Football Across the Big XII: Week 7 Preview

Baylor Bears

SB Nation Blog: Our Daily Bears

Last Week: Baylor 28, Texas 7

The Bears played ugly last weekend, but came out of Austin with a victory under their belt. The offense couldn't get anything going until halfway through the 3rd quarter, and only mustered up 21 points on the offensive end. They got close to scoring in the 1st half, but were stopped on 4th and goal at the one yard line. The defensive held down the Longhorns through most of the game, forcing three turnovers (two INTs by Orion Stewart) and making Tyrone Swoopes' day miserable. The special teams was also key, blocking a Texas kick early on to give Baylor it's only points until the 3rd quarter. The defensive side of the ball won Baylor the game. Bryce Petty was completed only 7 of 22 passes for 111 yards and 2 TDs. Four of those catches that went to Antwan Goodley, who had 69 yards and a TD. The running backs did well, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 273 total yards. The leading rusher for the team was Shock Linwood, who carried the ball 28 times last weekend. Baylor is going to have to get their passing game together by next weekend if they want to beat TCU.

Last Week’s MVP: Shock Linwood (RB Baylor)

Shock Linwood was one of the few players that did well on the offensive side of the football. Linwood ran the ball 28 times for 148 yards and a TD.

This Week: Saturday, October 11th @ 2:30 pm on ABC & ESPN2 | TCU vs. Baylor

The Bears have a tough match-up against TCU this weekend at Baylor. The Horns Frogs just beat a Top 5 team in the Nation and are now feeling confident as ever going into TCU. Even though Baylor struggled last week, I expect them to bounce back. Baylor has the best passing offense in the league against a TCU secondary that struggled at time against Oklahoma. The Baylor defense played superior against the Longhorns, but will get their first offense threat against Boykin and the Horn Frogs. Minimize what Boykin can do, be successful in the passing game, and Baylor should win.

Baylor 35, TCU 28

Iowa State Cyclones

SB Nation Blog: Wide Right & Natty Lite

Last Week: Iowa State 20, Oklahoma State 37

Iowa State played well early on, holding their own against the Cowboys, but allowed too many big plays in the 2nd half in route to a 37-20 loss. The Cyclones played well early on, forcing OKST to turn over the ball twice in Iowa Stater territory and scoring on two field goals. However, they allowed OKST to score two field goals late in the 2nd quarter, and thanks to a terrible call (Iowa State always gets cheated out of plays), OKST scored at the end of the 1st half to take a 13-6 lead. Iowa State then started giving up big plays, including a 97 yard KO return and a 40 yard TD pass. The Cyclones only scored twice in the second half, one of which when the game was already over. Sam Richardson completed 17 of 39 passes for 200 yards and 2 TDs, one of which was caught by a diving EJ Bibbs. Once again, the rushing game could get going, as Iowa State combined for 3.7 yards per carry. The defense was able to force two turnovers and hold the Cowboys early on, but let up two key touchdowns in the 2nd half to doom Iowa State. If Iowa State didn't let those big plays happen and had the bad TD call taken back, they could've won this game.

Last Week’s MVP: EJ Bibbs (WR Iowa State)

Bibbs played great for the Cyclones this weekend, catching 6 passes for 69 yards and 2 TDs, including his outstanding TD in the 3rd quarter.

This Week: Saturday, October 11th @ 2:30 pm on IAST | Toledo vs. Iowa State

Iowa State plays their final out of conference game this week against Toledo, who is currently 4-2 and is currently tied for 1st in the MAC. Toledo has a pretty even rushing a passing attack, averaging roughly 242 rushing yards a game and 274 passing yards a game. Iowa State hasn't well so far against good offenses, so I think they'll struggle this weekend. They barley get the victory.

