Baylor Bears
SB Nation Blog: Our Daily Bears
Last Week: TCU 58, Baylor 61
Baylor participated in a shoot-out with TCU and came out on Top thanks to a game winning field goal by Chris Callahan. The game was filled with big scoring plays for the Bears, with 6 touchdowns over 25 yards and 3 over 45 yards. They fell behind to TCU by two touchdowns early in the 1st, but struck back quickly with two long touchdown passes. They kept going back and forth with TCU until the 4th quarter when the Horn Frogs went up 21 points off a pick 6. That's when the offense locked down the scored on 3 straight possessions, while the defense held TCU for the first time that day. After stopping the Horn Frogs on 4th down late in the game, Baylor drove down the field and scored on a game winning field goal as time experienced. Shock Linwood was a key player for the Bears this game, rushing 29 times for 178 yards. The trio of Antwan Goodley, Corey Coleman and KD Cannon combined for 326 yards and 5 TDs on the day. The defense broke down this week, allowing 58 points to TCU and only forcing 1 turnover. With the exception of the 4th quarter, the defense was irreverent today. Baylor showed good composure to come back against TCU after being down a 3 possessions in the 4th, but they will have to get back their consistency and defense to retain their Big XII title.
Last Week’s MVP: Bryce Petty (QB Baylor)
It was hard to decide between Petty and Linwood, but I choose to go with Petty. Bryce Petty struggled early on, but showed up big when needed to kept Baylor in the game and gave them a victory. He completed 28 of 55 passes for 510 yards, 6 TDs and 2 INTs on the day.
This Week: Saturday, October 18th @ 11:00 am on FS1 | Baylor vs. West Virginia
Baylor goes into Morgantown this weekend against a Mountaineer team that just came off a thrilling win in Lubbock. Baylor needs to attack with Shock Linwood early and often, later opening up the passing game to score easy touchdown. On defense, Baylor should force Clint Trickett into making bad decisions and make sure Kevin White doesn't get a chance to create big plays. I think Baylor goes into West Virginia and edges out a victory.
Baylor 41, West Virginia 37
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Iowa State Cyclones
SB Nation Blog: Wide Right & Natty Lite
Last Week: Toledo 30, Iowa State 37
Iowa State had their troubles against Toledo last weekend. The offense couldn't finish their possessions in the first half, only scoring 3 fields and trailing the Rockets 13-9 at half time (would've been more if it wasn't for good redzone defense). In the 2nd half, Iowa State's offense started coming alive, scoring 4 TDs. After the Cyclones took the lead in the 3rd, Toledo tied the game in the early 4th, but Iowa State scored on two straight possessions to close the game. For the first time all year, the passing game was an effective part of the offense, thanks to Sam Richardson. His main target on the day was Allen Lazard, who had 8 catches for 96 yards and a TD, while D'Vario Montgomery also did well with 9 catches for 90 yards. DeVondrick Nealy did well also, rushing 16 times for 71 yards. The defense didn't do that well, allowing 425 yards and 30 points. However, they did stop Toledo from scoring in the redzone to keep the Cyclones in the game.
Last Week’s MVP: Sam Richardson (QB Iowa State)
Sam Richardson couldn't be stopped in the passing game. He completed 37 of 53 passes for 351 yards and 3 TDs.
This Week: Saturday, October 18th @ 7:00 pm on LHN | Iowa State vs. Texas
Don't we all just love the Longhorn Network. Iowa State travels to Austin this week to play a disappointing Texas team thus far. However, that disappointing Texas team does have a great defense. Iowa State should try and stick with the option in hopes of confusing the Texas defense. On offense, take away the running game and let Swoopes make plays. Sam Richardson (on both offense and defense) will be a key player for this game. I think Texas shuts out Iowa State
Iowa State 0, Texas 20
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Kansas Jayhawks
SB Nation Blog: Rock Chalk Talk
Last Week: Oklahoma State 27, Kansas 20
Give credit to Kansas, they have Oklahoma State a run for their money Saturday. They took an lead early in the first with a Michael Cummings TD, but let up 20 points and trailed 20-7 in the first half. Kansas had to punt several times and gave the Cowboys good field position. After a near standstill in the 3rd quarter, Kansas started to get things going. They forced a fumble from Garman, made a field goal, then had two successful drives that resulted in 10 points. The Jayhawks also held the Cowboys for that period of time. Unfortunately for Kansas, after they tied the game, OKlahoma State took the kickoff back for a Touchdown. That would be the final score of the game. Michael Cummings was 20 of 37 for 288 yards and an INT on the day. Kansas's trio of running backs ran 30 times for 93 yards and a TD. The defense did well on the day, forcing two turnovers and not allowing any points in the 2nd half. Their special teams was probably what cost them the game, allowing two long returns and fielding a 10 yard punt.
