Superlatives from Baylor-Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State fell to the Bears on the road on Saturday night, but there were bright spots and some positive takeaways from the game on Saturday. Here are the winners and losers from Saturday’s contest:

Winners

The running game. Oklahoma State’s gameplan was to own the time of possession and keep their defense off the field. And they executed with great success, holding the ball for 41 minutes to Baylor’s 18 minutes. They rushed for more yards per carry than the Bears and rushed for more total yardage with 213 on the ground — the Cowboys highest total for the season.

Losers

The defensive coaching staff. OSU’s gameplan to own time of possession was masterfully executed, but OSU’s defense, although on the field just over 18 minutes, gave up big play after big play even with the rest. Of the 65 total plays for Baylor’s offense, the Bears had NINE of those go for 23 + yards, per Berry Trammel. That’s a losing recipe on the road in a tough environment no matter how good your offense plays.

Offensive MVP

Justice Hill. The Pokes rode true freshman Hill to a season high 20 carries, and he returned the favor with 122 yards on 6.1 yards per carry. He had two costly turnovers; one that was the dagger in OSU’s momentum as they nearly took the lead late in the game. But with his performance on Saturday, he appears to have taken over the starting job — he just has to take care of the football.

Defensive MVP

The entire defensive line. For as much as Baylor is known for passing the ball (like they did on Saturday), the defensive line held their own on the ground and looked stout in run defense. Baylor had 37 rushes for just 136 yards and limited the big plays as they stuffed the middle all day with Vincent Taylor, Mote Maile, and Cole Walterscheid showing out and living in the backfield.

Best quote

“I can pat you on the butt and tell you good job and you guys played good against a team that’s ranked and so-and-so. That’s not the way I feel.” – Mike Gundy

Best vine

Was there ever a doubt?

When you hit every stoplight green on the way to work. https://t.co/hcZiZZBSKZ

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) September 25, 2016