Iowa State 23, Toledo 20

Kansas Jayhawks

SB Nation Blog: Rock Chalk Talk

Last Week: Kansas 14, West Virginia 33

In Kansas's first game after Charlie Weis got fired, they played like, well, Kansas. They couldn't get their offense going until the very end of the game and let West Virginia score on nearly every possession early on. They forced the Mountaineers to kick field goals early on, but eventually caved in a gave up 3 TDs to West Virginia. It could've been a lot worse if Kansas let WVU score TDs in the 1st half. The defense allowed an astonishing 557 yards in the game, but forced 3 turnovers on the day. They intercepted Trickett, caused a fumble and blocked a kick in the 2nd quarter. Unfortunately, that was the only bright side. The offense was worse than ever this weekend. Michael Cummings was 8 of 17 for 65 yards, while Montell Cozart was 4 of 10 for 42 yards. The running back was shut down also, as Corey Avery rushed 17 times for 58 yards (3.4 yards per carry) and a TD. DeAndre Mann only got one carry on the day for 8 yards. Kansas' season is only getting worse, and it's hard to see a scenario where Kansas wins another game this season.

Last Week’s MVP: Nigel King (WR Kansas)

Nigel King did well with what he got Saturday, which was 4 catches for 52 yards.

This Week: Saturday, October 11th @ 3:00 pm on FS1 | Oklahoma State vs. Kansas

It doesn't get any easier for Kansas, as they return home and face Oklahoma State on National Television. They have to prepare to Oklahoma State and their ability to make big plays. Take away the big play option and make them work their way up the field. On offense, Kansas should stuck to running ball as much as possible because the passing game isn't working at all. If the game relys on the QB, then Kansas loses. They'll probably lose no matter what they do though.

Kansas 6, Oklahoma State 38

Kansas State Wildcats

SB Nation Blog: Bring On The Cats

Last Week: Texas Tech 13, Kansas State 45

Kansas State came out firing and didn't look back. They almost fell behind early, but picked off Davis Webb in the endzone and kept on scoring throughout the game. They didn't score on every possession, but they did well on most of them. The Wildcats held Texas Tech to only two TDs on the day (one of which was late), allowed only 347 yards and forced the Red Raiders to turn over the ball 4 times on the day. Kansas State came out and did what they wanted to do. Jake Waters played a champion Saturday, passing for 4 TDs and rushing for another. Charles Jones had some pretty good stats on the day, rushing 13 times for 65 yards. The WRs for K-State were just phenomenal. Tyler Lockett caught 12 balls for 125 yards and 2 TDs, while Curry Sexton caught 9 balls for 128 yards and 2 TDs. The defense disrupted Texas Tech all game and didn't let them get the offense going. Great play overall from the Wildcats.

Last Week’s MVP: Jake Waters (QB Kansas State)

Jake Waters had his best performance of the year this past weekend. He completed 24 of 31 passes for 290 yards and 4 TDs, while rushing the ball 17 times for 105 yards and a TD. Just fantastic numbers

This Week: Bye

They have an extra week to prepare for Oklahoma. Couldn't have played the bye week at a better time.

Oklahoma Sooners

SB Nation Blog: Crimson And Cream Machine

Last Week: Oklahoma 33, TCU 37

Oklahoma come into Fort Worth with a Top 5 rating, but played like an average Big XII team. The defense broke down against TCU and Trevor Knight made mistakes that would cost the Sooners the game. Oklahoma allowed TCU to take an early 14-0 lead, but thanks to a long pass and 75 yard TD pass, Oklahoma was able to tie up the score in the 1st quarter. After going back and forth in the 2nd and 3rd quarter, Trevor Knight threw a crucial interception that resulted in a TD for the Horn Frogs. Oklahoma couldn't find the endzone again and lost a close one to the Horn Frogs. Trevor Knight was innocent on the day, completing only 14 of 35 passes for 309 yards, a TD and 2 INTs. The interceptions are what killed the Sooners, as one was returned for the game winning TD and another occurred when Oklahoma was driving late in the 4th quarter. The Sooners needed Knight to stay consistent to have a successful season, but that was not the case last Saturday. He had some big plays early on, but cost them the game in the end. Samaje Perine had a respectable game, rushing 25 times for 87 yards and 3 scores, while Knight rushed 13 times for 61 yards. The defense played awful this weekend, allowing 37 points to TCU. Although they forced 3 turnovers, they couldn't stop Boykin and were exposed in the secondary. They struggled last week against West Virginia's passing attack too, so the Sooners need to improve in that area they wish to win out. Oklahoma played terrible this weekend and this is a game they would like to have back.

