On the back of a great defensive performance, Baylor held on to upset Oklahoma State 21-16 to win the Big 12 Championship in Jerry’s World. For Baylor it’s the program’s third Big 12 championship and first Big 12 Championship Game win.1.
1. Baylor defense caps impressive performance with goal line stand
Not even a failed fourth down in the third quarter from their own 36-yard line could damper the performance of Baylor’s defense. While the boneheaded decision led to Oklahoma State’s only touchdown of the game, cutting their lead to 21-13, Baylor’s defense closed the door on any comeback attempt.
They intercepted Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders four times. Yet, the Cowboys still had a chance to win the game. Trailing 21-16 in the waning seconds, Oklahoma State had the ball with first-and-goal from Baylor’s two-yard line.
However, Baylor stood tall, stopping Oklahoma State four straight plays. The final play ended with Oklahoma State running back Dezmon Jackson diving just shy of the pylon on fourth down, sealing the fate of the game.
2. Blake Shapen magnificent first half was all the offense Baylor needed
Baylor’s defense was lights out. But, they still needed every bit of offense the Bears could muster. They did so on the arm of redshirt freshman quarterback Blake Shapen.
Shapen completed his first 17 passes, tossing three touchdowns in the process. All of which was in the first half. That included a dime of a throw to Tyquan Thornton for a TD that extended the Bears’ lead to 21-3.
Shapen ended the first half with four consecutive incomplete passes. He only completed six passes in the second half, but the damage was already done.
Shapen finished 23-of-28 for 180 yards, three touchdowns and the hearts and appreciation of every Baylor Bears fan.
3. The playoff hopes of Oklahoma State vanished
Oklahoma State entered Saturday needing a win to stay alive in the College Football Playoff consideration ranked No. 5. By the final whistle, the Cowboys’ hopes vanished. Mike Gundy had his team so close. But in the end, the offense was sloppy and the defense was outplayed by their counterparts.
If Oklahoma State had won, they would have an argument for the fourth and final playoff spot even with Georgia losing to Alabama. Yet, that was a big what-if, as the Cowboys didn’t take care of business, failing to win their first Big 12 Championship Game.
