Baylor to Defeat Oklahoma: My Upset Pick of the Year

At the beginning of each college football season, I have started picking my upset of the year for my Baylor Bears. Of course, with a new coach, new quarterback, and the third toughest schedule in the nation (according to ESPN.com), people everywhere began to think that Baylor would have just another dull year.

But look what they have accomplished. Robert Griffin III, the only true starting QB freshman in the country, has already made an impact outside of the Baylor Line and the Baylor Faithful.

In four non-conference games (2-2), he has thrown for 756 yards and seven TDs. He has shown the NCAA why he was ranked as the nation's third best dual threat by running for 334 yards and for five TDs, including a 217-yard performance against Washington State.

The offense has improved greatly from last year's, with Jay Finley racking up yardage and the receivers showing much improvement. Art Briles has turned the dismal Baylor Bears into a hopeful prospect.

So, my upset pick this year? Texas A&M? Honestly, I don't see that as being an upset. Homecoming against Missouri? It may be homecoming, but Missouri's no Kansas. Nebraska? No way. Texas? Unless we can neutralize Colt McCoy, never.

My pick this year: No. 1-ranked Oklahoma Sooners. That's right.

Now, I know you think I'm crazy, since Baylor has never beaten them (although there was that thrilling game in 2005 that went to double OT). Not to mention, OU is the defending conference champion. But let's look at what Baylor has done this year.

First, Griffin has broken into the NCAA Top 10 in passing efficiency, and has yet to throw an interception in his 78 pass attempts. He also racks up 83.5 yards per game on the ground and ranks 27th in the NCAA in total offense.

Along with Griffin's running attack, RB Jay Finley has 79.3 yards per game on the ground and has become an unstoppable force in the first four games.

Moving to defense: AP preseason All American LB Joe Pawelek ranks fourth in the country in tackles (12.0 tpg) and averages 0.5 interceptions per game.

If JoePa can get a few stops here and there against DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown's running threat, or the four-man receiving tandem of Manuel Johnson, Juaquin Iglesias, Jermaine Gresham, and Ryan Broyles, Baylor can force the defending Big 12 champs to punt a few extra balls their way.

But the best part: the crowd factor. You know that almost every student will be at the game, as well as alumni, and Wacoans, to support the Bears. While the OU faithful will turn out in large numbers, the second biggest Baylor Line in school history (over 2,100 freshman out of the 14,541 students at Baylor), Floyd Casey Stadium will not have one quiet moment on Saturday morning.

So there you have it. Call me crazy. Tell me what a dumb move it is on my part.

Just don't be surprised if we tear down the goal posts when the clock hits zero.