Uh-oh: QB Stidham's back still isn't good and that's bad for Baylor

Baylor's chances at a Big 12 three-peat appear to hinge on the quick-healing capabilities of quarterback Jarrett Stidham's bruised back.

"Honestly, (Stidham is) not as far along as I'd like for him to be,” Baylor coach Art Briles told reporters Wednesday. “We'll see in the next day or two.”

Stidham was hurt during the first quarter of last week's playoff-crushing loss to Oklahoma. He was in visible pain, but played throughout the game. On Sunday, an MRI exam revealed no structural damage. Stidham on Monday acknowledged that he played through considerable pain in the 44-34 defeat, but he also said that he was feeling much better.

To keep its conference title hopes alive, Baylor must win at No. 6 Oklahoma State on Saturday night. It then plays at TCU on Nov. 27.

Stidham has started the last two games in relief of injured starter Seth Russell, who required season-ending surgery after breaking a bone in his neck. Stidham has appeared in all nine games this season, completing 71.6 percent of his passes for 1,007 yards and 11 touchdowns, with two interceptions.

If he's unable to play, Baylor's season will likely fall into the hands of third-string quarterback sophomore Chris Johnson.