Baylor Planning to Play vs. OSU Despite Closing Facility Due to COVID Concerns

Baylor announced Thursday it temporarily shut down its football facility but still intends to play Oklahoma State on Saturday.

The Bears and Cowboys are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET at McLane Stadium in Waco, Texas.

Two Big 12 games (West Virginia vs. Oklahoma and Kansas vs. Texas) have already been postponed for COVID-19-related reasons.

Dylan Buckingham of KFOR in Oklahoma City reported that some within Oklahoma State have "serious doubt" about playing its final regular-season game due to the situation at Baylor.

In September, the Big 12 laid out its minimum roster requirements for a team to step onto the field. At least 53 players need to be available. That group also must include seven offensive linemen, four defensive linemen and one quarterback.

The outcome of Baylor vs. Oklahoma State wouldn't have any implications in the Big 12 title race since Iowa State and Oklahoma have secured the top two places in the conference. The teams will face off Dec. 19 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Should Baylor fall below the 53-player limit, it would finish the regular season with a 2-6 record. The NCAA Division I Council waived the bowl eligibility standards for this year, but the Bears likely won't be earning a bowl berth.

Oklahoma State has gone 6-3 so far. ESPN's Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach projected the Cowboys to reach the Texas Bowl.