BAYLOR vs. OKLAHOMA:
FIVE KEYS TO SATURDAY'S GAME

1. THIRD-DOWN CONVERSIONS: Baylor's defense has made dramatic strides over the last two weeks, holding Duke to just 4-of-18 on third down. But, the offense missed on its first 10, finished just 1-of-12 in last week's 34-20 road loss and is 7-for-35 for the year. Of the 12 third-down plays against Duke, though, 10 of them were third-and-7 or longer. The Bears have to make yards on first and second down and create more manageable third-down situations.

2. O-LINE PLAY: Still a work in progress, the Baylor offensive line has to protect quarterback Zach Smith and get a better push up front to open up running lanes. The Sooners' d-line is a good one, but the Bears have to especially account for outside linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, who has registered 12.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss over the last 16 games.

3. CLOSE TO FULL STRENGTH: With the healthy return of cornerback Grayland Arnold, linebacker Lenoy Jones Jr., running back Terence Williams and tight end Jordan Feuerbacher, plus safety Taion Sells being back from a three-game suspension, this is as close as Baylor's been to full strength since at least the spring. Arnold is the Bears' best cover corner, Sells is a proven leader in the secondary and Williams is "the hammer" they need in the backfield.

4. PRESSURE AND CONTAIN MAYFIELD: Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield has the scrambling ability and creativity of Brett Favre, but he's always looking down field to throw first. He only runs when there's no other option. But, if you let him just stand back there in the pocket, "he will pick you apart," Baylor coach Matt Rhule said. The Bears need to put some pressure on him, make him uncomfortable, but don't let him escape. And the back seven has to stick with its coverage, even if it seems like it's forever.

5. BAYLOR FAMILY: Despite the 0-3 start, Rhule said the players on this team are "going to end up being champions because they have a championship character, so support them now. Follow them in the most adverse of times, because those kids need to know that 'someone has my back.''' Against the greatest odds they've faced all year, this team needs the support of the Baylor Family in the worst possible way. McLane Stadium needs to be packed and rocking with green-and-gold-clad fans. As men's basketball coach Scott Drew always says, "You can watch the game or you can affect the game." So, go affect the game, let the Sooners and the Bears hear you. Make the OU offense call timeouts or have false starts, simply because they can't hear through the roar of the crowd.