High marks for another high yardage, high turnover day for OSU defense

Red-Zone Defense: A

Baylor had first-and-goal from the 5-yard line or closer four times, and the Bears managed just one touchdown on those possessions. The first time, the Cowboys stopped them on downs. The second time was an interception. The third time was a fumble. Not until the fourth quarter when the game was decided did the Bears finally punch one in. In the first three quarters, Baylor ran 10 plays inside the OSU 10-yard line and had 7 yards and two turnovers to show for it.

Short-Yardage Defense: A-

Baylor kept trying to run it up the gut, and OSU kept stuffing it. The Bears were only 7 of 18 on third down, and much of that was because the Cowboys were able to hold them even in short-yardage situations. It was an impressive show of force by the Cowboys.

Ball-Hawking Defense: A+

Can you tell that the defense played pretty well? Despite giving up a bunch of yards, the Cowboy defense dominated because it caused five turnovers. It recovered three fumbles and intercepted two passes. Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III threw as many interceptions Saturday as he had the rest of the season.

Uniforms: B+

The orange jerseys made their debut, paired with gray helmets and gray pants. It was a solid look but not the best of the season. Still, homecoming was a perfect time to wear orange. The push to wear orange has become a university-wide rallying cry. The Cowboys finally joined the fun.