Oklahoma State football: Cowboys QB Clint Chelf struggles against blitzing Baylor defense

And still, Chelf stood shaking his head and regretting several throws following a 41-34 loss at Baylor.

None bigger than a first-quarter interception-turned-touchdown that sent the Bears surging to a big early lead from which Oklahoma State never recovered.

“A tough play,” Chelf said. “Their linebacker made a good play, I underthrew it, just didn't get it out far enough for Josh (Stewart).”

Just not enough – a description of the day for OSU's offense, which never carried its weight in an anticipated shootout that saw Las Vegas oddsmakers establish an all-time high of 87 points for the over/under (total points by both teams).

Just not enough from Chelf, either, as the triggerman of that offense.

Credit the Bears – yes, the Bears and their 119th-ranked defense – for their role in slowing the Cowboys. Taking a cue from Oklahoma's fourth-quarter approach the week before, Baylor dialed up frequent blitz pressure, leaving the secondary in man-to-man coverage with no help, or “cover zero.”

Chelf, frequently hurried, failed to take advantage of the single-coverage matchups.

“I'm sure their coaches watched last week,” Chelf said, referring to Bedlam. “They went cover zero against us a lot and brought a lot of guys. They had a good plan. I didn't make enough plays when they brought a lot of people, so they kept doing it.

“You've got to stand in there and take some shots and get the ball to your playmakers. I didn't do a good enough job of that.”

The Bears kept bringing the pressure, with a variety of blitzes.

“This team can put up a lot of points on you if you sit back and let them,” said Baylor defensive back Ahmad Dixon.

The Bears weren't willing to do that. And it was pressure that led to the critical early interception.

The game was tied 3-3 after each team managed field goals on their initial drives, when OSU had the ball again, first down at its own 25.

That's when Baylor defensive tackle Gary Mason Jr. broke through the middle and barreled in on Chelf, who read the play right, but threw off his back foot and without zip toward Josh Stewart. Bears linebacker Eddie Lackey stepped in front, made a difficult catch and romped 26-yards for a score.