Football Across the Big XII: Week 4 Preview

Baylor Bears

SB Nation Blog: Our Daily Bears

Last Week: Buffalo 21, Baylor 63

Another week, another Baylor win over a completely undermatched team. Baylor scored 63 points on the Buffalo defense , five through the the air and four on the ground. The running game was on point, as Shock Linwood ran the ball 20 times for 97 yards and 2 TDs while Johnny Jefferson ran 11 times for 52 yards and a score. The receivers did well also throughout the game, as KD Cannon, Jay Lee and Lynx Hawthorne combined for 448 yards and 5 TDs. The defense did slip a little though, allowing their first 3 TD's on the year and almost 400 yards. However, they did force a turnover and outscored Buffalo by 6 TDs. Still a good performance by the defense. Baylor easily cruises into the bye week

Last Week’s MVP: Bryce Petty (QB Baylor)

Bryce Petty played outstanding football last week. He was 23 of 34 for 416 yards and 4 TDs, posting a 98.3 QBR rating.

This Week: Bye

Baylor (much like most of the Big XII) has next week off before conference play officially starts. Baylor continues it's top easy schedule against Iowa State next week. However, #20 K-State almost lost a couple weeks ago in Aimes, so Baylor has to make sure they don't get caught off-guard.

Iowa State Cyclones

SB Nation Blog: Wide Right & Natty Lite

Last Week: Iowa State 20, Iowa 17

After an embarrassing loss to North Dakota State and a devastating defeat to Kansas State, Iowa State finally earned it's first win this weekend. They went on the road a beat an Iowa team that went 8-5 last season. Iowa State was struggling throughout most of the game, trailing the Hawkeyes 14-3 at halftime (would've been 14-10, but Nealy fumbled the ball in the endzone). However, Iowa State scored on 3 out of their 6 drives in the 2nd half, including two Sam Richardson TD passes (one on 4th and goal) and a game winning 42 yard field goal by Cole Netten. The running game was non existent in the game (3.2 ypc), but Sam Richardson threw the ball well, finding 8 different receivers on the day for 255 yards and 2 TDs. No doubt Iowa State has gained some confidence back from this game and heading into the bye week.

Last Week’s MVP: Sam Richardson (QB Iowa State)

Sam Richardson really stepped up for his team this past week, completing 25 of 37 for 255 yards and 2 TDs, one coming on a jump pass on 4th and goal. He also ran the ball 8 times for 29 yards.

This Week: Bye

Iowa State enters the bye week with a thrilling win over Iowa. The next game on their schedule is #7 Baylor at their place, and although a victory isn't likely, they do have home field advantage. They'll have two weeks to figure out how to stop Baylor's high powered passing attack.

Kansas Jayhawks

SB Nation Blog: Rock Chalk Talk

Last Week: Kansas 3, Duke 41

If this was a basketball game between the two, I would be excited. Unfortunately for Kansas, it was not so. It  wasn't pretty for the Jayhawks last Saturday. They went to Durham and just got crushed by the Blue Devils. Montell Cozart completed only 11 passes for 89 yards and 2 INTs, posting a 14.8 QBR. The rushing game had some bright spots, as Corey Avery and De'Andre Mann had 28 carries for 152 yards. However, they did not score any touchdowns on the day. The defense was by no means better. They made Texas Tech's rushing defense look good Saturday, giving up 20.4 ypc to Shaun Wilson, who only ran the ball 12 times in the game, and 9.2 ypc throughout the game. Ridiculous numbers. QB Anthony Boone completed 19 of 32 passes for 180 yards and 2 TDs on the day. Kansas would like to forget this one

Last Week’s MVP: Shaun Wilson (RB Duke)

Shaun Wilson was unstoppable for the Blue Devils last Saturday, He ran the ball 12 times for 245 yards and 3 TDs. He also caught a pass for 7 yards

This Week: Saturday, September 20th @ 2:30 pm on FSN | Central Michigan vs. Kansas

Kansas looks to bounce back against a 2-1 Central Michigan team this week. The Chippewas won a close game against Chattanoga this season, while beating a bad Purdue team easily and then getting crushed by Syracuse. Kansas will have to defend both the run and pass this week, as Central Michigan has good players at both QB and RB. If Kansas can effectively run the football Saturday, they should be able to come out with a victory.

Kansas 24 -  Central Michigan 21

Kansas State Wildcats

SB Nation Blog: Bring On The Cats

Last Week: Bye

Last Week’s MVP: Bill Snyder (HC Kansas State)

The wizard got time off to take a senior siesta and learn new magic tricks. I have no idea what I'm taking about.

This Week: Thursday, September 18th @ 6:30 pm on ESPN | Auburn vs. Kansas State

Kansas State has big challenge today against #5 Auburn. So far this season, the Tigers have beaten Arky by 24 (even though Nick Marshall didn't play the first half) and demolished San Jose State. Kansas State will have to play mistake free football to win. They have to play without thinking and be prepared for the option. I think Kansas State keeps it close and makes the Big XII look good.

Kansas State 28 - Auburn 34

Oklahoma Sooners

SB Nation Blog: Crimson And Cream Machine

Last Week: Oklahoma 34, Tennessee 10

Oklahoma had it's first year test of the year against Tennessee and showed the college football world why they deserve to be #4. First off, the defense came out and halted the Volunteer offense. They held Worley to under 50% passing and only 201 yards, while forcing 2 INTs (including one for a TD). They only allowed 3.4 ypc on the day, with the exception Jalen Hurd, who had 6.9 ypc.  They didn't give the Volunteers many opportunities and only gave up 10 points in the game. On the offensive side, Trevor Knight had respectable numbers, going 20-33 for 308 yards and a TD. The only downside was that Keith Ford could not get it going, only rushing for 56 yards on 19 carries. Overall, the Sooners looked good, beating a team with a ton of talent by 24 points. The offense could use a little help, but Oklahoma has to like what they've done overall. Oklahoma has to feel confident going into Big XII play this week.

