Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Baylor Bears: Complete Game Preview

Both Oklahoma State and Baylor are coming off close overtime games that showcased how exciting the Big 12 can be.

Baylor was able to beat Texas Tech and improve to 6-5, but Oklahoma State lost to the Oklahoma Sooners, dropping their record to 7-4.

With both teams now bowl-eligible, this game could have big bowl implications. Look for quite the fireworks show in Waco. 

Game-Day Information

Who: Oklahoma State at Baylor

When: Saturday, December 1 at 11 a.m., CST

Where: Waco, TX

Stadium: Floyd Casey Stadium (50,000 cap.)

Series History: Oklahoma State, 18-12

TV: FX

Radio: Cowboy Radio Network (Dave Hunziker, John Holcomb and Robert Allen) 

Internet: okstate.com

Satellite Radio: Sirius Ch. 92, XM Ch. 190

What Happened to Oklahoma State Last Week

Oklahoma State led the Oklahoma Sooners throughout the entire contest last Saturday, but was unable to hang on in overtime, as Brennan Clay ran in the decisive touchdown to put OU on top.

OK State didn't get the victory, but it played very well on the road. 

Sure, the Cowboys gave up 500 yards to OU passer Landry Jones, but this was never going to be a top 10 defense.

The defense did force two turnovers, and Joseph Randle was absolutely dominant rushing the ball. Quarterback Clint Chelf wasn't bad either, with over 300 total yards and a score.

Obviously, there's no such thing as a moral victory, and the Cowboys will long look at this as a game they let slip away.

However, they did show that they have the skills to compete with the best teams in the Big 12, and they will hopefully take some positives away from a very exciting contest.

What Happened to Baylor Last Week

Baylor was able to overcome some special teams mishaps and pick up a much-needed win against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Outside of the three missed field goals, Baylor played well across the board.

Nick Florence torched Texas Tech's defense for 396 yards and three TDs, while running backs Lache Seastrunk and Glasco Martin both had around 100 yards rushing.

Martin also added two scores, one of which decided the game in OT, but the offense didn't do all the heavy lifting.

The Baylor defense forced four total turnovers and Eddie Lackey returned one of his two interceptions for a 55-yard score.

It will interesting to see if the Bears can keep up the hot streak they've been on since upsetting the Kansas State Wildcats.

What the Game Means for Both Teams

As the regular season nears its end, the biggest implication in almost every contest will be teams trying to improve their bowl standing or become bowl-eligible.

This game is no different as each team is now bowl-eligible and is looking to make themselves more attractive to the various organizations that send out bowl invites.

With Texas' loss to TCU last week, Oklahoma State finds itself with a decent shot of getting an invite to the Cotton Bowl.

Baylor is currently projected to go to the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. It's unlikely that the Bears will improve much with a win here, but that doesn't mean they won't show up for this game.

Key Player for Baylor

Nick Florence

As stated earlier, Florence demolished Texas Tech's secondary last week and has really become quite the quarterback for Baylor over the 2012 season.

Florence isn't going to make people forget about Robert Griffin III and his Heisman campaign in 2011 anytime soon, but he can get the job done.

If he and Terrence Williams can take advantage of a less-than-stellar Oklahoma State secondary, they could put up some big-time numbers.

Key Player for Oklahoma State

Todd Monken

Considering that Todd Monken is Oklahoma State's offensive coordinator, this one might be a bit of a stretch, but stick with me here.

In the past few weeks, Monken has really opened up the Cowboys' playbook.

He's thrown pretty much every gadget play you think of out there. Multiple reverses and a huge flea-flicker bomb for a score against Texas Tech. A pass from running back Joseph Randle to quarterback Clint Chelf for a long gainer against Oklahoma.

The list goes on and on. 

Monken's creativity and willingness to draw up those kinds of plays have the players excited and eager to compete.

That will be very important coming off the loss to Oklahoma.

Oklahoma State is sure to be downtrodden after such a close loss to a bitter rival, and getting the young men up for another game so soon will be easier if they're excited about the playbook.

Game Prediction

This is sure to be another Big 12 score-fest and could easily come down to which team has the ball last.

Turnovers will obviously be a big key here and, while Oklahoma State hasn't been as good in that category this season as in 2011, I think the Cowboys will be able to win that battle.

Of course, given the crazy nature of the Big 12, along with the quality of teams top to bottom, it wouldn't surprise anyone if either team picked up the victory here.

Look for this contest to near the 100s in total points scored.

Oklahoma State 52, Baylor 45