Georgia near unanimous No. 1 in latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

After beating Tennessee, the Georgia Bulldogs picked up nearly every first-place vote in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. From @john9williams

The Georgia Bulldogs took control of the SEC East and the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches poll with their 27-13 win over Tennessee. The Bulldogs showed that they’re still the team to beat and looked primed to repeat as national champion. Georgia received 61 out of 63 first-place votes in the updated rankings.

Ohio State held serve in the poll despite struggling with Northwestern, but they remain solidified as the No. 2 team in the nation.

Michigan was the only other team to receive votes after their dominating win over Rutgers. The Wolverines received two first-place votes, but sit at No. 3 in the Coaches Poll.

Tennessee’s loss dropped them out of the top four, and TCU’s 21-point fourth quarter catapulted them into position to contend for a College Football Playoff berth.

Clemson also fell from the ranks of the unbeaten with their disappointing loss at the hands of a resurgent Notre Dame. LSU continued their strong run with an overtime win over LSU. They now have control of the SEC West and if they hold serve, could face Georgia in the SEC title game. If they were to win out, could they make a case for the College Football Playoff? It would be surprising to see a two-loss SEC team, but Georgia may make that a moot point in a few weeks.

Oklahoma State fell out of the top 25 with their blowout loss to Kansas, and Kansas State tumbled after their loss to Texas.

Here’s a look at the rest of the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll.

Oklahoma vs. Baylor: 4 Bears to know ahead of Saturday’s showdown

Ahead of Oklahoma’s Saturday afternoon showdown with Baylor, here are four Bears to know. From @thatmanbryant

Oklahoma has become quite familiar with their yearly tussles with the Baylor Bears. Whether it was Matt Rhule at the helm or now Dave Aranda, the Bears have provided a tough contest yearly. Games against Baylor haven’t been lopsided affairs in favor of Oklahoma for years now.

In 2019, Oklahoma had to come back from a 28-3 deficit to pick up the win. Later that year, in the Big 12 championship game, it was a one-score win for Jalen Hurts’ Sooners. In 2020, Spencer Rattler’s won 27-14, but it wasn’t an easy 13-point win, and then last year, Baylor handed the Sooners their first loss of the season.

On Saturday, they’ll duke it out once again.

This time the showdown will feature two defensive-minded head coaches, Brent Venables and Dave Aranda, doing battle in a conference that has long been lauded for its offensive prowess.

Last year’s Baylor team manhandled Oklahoma at the point of attack on both sides of the ball. Baylor could look to employ the same approach. However, their personnel this year is different than before. Guys like Jalen Pitre, Terrel Bernard, Abram Smith, Trestan Ebner, Tyquan Thornton, and Gerry Bohannon are no longer on the roster. They are relying on some other faces to step up and make plays.

Here are four Baylor players to know ahead of the showdown.

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Spoiler Alert: It’s payback time for the Oklahoma Sooners

After last year’s debacle in Waco, it’s time for the Sooners to give Baylor a little payback. From @bendackiw

I’ve never felt so helpless as an Oklahoma Sooners fan than when OU went to play the Baylor Bears in Waco in 2021. I was feeling under the weather that day, so I watched the whole game by myself in bed. It was a very depressing afternoon, to say the least.

It was a frustratingly close game through three quarters. Neither team was moving the ball very well, and Baylor was only up 10-7. Caleb Williams just wasn’t himself.

But I’m repeating myself. We all know how bad last year’s Baylor game was.

So what does this year’s game mean for this team right now? Well, first things first, it means bowl eligibility. That’s by no means a benchmark for success, particularly in Norman, but I would like to stop thinking about it.

It’s like the Joker said, “It’s about sending a message.”

Many players that experienced that embarrassment in Waco last year are playing today. They remember what happened.

It’s time for some payback.

The Sooners’ Big 12 title hopes are pretty dead at this point. If they beat Baylor, the Bears will have three losses in conference play, the same as Oklahoma. The Bears currently control their own destiny. The Sooners could put Baylor’s season on life support with a win.

Watching your team play spoiler is a very fun experience for a sports fan, and it’s something Sooners fans haven’t been able to do very much in the last several years. With two games remaining against teams that are still holding on for a berth to the Big 12 Championship, Baylor and Oklahoma State, knocking them both out of the running would be a nice way for the Sooners to end Brent Venables’ first year as head coach.

It’s time to drop the crimson-clad hammer on Baylor. Make them pay for what happened last year in Waco.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow Ben on Twitter @bendackiw.

5 keys to an Oklahoma Sooners win over the Baylor Bears

Oklahoma has quite the test with the Baylor Bears coming to Norman, but what do they need to do to pick up the win? From @john9williams

The Oklahoma Sooners take on the Baylor Bears in a game that could help set the tone for the remainder of the season as the Sooners look to finish strong.

