to face West Virginia, Kansas, and Texas Tech.
