The stage is set for a rematch, and a rematch we get with all the postseason implications on the line.
No. 6 Oklahoma (11-1, 8-1 Big 12) and No. 7 Baylor (11-1, 8-1) will face off once again, but this time from inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for the Big 12 Championship.
The Sooners needed the biggest comeback in program history to down Matt Rhule and the Bears 34-31 the first time these two played on Nov. 16 at McClane Stadium in Waco, Texas.
Here are three keys for Oklahoma as they try to win its fifth-straight Big 12 Championship and make the College Football Playoff.
SLOWING DOWN LYNCH
One of the biggest problems Oklahoma had in the first game was slowing down Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year James Lynch. Baylor’s rising defensive lineman only accounted for three tackles on Nov. 16, but Lynch forced the Sooners away from its bread and butter run plays like the guard-tackle counter.
Right tackle Adrian Ealy got most of the heat from Lynch the first time around, but left tackle Erik Swenson also had his problems. Now with R.J. Proctor at left tackle, the Sooners seem to have more cohesiveness and consistency along that side of the line.
Oklahoma won’t be able to take Lynch out of the game, but the Sooners will desperately need to keep him from impacting the run game to win this game.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TAKEAWAY OPPORTUNITIES
Oklahoma got two takeaways in Waco, Texas. One in the form of a forced fumble from behind that really started the comeback from Parnell Motley, then Nik Bonitto’s game-sealing interception at the end.
Baylor quarterback Charlie Brewer is susceptible to putting the football in harm’s way, especially when he has to throw into zone coverage. The opportunity or two will be there for the Sooners, and we all have seen how much of a factor turnovers and takeaways have been on Oklahoma’s games the last month.
Alex Grinch and his defense want takeaways as much as they want to breathe, but will need to take advantage of the few opportunities Baylor will give them Saturday.
NO MONEY LEFT ON THE TABLE
Jalen Hurts has talked about not “leaving any money on the table” for the last month. He’s felt as if Oklahoma’s offense has since the Texas game.
For the Sooners to win the Big 12 Championship, they’ll need Jalen Hurts to take all the money on the table and then some. Oklahoma needs its quarterback to make big-time throws and big-time plays to guarantee the most success of the offense.
Baylor will do its best to force Hurts to throw into coverage and make good decisions in the pass and run game. Oklahoma needs him to be at his best against one of the better defenses in college football.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]