Last Week’s MVP: Nick Harwell (WR Kansas)
No one really stood out to me, so I'm going to with WR Nick Harwell here. He caught 7 balls on the day for 91 yards.
This Week: Saturday, October 18th @ 2:30 pm on FSN | Kansas vs. Texas Tech
Kansas is coming off it's best game of the season, but so are the Red Raiders. Kansas will have to force Webb into throws he doesn't want to make, trying to create as many turnovers as they can. The Jayhawks will try to attack the Red Raiders by rushing the ball with their Trio of running backs, hoping to exploit their poor rush defense. However, this game is in Lubbock, it's homecoming, and Texas Tech simply has more talent. The Red Raiders win (finally).
Kansas 16, Texas Tech 35
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Kansas State Wildcats
SB Nation Blog: Bring On The Cats
Last Week: Bye
Last Week’s MVP: none
This Week: Saturday, October 18th @11:00 am on ESPN | Kansas State vs. Oklahoma
Kansas State gets a bye week after it's beatdown of Texas Tech, and they're ready to face the Sooners. Kansas should attack the Sooners with the option that has worked so well thus far. Let Jake Waters make plays for the Wildcat offense. On defense, shut down Samaje Perine and force Trevor Knight to throw the ball. Knight hasn't done well in recent weeks and a bad performance could doom the Sooners. I have K-State going into Norman and upsetting Oklahoma.
Kansas State 35, Oklahoma 28
Oklahoma Sooners
SB Nation Blog: Crimson And Cream Machine
Last Week: Texas 26, Oklahoma 31
Oklahoma barley edged out Texas after they nearly came back, scoring in numerous ways. It started off with Alex Ross returning a kickoff for a touchdown in the 1st quarter, followed by a field goal and a pick 6. The offense did almost nothing in the 1st half, punting 3 times in 5 possessions (one possession ended the half). During this period, the defense held the Longhorns to 2 redzone field goals and a touchdown. The Sooners only had a 17-13 lead going into halftime, but during the 2nd half, the offense finally got going. After a few punts, Trevor Knight completed 4 passes in route to a TD. The following drive, Samaje Perine ran in the endzone from 13 yards. Texas scored twice late, but ran out of time and couldn't score another TD and beat the Sooners. Trevor Knight was 12 of 20 on the day for 129 yards and a TD, while Samaje Perine ran the ball 18 times for 62 yards and a TD. The defense allowed 482 yards on the day, but didn't break in the endzone. However, they did allow 26 points, including 14 points late in the ball game.
Last Week’s MVP: Sterling Shepard (WR Oklahoma)
Sterling Shepard played a key part in Oklahoma's offense movement on the day. He caught 4 passes for 63 yards and a TD, while rushing 3 times for 25 yards. He kept the scoring drives alive on the day.
This Week: Saturday, October 18th @ 11:00 am on ESPN | Kansas State vs. Oklahoma
Oklahoma welcomes in a tough Kansas State team this weekend for a battle of #11 against #14. The Sooners must limit was Trevor Knight can do and utilize their running backs. On defense, stop Jake Waters from finding open lanes and don't allow Sexton and Lockett to make plays for the Wildcarts. That being said, I think the Sooners lose a close one in Norman.
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Oklahoma State Cowboys
SB Nation Blog: Cowboys Ride For Free
Last Week: Oklahoma State 27, Kansas 20.
Oklahoma State struggled in Lawrence this weekend, almost falling to the Jayhawks. They came out strong in the game, scoring 20 points in the 1st half and holding Kansas to only one TD. A good return set up a Desmond Roland run for a TD, while a bad kick led to a Jhajuan Seales TD. It all started to fall apart in the 2nd half though. The Cowboys score at all on offense while the defense started to giving up points to the Jayhawks, who tied the game. They caught a lucky break when Tyreek Hill fan back a kick-off for a touchdown to take the lead late in the 4th quarter. Daxx Garman completed 17 of 31 passes for 161 yards, a TD and an INT on the day. Desmond Roland carried the ball 21 times for 87 yards and a TD, while Rennie Childs ran the ball 7 times for 31 yards. The defense shut down Kansas for the majority of the game, but let up late in the 3rd and the beginning of the 4th. Kick-offs helped win Oklahoma State the game, one which was returned past midfield and another that was taken to the house.
Last Week’s MVP: Tyreek Hill (WR Oklahoma State)
Tyreek Hill put Oklahoma State in the lead helped give the Cowboys a lot of yardage on a key possession. He caught 4 passes for 52 yards while returning a kick off 99 yards for a TD.
This Week: Saturday, October 18th @ 3:00 pm on FS1 | Oklahoma State vs. TCU
Oklahoma State travels to Fort Worth this weekend to visit a TCU squad that came off a crushing loss to a tough Baylor Squad. The Cowboys need to find a way to limit BJ Catalon and Trevone Boykin and force other players to make plays for the Horn Frogs. On offense, Oklahoma State should try and exploit the passing attack, which hasn't worked in TCU's favor in recent weeks. I believe Oklahoma State loses a close one.
