Oklahoma State looks to stay in Big 12, national title races

Baylor (0-5, 0-2 Big 12) at No. 14 Oklahoma State (4-1, 1-1), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (FS1)

Line: Oklahoma State by 25 ½.

Series record: Oklahoma State leads 19-16.

WHAT’S AT STAKE:

Oklahoma State already has a damaging home loss to TCU. A loss to Baylor would destroy any hopes the Cowboys have of reaching the College Football Playoff, and possibly their hopes of winning a conference title. Baylor has shown glimpses of potential and could get things moving back to normal with an upset.

KEY MATCHUP

Mason Rudolph vs. Baylor defense. Rudolph is one of the nation’s best passers, and he is surrounded by dangerous receivers. He ranks second nationally in passing yards per game and third in passing efficiency. Baylor has one of the nation’s worst defenses, allowing 36.2 points and 471.8 yards per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Baylor: WR Denzel Mims. He ranks second nationally with seven receiving touchdowns and 15th with 533 yards receiving. He had 192 yards and three touchdowns against Oklahoma.

Oklahoma State: RB Justice Hill. As bad as Baylor has been against the pass, the Bears are actually worse against the run. Hill ranks second in the Big 12 with 516 yards rushing and is coming off a career-best 164-yard performance against Texas Tech. Oklahoma State is a great passing team, but the Cowboys prefer to be balanced.

FACTS & FIGURES

Oklahoma State has scored at least 20 points in 34 straight games. … Oklahoma State WR James Washington has a catch in 37 straight games, the second-longest active streak in FBS. … Oklahoma State has outscored opponents 73-13 in the first quarter this season. … Baylor has beaten Oklahoma State three straight years. … Baylor has allowed just eight touchdowns in 19 opponent trips to the red zone. … Rudolph is Oklahoma State’s all-time passing leader with 10,623 yards.

———

More AP college football coverage: http://collegefootball.ap.org and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/AP—Top25 .