Watch: Oklahoma State was this close to making the College Football Playoff

Oklahoma State was agonizingly close to winning the Big 12 and making it into the College Football Playoff but their final lunge fell short.

College football seasons are defined by the finest of margins. It doesn’t get much finer than the gap between the ball and the pylon at the end of the Big 12 Championship Game.

Baylor had built up an early lead but Oklahoma State came back late in the game with a chance to take the lead as the clock ticked under one minute.

Facing a fourth-and-goal at the one-yard line, the Cowboys handed the ball off to Dezmon Jackson. The back bounced it outside and raced towards the pylon, but Jairon McVea was with him stride for stride. The safety made the tackle as Jackson stretched out and came just inches short.

Oklahoma State missed the playoff by literally a few inches.

Baylor won the game in a dramatic fashion while Oklahoma State will look at that play and wonder what if.

A win would have almost certainly sent them to the College Football Playoff. Instead, they’ll await news on which bowl they will take part in.

For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.