Oklahoma State 42, TCU 48
Texas Longhorns
SB Nation Blog: Burnt Orange Nation and Barking Carnival
Last Week: Texas 26, Oklahoma 31
Same stuff, different day for the Longhorns. They play good defense against a good opponent, but special team problems and the offenses failure to finish lead to another loss for the Longhorns. In the first half, the Longhorns scored first on a short field goal, but allowed a kick-off and Interception for a TD to give Oklahoma the lead. They went into halftime down 17-13 after a Swoopes passing TD and a 20-yard field goal. In the 2nd half, the Longhorns couldn't get anything going. They allowed two offensive TDs to the Sooners while the offense stood at a stand still. Texas got close in late in the game after two late TDs, but it wasn't enough to beat the Sooners. Tyroone Swoopes completed 27 of 44 passes for 334 yards, 2 TDS and an INT, including 115 yards going to Jaxon Shipley. Malcolm Brown ran the ball 19 times for 78 yards, while Johnathan Gray ran 9 time for only 20 yards. The defensive played well yet again, only allowing 17 points defensively (although they didn't force a turnover).
Last Week’s MVP: John Harris (WR Texas)
The Texas WR caught two TDs passes in the Longhorns losing effort. He had 5 catches for 90 yards.
This Week: Saturday, October 18th @ 7:00 pm on FOX | UCLA vs. Texas
TCU Horned Frogs
SB Nation Blog: Frogs O’ War
Last Week: TCU 58, Baylor 61
TCU came into Waco #9 in the nation and looking to become the front runner for the Big XII title. They came out strong against Baylor, scoring on quick drives and not giving Baylor opportunities. However, they gave up big plays to Baylor and let them back in the game. Then in the 4th, they went up by 21 after a INT for a TD by Marcus Mallet, but once again blew the lead. After failing to convert on 4th down with a 1:20 left, TCU let the Bears get in field goal range and win the game. TCU let Baylor get back in the game late and couldn't get it going on either side of the ball. A blocked punt, stand still on offense, and conversational penalty late in the game cost the Horn Frogs an undefeated season. Trevone Boykin didn't have the best day throwing the ball, but still made plays and put up points. He completed 21 of 47 passes for 287 and a TD while he rushed 18 times for 45 yards. Kolby Listenbee was the big WR for TCU on the day, catches 4 passes for 146 yards and a TD. The defense, like Baylor, allowing a terrible 61 points, but did force 3 turnovers on the day. Not what we're used to seeing from a Gary Paterson defense.
Last Week’s MVP: BJ Catalon (RB TCU)
BJ Catalon was great on the day, rushing, receiving and returning. He rushed 13 times for 48 yards and 2 TDs, while catching 2 passes for 71 yards. He also returned a kick off 94 yards for a TD in the 1st half.
This Week: Saturday, October 18th @ 3:00 pm on FS1 | Oklahoma State vs. TCU
TCU welcomes Oklahoma State in town, who is just coming off a close win against Kansas. TCU should use Trevone Boykin's playmaking ability on offense to find the open play down field. On defense, don't let Oklahoma State bully the secondary and force them to run the ball. TCU wins a close one in Fort Worth.
West Virginia Mountaineers
SB Nation Blog: The Smoking Musket
Last Week: West Virginia 37, Texas Tech 34
I hope Texas Tech wins this week so I don't have to talk about another loss next week. West Virginia struggled in the first half, giving up big plays to the Red Raiders and missing on key opportunities. Trickett was off target and his wide receivers kept on dropping passes. In the 2nd half, West Virginia started matching the Red Raiders point for point until the 4th quarter. That's when they put together 3 straight scoring drives while shutting out Texas Tech (with the exception of a Justin Stockton TD). Then on the final drive, they marched down the field and set Josh Lambert up for a 55 yard FG attempt to win the game. It pays to have a good kicker sometimes. Clint Trickett was 28 of 44 on the day for 301 yards and 2 TDs. Wendell Smallwood proved to be effective, rushing 15 times for 123 yards. Kevin White caught 13 passes for 123 yards and a TD on the day. The defensive gave up big plays early on, but shut down the Red Raider offensive in the 2nd half.
Last Week’s MVP: Rushel Shell (RB West Virginia)
Rushel Shell helped keep drives alive late and gave West Virginia a score late in the contest. He rushed 24 times for 110 yards and 2 TDs.
This Week: Saturday, October 18th @ 11:00 am on FS1 | Baylor vs. West Virginia
West Virginia welcomes Baylor into town after a thriller against Texas Tech. The Mountaineers need to let Clint Trickett make plays and get the ball to Kevin White. They can't win this football game if he's not involved. On defense, don't give up big plays like Baylor did last game and what Texas Tech did to West Virginia. Make them work their way up the field. Baylor barley pulls out a victory.