Baylor’s Dismantling of Oklahoma and What It Means For the Big 12

Last week, I wrote an article about Baylor’s Big 12 race with Texas.  One of the biggest threats to Baylors undefeated streak at the time was Oklahoma.  Well, we now know how Baylor handles threats.  By picking them apart.

Oklahoma came into this game as legit contenders.  They were ranked No. 10 in the nation and were coming off back-to-back wins against Texas Tech and and Kansas, both of whom are solid football squads.  However, none of that mattered thanks to Bryce Petty who put up five touchdowns in this game, 3 passing and two rushing.

It was an ugly game all around.  Petty was sacked three teams.  He only completed 50 percent of his passes.  Penalties galore hurt both teams.  And while Baylor’s defense proved it was nothing to be scoffed at, Petty was undoubtedly the deciding factor in this game.

Baylor was without its two best running backs due to injury and Petty stepped up to try and make a rushing attack happen.  He may have been sacked a trio of times and his rush numbers may not have been anything to write home about, but he extended plays and picked up two rushing touchdowns, the only rushing TDs in the game.  In fact credit has to be handed to Petty for all five of Baylor’s touchdowns.

The Heisman talk for Petty has begun. He went from a 25/1 underdog to win the Heisman to an 8/1 favorite. Jameis Winston, Florida State QB, leads the pack still with 1/5 odds at winning the coveted trophy.

Being a realist, I would like that talk to slow down as Baylor still has a rocky road ahead, facing Texas Tech and Texas, the other undefeated team in the Big 12, over the next three weeks.  They have, however, proven they are the real deal by beating Oklahoma, a 7-2 team in their own right.

Texas will try to keep it undefeated streak alive against West Virginia today in order to keep pace with Baylor.  Texas are the six point favorites to win.