Offense

Quarterbacks: Mason Rudolph had a mediocre day at best. While he completed 60% of his passes throwing 27/45 for 279 yards, Rudolph had no touchdowns, one interception, and one fumble. He had some impressive runs, gaining 30 yards on 9 carries, but his decision making needs improvement. Overall Grade | C+

Offensive Line:The Cowboys rank 110th in the nation for sacks allowed, so it came as no surprise when the line struggled yet again to protect Mason Rudolph, giving up four sacks on Saturday. One bright spot from the offensive line was the ability to get the run game going for the first time all season. Overall Grade | B-

Running Backs: The running game was as impressive as it has been all season long as the Cowboys rushed for 187 yards on 55 carries for three touchdowns. Leading all rushers was Freshman Justice Hill with 122 yards on 20 carries for a touchdown. Rennie Childs added another two touchdowns, making six touchdowns for him over the last two weeks. Unfortunately, Hill had trouble holding on to the ball as he fumbled twice, the second of which led to a Baylor touchdown that sealed the game for the Bears. Overall Grade | B-

Receivers: Nine different players caught a pass on Saturday as James Washington led the way yet again with six catches for 89 yards. Jalen McCleskey had a solid day as well with five catches for 77 yards. Unfortunately, no one caught a touchdown pass this week. Overall Grade | B+

Coaching: Overall, the offensive play-calling was solid. The running game was efficient for the first time all season, and the pass game was decent. However, there were a couple of questionable calls in the second half. Late in the 3rd quarter, the Cowboys had a 3rd and 5 situation deep in Baylor territory, and they decided to run the ball, gaining only 2 yards. This would have been an appropriate play choice had the Cowboys decided to go for it on 4th and 3, but they chose to kick a field goal instead. Later in the game, early in the 4th quarter, Oklahoma State went for it on a 4th and 2 situation, but failed to convert. These calls ended up playing a huge part in decision made later in the game. Overall Grade | C+

Offensive Player of the Game

RB Justice Hill: Hill’s 2two fumbles were bad, especially the second one, but his 122 yards on 20 carries for a TD was easily one of the best individual running performance an Oklahoma State back has had in a while. The future is bright for the Cowboy running game if Justice Hill is going to be leading the way.

Defense

Defensive Line: The defensive line did a pretty solid job stopping the run game. Baylor’s typically successful running attack was only able to net 130 yards on 37 carries and one touchdown. However, getting pressure on Baylor Quarterback Seth Russell was a challenge as DT Vincent Taylor had the lone sack for the day. Overall Grade | B-

Linebackers: Devante Averette led the team in tackles with 11 (6 solo, 5 assisted, 1.5 TFL), and Jordan Burton finished second on the team in tackles with 9 (5 solo, 4 assisted, 1TFL). Burton also had an impressive interception. Overall Grade | B

Secondary: Baylor QB Seth Russell absolutely torched the Cowboy secondary. Russell threw for 387 yards on 18/28 passes for four touchdowns. Time and time again, Cowboy defensive backs were left in the dust in man-to-man coverage as Russell found his receivers wide open for easy gains. Ramon Richards has been a consistently solid cover man, but he struggled mightily on Saturday. Something has to change in the pass defensive scheme. Jordan Sterns finished third on the team in tackles (7 solo, 1 assisted). Overall Grade | D+

Coaching: Glenn Spencer is a great defensive coach at times, but this loss falls heavily on the defense, which means it falls heavily on Spencer. The Cowboys did a great job at slowing Baylor’s dynamic run game, but the secondary was the worst its been all season. Oklahoma State was within 4 points when Justice Hill fumbled on the 1-yard line, which was devastating, but the Cowboy defense had an opportunity to do make a stop and keep the game within reach. Instead, Seth Russell and Co. marched 99 yards for a game-sealing touchdown. Overall Grade | C-

Defensive Player of the Game

LB Jordan Burton: Burton’s nine tackles were good enough to finish him second on the team, and his interception was a huge play.