Last Week’s MVP: Sterling Shepard (WR Oklahoma)

Shepard had himself a game in Fort Worth. He caught 7 passes for 215 yards and a TD in the game. That's 30.7 yards per catch. Ridiculous

This Week: Saturday, October 11th @ 11:00 on ABC | Texas vs. Oklahoma

Another year, another Red River Rivalry game in the Cotton bowl. Oklahoma is coming off a bad loss to TCU while Texas is coming off a bad season thus far. Oklahoma needs to make sure the Johnathan Gray and Malcolm Brown don't get the rushing game going and force Tyrone Swoopes to make decisions. On offense, try and establish a running game with freshmen Samaje Perine and give Knight enough snaps to get his confidence back, but not blow the game. I think Oklahoma wins a close one in Dallas.

Texas 24, Oklahoma 31

Oklahoma State Cowboys

SB Nation Blog: Cowboys Ride For Free

Last Week: Iowa State 20, Oklahoma State 37

Cowboys won this weekend thanks to big plays made by their playmakers and stopping Iowa State's offense. The offense was irreverent early on, punting a few times and turning over the ball twice in Iowa State turnover. However, the defense was able to hold Iowa State and the Cowboys were able to take the lead going into the 2nd half. That's when Oklahoma State started to make big plays. Tyreek Hill returned a kick off 97 yards for a TD and Daxx Garman completed a 40 yard strike to Jhajuan Seales to break away from Iowa State. Daxx Garman struggled early on, throwing two INTs, but did complete 26 of 41 passes for 271 yards and a TD. Tyreek Hill didn't do well rushing the ball (2.4 yards per carry), but Desmond Roland picked up the slack and helped OKST get on the scoreboard early on. Brandon Shepard caught 8 passes for 91 yards, while Jhajuan Seales caught 4 passes for 75 yards and a TD. The defense didn't force any turnovers, but held the Cyclones' defense for most of the day. Not a great win by Oklahoma State, but still a respectable victory in Stillwater.

Last Week’s MVP: Desmond Roland (RB Oklahoma State)

Desmond Roland was consistent for Oklahoma State, rushing the ball 19 times for 95 yards (5 yards per carry) for 2 TDs.

This Week: Saturday, October 11th @ 3:00 on FS1 | Oklahoma State vs. Kansas

After Oklahoma State beats the 2nd worse team in the conference, they travel to Lawrence to face the worst team in the conference. Oklahoma State should try and beat Kansas with their passing attack, much like what West Virginia did last week. On the defensive end, prepare to stop the rushing attack and force either Cozart or Cummings to throw the football. They should be able to force some turnovers and cruise to a victory.

Texas Longhorns

SB Nation Blog: Burnt Orange Nation and Barking Carnival

Last Week: Baylor 28, Texas 7

Turnovers and missed opportunities once against cost the Longhorns the game. Texas threw two interceptions and fumbled a snap on the one yard line near the end of the first half. They got a kicked blocked for a TD and couldn't get the offense deep into Baylor's territory. The only real bright side was the defense, who held their own against the Bears for a majority of the day. They didn't force any turnovers, but they didn't allow Baylor's offense to get going until the 4th quarter. Another strong showing by the defense. The offense was the problem once again this weekend. Tyrone Swoopes was 16 of 34 for 144 yards and 2 INTs, along with a fumble. Malcolm Brown did alright, rushing 12 times for 55 yards (4.6 yards per carry), while Johnathan Gray performed the best, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. The offense still has a lot to work on before they face Oklahoma this weekend.

Last Week’s MVP: Johnathan Gray (RB Texas)

Gray was one of the few bright spots for Texas, as he rushed 12 times for 79 yards and a TD.

This Week: Saturday, October 11th @ 11:00 pm on ABC | Texas vs. Oklahoma

Texas's schedule doesn't get an easier, as they face the Sooners in Dallas this weekend. It won't be easy, but Texas can defeat Oklahoma. First off, they need to continue the good defensive play and disrupt Trevor Knight and the OU offense. Don't allow their running game to get going and don't allow Oklahoma to drive their way down the field. On offense, try to surprise Oklahoma by throwing and rushing the ball consistently. Don't give the ball away at stupid moments and finish drives. I think Oklahoma barley edges out Texas.

