The Big 12 is just getting started. With a majority of the teams in the conference having a heavy second-half of the season schedule, the next few weeks will shape whether or not any of the team's get into the College Football Playoffs. Already sparks are happening as Oklahoma handed Baylor their first loss of the season. Now the team must bounce back on the road and face the undefeated Oklahoma State Cowboys who knocked off TCU.
Right now the Cowboys have the best chance of seeing the playoffs as they rank No.4 in the standings. However, the Bears cannot be counted out right now considering their one loss is to another top-ranked team. Baylor got the best of Oklahoma State last year, but now the Cowboys are seeking some revenge as they aim to remain undefeated heading into a big matchup with their in-state rivals next week.
This matchup will rest on the shoulders of Jarrett Stidham who took over for Seth Russell after a season-ending injury, but facing the Cowboys will be a tough task. He simply did not have enough to beat the Sooners last week as they fell 44-34 in their first loss. Stidham is doing all that he can. The quarterback is averaging 11.44 averages per pass attempt while Corey Coleman leads the league in touchdown catches. The Bears could also really take advantage of their run game with Shock Linwood who is averaging 6.3 yards per carry while putting up 292.2 rushing yards per game. He could be the x-factor in this matchup.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys continue to ride the success of Mason Rudolph who has been thriving over his past four games. He is throwing for an average of 317.3 yards per game in that time frame while tossing nine touchdowns for just one interception. He is the center piece of the offense which is looking to improve off last year when the quarterback tossed two critical interceptions. The Cowboys know that if they win out, they are into the playoffs this season. However, a loss to Baylor could knock them out as well. It is unclear if a one-loss Big 12 team stands a chance in the postseason. The Cowboys control their own fate.
