WATCH: Dave Aranda celebrates Big 12 title in stoic fashion
Baylor Bears head coach Dave Aranda just led his team to their first Big 12 championship under his command. But his celebration after securing the victory would have you think that his team just converted a first down instead of securing his first Big 12 crown.
Baylor took a commanding lead early, jumping out to a 21-3 lead in the second quarter. But after that, Oklahoma State would battle back, scoring 13 unanswered points. And after failing to find any rhythm the entire game, the Cowboys’ offense managed to put together a drive on their final possession, making it to the Baylor one-yard line. But in traditional Aranda defense form, the Bears would bend but not break, stuffing the Cowboys on four straight plays. After their stop on fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line, this is how the Baylor head coach celebrated.
Baylor did have to run one more play on the offense to make it out of their endzone and in the game. And they were successful in doing that, winning the game 21-16.
The Bears still have a shot, all be it a long shot, at making it to the College Football Playoff. Heading into the game, Baylor was tied record-wise with Ohio State and Ole Miss at 10-2. But with a win over the No.5 ranked team, a conference championship, and both of them idle for the week, Baylor could jump over them come Sunday. The other dominoes that must fall in line for Baylor would be losses by the second-ranked Michigan Wolverines, third-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, and the fourth-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats. If that happens, the College Football Playoff committee could very well bolt the Bears into the top four, giving them a shot at the national championship.
Baylor wins the Big 12 title on goal-line stand
After a pass interference in the end zone gave Oklahoma State the ball at the one-yard line with over a minute left to play in the game, the Cowboys had four chances to score and go up by at least one. And on their last attempt, after some pre-snap confusion, Oklahoma State attempted to score on a counter handoff. Running back, Desmond Jackson took the handoff and sprinted towards the pylon, on the far side of the field. Baylor safety Jarion McVea chased down Jackson and met him at the goal line. McVea’s pursuit forced the Cowboy to dive for the end zone, where he landed inches short of the touchdown.