TCU Horned Frogs

SB Nation Blog: Frogs O’ War

Last Week: Oklahoma 33, TCU 37

I'm not going to lie, I doubt TCU early on because of their weak opponents thus far and the fact they went 4-8 last reason. I though Oklahoma would beat them handily, and I was incredibly wrong. The Horn Frogs came out Saturday and beat Oklahoma in impressive fashion, forcing turnovers on defense and being effective on offense. They started off scoring quickly on the Sooners before letting Oklahoma back into the game. They exchanged blow for blow with Oklahoma until Paul Dawson (a D-linemen) intercepted a Trevor Knight pass and ran it back for a TD. The defense was able to hold off Oklahoma for the rest of the game hold on to a 37-33 victory.  Trevone Boykin was causing problems for the Sooners with his arm and legs, throwing for 318 yards and 2 TDs while rushing for 77 yards. BJ Catalon was a huge factor for TCU, who ran the ball 11 times for 48 times and a TD. He also caught a 39 yards TD pass on a trick play. The defense allowed 33 points against Oklahoma, but forced the Sooners to turn over the ball over 3 times in the game. The Horn Frogs played great and showed why they are a real threat for the Big XII title.

Last Week’s MVP: Trevone Boykin (QB TCU)

Trevone Boykin didn't have the biggest numbers, but his leadership and versatility helped lead TCU to victory. He was 20 of 38 on the day for 318 yards and 2 TDs, while rushing 22 times for 77 yards.

This Week: Saturday, October 11th @ 2:30 pm on ABC & ESPN2 | TCU vs. Baylor

TCU faces the best team in the Big XII this weekend after a tough match-up with Oklahoma. Baylor doesn't have a defense like Oklahoma (although they have been impressive), but they have one of the best players in the Big XII in Bryce Petty and an stellar running back in Shock Linwood. TCU needs to force Petty into making bad decisions on defense and use Trevone Boykin's Dual Threat ability to confuse the Baylor defense. I think TCU keeps the game close, but Baylor edges them out in the end.

West Virginia Mountaineers

SB Nation Blog: The Smoking Musket

Last Week: Kansas 14, West Virginia 33

West Virginia came out scoring against Kansas and held the Jayhawks to only 2 TDs in route to a 33-14 victory over Kansas. The Mountains scored many times in the 1st half (6 times to be exact), but failed to finish 4 drives that resulted in field goals. Even though the offense was clicking early on, if they struggle scoring against a team like Kansas in opposing territory, they're going to have trouble scoring against better defenses. West Virginia slowed down in the 2nd half, but the game was pretty much over by that time. Clint Trickett didn't do as well as previous games, completing 20 of 35 passes for 302 yards, a TD and an INT. Rushell Shell did well, rushing 21 times for 113 yards and a TD, while Wendell Smallwood rushed 10 times for 47 yards. The defense did well against Kansas, but failed to create a turnover against the league's worst offense. However, they did only allow 176 yards on the day. The special teams had a good day overall. Mario Alford returned a kick off 94 yards for a TD while Josh Lambert kicked 4 field goals. The only downside was a kick being blocked in the 2nd quarter.

Last Week’s MVP: Kevin White (WR West Virginia)

The explosive Kevin White played phenomenal for the Mountaineers this past weekend, catching 6 passes for 132 yards and a TD.

This Week: Saturday, October 11th @ 11:00 on FS1 | West Virginia vs. Texas Tech

You'll get Seth's post tomorrow, but here's my opinion on the game. West Virginia has been playing good in recent weeks, but not great. They come into a the Jones this Saturday against a squad that is sick and tired of losing and embarrassing themselves. Big recruits are in town, the game is sold out, Students will be rockin' (Thanks to FREE WAFFLES) and the players will be ready to show what they're really made of. I smell an upset in Lubbock

West Virginia 31, Texas Tech 35