Baylor comes in at 5-3 and 3-2 in Big 12 play, having picked up wins over Texas Tech, Kansas, and Iowa State. They’ve yet to play TCU, Texas, or Kansas State. With wins over their final four games, the Bears would earn a trip to the Big 12 title game. They still have a lot to play for.

Oklahoma has a chance to play spoiler in this contest if they can come out the gates fast and find some running room against a “stout” Baylor defensive front. Here are this week’s 5 keys to the game.

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Oklahoma Sooners vs. Baylor Bears: Sooners Wire staff predictions

Oklahoma looks to stay on the winning side of things against Baylor. Here are this week’s Sooners Wire staff predictions.

The Oklahoma Sooners look to continue their winning ways against the visiting Baylor Bears who come in on the heels of wins over Kansas and Texas Tech. The Sooners have won two straight as well, picking up wins over Kansas and Iowa State.

It was the win over Iowa State that is important for this team, who showed they could win an ugly offensive game against a good defensive team.

The Sooners defense stepped up, taking the ball away from Hunter Dekkers and the Cyclones three times. They forced seven tackles for loss and held the Cyclones to 27 carries for 66 yards on the ground. An incredible performance for a team that entered the game allowing more than 200 yards per game rushing.

It was a strong step in the right direction for a defense that had allowed 40 points per game in four straight games.

Can they continue to build on their improved defensive performance and get a bounce back game from the offense?

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Let’s get ready for Saturday with this week’s staff predictions.

Up Next: Sooners Wire Staff Predictions

A look back at Oklahoma vs. Baylor through the years in stunning still photos

A look back at Oklahoma Sooners vs. the Baylor Bears through the years in fantastic photos. From @john9williams

The Oklahoma Sooners and Baylor Bears are both on two-game winning streaks that they hope to extend to three on Saturday when the two sides face off. This is a game that’s been a tough one for the Sooners over the last few years, even if they still hold a significant edge in the all-time matchup.

It’s a game that’s provided some incredible moments in recent memory.

Who can forget the improbable come-from-behind win in 2019 after the Sooners fell behind 28-3 and 31-10 at halftime. It was as rough a first half for the Sooners as we’d seen under Lincoln Riley. But what came in the second half was absolutely magical.

Jalen Hurts threw three touchdowns in the second half, and the Sooners outscored the Bears 24-0 after the break to complete the comeback sealed by Nik Bonitto’s interception of quarterback Charlie Brewer.

It was one of the most memorable football games in the history of the matchup. Hurts threw for 297 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another 114 yards against a tough Bears defense.

Last season, Baylor played spoiler behind a strong rushing effort from Abram Smith and a defensive game that shut down Caleb Williams, Lincoln Riley, and the Oklahoma offense. Oklahoma went into the game undefeated and came out of Waco with more questions than answers.

This year, the Sooners have a chance to play spoiler. If Baylor wins out, they can punch their ticket to Arlington for the Big 12 title game. However, if Oklahoma wins this game, that road to the championship gets a little more daunting and they’d need a ton of help to get there, even if the Bears were able to beat Kansas State, TCU, and Texas down the stretch.

Get ready for the game by taking a look back at the Oklahoma vs. Baylor over the years in stunning still photos.

Oklahoma Sooners vs. Baylor Bears: Stream, injury report, broadcast info

Trying to figure out where to find the Sooners game on Saturday? Here’s how to watch, stream or listen to Oklahoma vs. Baylor Bears. From @john9williams

Oklahoma (5-3, 2-3 Big 12) will face Baylor (5-3, 3-2) on Saturday, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

The Sooners hold a 28-4 edge over the Baylor Bears all-time. However, since 2011, the series has been much closer. Oklahoma is just 8-4 vs. the Bears over the last 12 matchups, including the 2019 Big 12 title game.

From 2011 to 2014, the Bears went 3-1 against the Sooners, and Oklahoma responded by winning seven straight until Baylor ended Oklahoma’s perfect 2021 with a 27-14 win in Waco.

Now, the Sooners are playing for progress and pride and get the opportunity to play spoiler. Baylor still has a shot at the Big 12 title game but would need to win out in order to do so. This won’t be an easy contest as the Bears are averaging 38 points per game on the season. Can the improving Sooners’ defense take another step in the right direction?

We’ll find out on Saturday afternoon.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: Nov. 5, 2022
  • Time: 2 p.m. CT
  • Live Stream: ESPN+
  • Listen: Streaming on the Varsity App

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Oklahoma vs. Baylor injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Jovantae Barnes[/autotag], S: Questionable (Hamstring)

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: Questionable (Leg)

Baylor

Drake Dabney, TE: Out for season (broken leg)

Taye McWilliams, RB: Out indefinitely (Undisclosed)

Craig Williams, RB: Questionable (Head)

Players to watch:

Oklahoma

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], QB: 64.2% for 1,766 yards, 14 touchdowns and 1 interception. 44 carries, 180 yards, and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] WR: 34 receptions for 558 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Brayden Willis[/autotag], TE: 22 receptions for 320 yards and 5 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], TE: 20 receptions for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: 117 carries for 796 yards, 6 touchdowns at 6.8 yards per carry.

[autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], LB: 67 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 1 interception.

[autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], LB: 68 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]DaShaun White[/autotag], LB: 49 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 passes defended, 1 interception.

Baylor Bears

[autotag]Blake Shapen[/autotag], QB: 64.7% for 1,819 yards, 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. 47 carries, 57 yards and 2 touchdowns.

[autotag]Gavin Holmes[/autotag], WR: 23 receptions for 474 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Richard Reese/autotag], RB: 152 carries for 791 yards, 12 touchdowns at 5.2 yards per carry.

[autotag]Al Walcott[/autotag], DB: 49 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1. sack, 3 passes defended, 1 interception.

[autotag]Gabe Hall, DT[/autotag]: 20 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.

5 Oklahoma Sooners that will be key on defense vs. the Baylor Bears

Oklahoma’s defense has a tough task ahead of them against a strong Baylor rushing attack. Here are 5 Sooners that will be key on defense. From @thatmanbryant

Oklahoma enters Saturday’s contest with a chance for revenge. Oklahoma lost to just two teams last year, Baylor and Oklahoma State. Both losses came on the road, which means both will be home games for Oklahoma this season.

Their mini revenge tour starts Saturday as they take on the Baylor Bears at home. Bears’ head coach Dave Aranda has had success against Oklahoma and members of this coaching staff before. Aranda’s 2019 LSU defense suffocated the Sooners in the College Football Playoff before going on to defeat Clemson in the National Championship game. At Baylor, his teams have played Oklahoma incredibly hard.

While Aranda has his handprints all over the defense, Oklahoma must figure out how to stop the Baylor offense that ranks 27th nationally in yards per game at 456.2 and just ahead of the Sooners in yards per play at 6.13 compared to 6.10.

Oklahoma has Billy Bowman back and looks to have Damond Harmon back as well. With a defense that is getting healthy, here are five players that will be key to a win on Saturday vs. Baylor.

Tennessee on top, 4 Big 12 teams included in initial College Football Playoff Rankings

Tennessee took the top spot, and four Big 12 teams were included in the initial College Football Playoff Rankings. From @john9williams

The release of the initial College Football Playoff rankings means we’re entering the stretch run of the college football season. The contenders have distinguished themselves through the first nine weeks of the season.

Currently, there are six undefeated teams and in the initial CFP rankings, there are eight more teams with just one loss on the season.

The Tennessee Volunteers took the top spot in the initial rankings ahead of Ohio State at No. 2 and Georgia at No. 3. Clemson was ranked fourth in the first College Football Playoff rankings, ahead of Michigan, who is fourth in both the USA TODAY Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25.

Josh Heupel, Hendon Hooker and the Volunteers travel to Athens to face Georgia in what could decide the frontrunner for the SEC East and most likely contender for the playoff.

At 8-0, the TCU Horned Frogs lead the way for the Big 12 but enter the initial rankings at No. 7 behind Alabama at six.

Three other Big 12 teams were included in the first set of rankings, though they’re well outside of national championship contention with two or more losses on the season.

Here’s a look at the initial College Football Playoff rankings.

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Sooners open as early favorites vs. Baylor; Big 12 and key national betting lines

The Oklahoma Sooners open as slight favorites for their week 10 battle with Baylor. Other early lines for Big 12, Tennessee at Georgia, Alabama at LSU, Clemson at Notre Dame. Lines Courtesy of @BetMGM.

With the 14-point win, the Oklahoma Sooners covered the spread against the Iowa State Cyclones to move to 3-5 or 3-4-1 against the spread, depending on the lines you looked at. The final number against Kansas was Oklahoma minus-10, and that game ended as a push in the Sooners’ 10-point win.

In week 10, the Oklahoma Sooners host a Baylor Bears team that’s 5-3 against the spread in 2022 and has come on strong of late. It should be a really good game in Norman this weekend.

Elsewhere in the Big 12, TCU has a chance to stay undefeated against the up-and-down Red Raiders, and Oklahoma State has bounce-back potential as they travel to Lawrence to take on Kansas.

The games of the weekend, however, occur in the SEC. Arguably the top two teams in the country will go to battle in Athens when Tennessee travels to take on defending national champion Georgia. In the SEC West, Alabama and LSU will have an important matchup as well. If LSU wins, it will effectively knock the Crimson Tide out of the national title discussion. If Bama wins, they’ll have one more shot to make it to the playoff if they can get to the SEC title game and beat either Georgia or Tennessee.

Clemson puts their College Football Playoff hopes on the line with a trip to South Bend. Notre Dame has played well of late after struggling early in the season. Will they dash the Tigers’ hopes of returning to the playoff in 2022?

It’s going to be a fun weekend of college football, and here are the betting lines for Oklahoma vs. Baylor, around the Big 12 and key national games.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

Click here to place your bets at BetMGM.

Record against the spread: 10-5-1