Last Week’s MVP: Defense (QB Oklahoma)

I don't really feel like there's a player that really stood out, so I'm just going to give it to the defense. If I had to give it to someone, I would say Julian Wilson, who returned a INT 100 yards for a score and contributed to stopping Worley.

This Week: Saturday, September 20th @ 5:30 pm on FOX | Oklahoma vs. West Virginia

Oklahoma opens Big XII play this week against an improved West Virginia team. Not only that, but they will be playing in Morgantown, where the worst fans in the Big XII are (according to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal ). Oklahoma has to prepare to the new and improved Trickett, while looking out for the occasional run play also. The offense should run the ball heavily with Keith Ford to attack WVU's weak run D. I think Oklahoma wins by a couple TDs.

Oklahoma 35 - West Virginia 21

(The highlights are a little long, didn't have to time to find shorter ones)

Oklahoma State Cowboys

SB Nation Blog: Cowboys Ride For Free

Last Week: UTSA 13, Oklahoma State 43

Oklahoma State finished it's non-conference schedule by beating the Roadrunners by 30 points Saturday, bringing them to 2-1 heading into Big XII play. This game was about the defense dominating UTSA and the offense marching down the field at times. Oklahoma State's defense roughed up USTA all day, only allowing 206 yards on offense and 13 points on the board. The Roadrunner QBs had a QBR of 23.8 and 10.8 (OKST returned an INT for a TD), while the running backs only averaged 2.1 yards per carry. The offense didn't do quite as well. Daxx Garman was only 16 of 30, but did throw for 315 yards and 2 TDs. The rushing attack averaged 3.3 ypc, with Desmond Roland scoring 2 TDs on the day. Good performance, but room to improve. They have a week to prepare for Texas Tech this time next week.

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

Desmond Roland lead the Cowboys down the field throughout the game and was major reason why they put points on the board. He rushed 21 times for 95 yards and scored twice on the day.

This Week: Bye

They don't have a game this week, so they'll likely prepare for Texas Tech when they come into town this Thursday. Oklahoma State will prepare for Texas Tech's passing attack while focusing on running the ball.

Texas Longhorns

SB Nation Blog: Burnt Orange Nation and Barking Carnival

Last Week: UCLA 20, Texas 17

After an embarrassing loss to BYU last week, Texas came back and played well against UCLA (however, the coin toss was embrassing). Heisman contender Brett Hundley went down the first quarter with an injury, so UCLA's back-up Jerry Neuheisel was forced to come in and play the rest of the contest. He played well throughout game though, scoring UCLA's two TDs in the game. Texas did alright against UCLA's rushing attack, but couldn't stop Paul Perkins (126 yards and 5.3 ypc) or Jordan James (69 yards and 8.6 ypc). Impressive that they kept UCLA to 20 points in the game. However, the offense only put 17 points on the scoreboard. Tyrone Swoopes completed 24 of 34 passes for 196 yards and 2 TDs, while Malcolm Brown ran the ball 14 times for 69 yards. Even though Texas lost, this is an improvement for the Longhorns.

Last Week’s MVP: Jerry Neuheisel (QB UCLA)

Jerry Neuheisel came in for Brett Hundley early in the game and preformed well in his place. He completed 23 of 30 passes for 178 yards and 2 TDs, including the game winning TD late with 3 mins left in the game.

This Week: Bye

Texas has two weeks off to prepare for Kansas. Texas needs to be prepared to stop Kansas's rushing attack next week, as Corey Avery and De'Andre Mann have played well so far.

TCU Horned Frogs

SB Nation Blog: Frogs O’ War

Last Week: Minnesota 7, TCU 30

TCU beat Minnesota pretty well this past weekend, leading Minnesota by 24 going into half and winning by 30 going into the 4th quarter. Trevone Boykin was a true dual threat QB last week, throwing for 258 yards and 2 scores while averaging 7.7 yard per carry on the ground. Boykin also spread the ball around, completing passes to 10 different receivers on the day. The defense was even more impressive, shutting out Minnesota for the first 3 quarters and allowing only 7 points all game. Mitch Leidner had a horrendous QBR of 6.3, while Minnesota's star RB David Cobb only had 2.7 yards per rush on the day. Overall great performance by the Horn Frogs.

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

Boykin was the ultimate weapon last week, completing 27 of 46 passes for 258 yards, 2 TDs and an INT. He also rushed the ball 12 times for 92 yards on the day.

This Week: Bye

TCU has another bye this week, so they'll prepare their match-up against SMU next week. They should be able to take of business against SMU, who lost big time to Baylor and North Texas before June Jones retired.

http://www.foxsports.com/video?vid=328948803814

West Virginia Mountaineers

SB Nation Blog: The Smoking Musket

Last Week: West Virginia 40, Maryland 37

The Mountaineers beat a good Maryland team this weekend off a game winning kick with time expiring. West Virginia came out firing early, taking an early 28 - 6 lead midway through the second quarter. However, Maryland scored 21 consecutive points, almost tying the game early in the 3rd quarter. West Virginia held their ground though, causing a safety and a touchdown to put them up by 10. After Maryland tied the game in the 4th, Trickett orchestrated a 65 yard drive before Josh Lambert kicked a game winning 47 yard field goal. Clint Trickett had an amazing game, while the rushing attack seemed to struggle throughout the day. The defense didn't go great in the game, but held Maryland in the end. West Virginia had 4 turnovers on the day, but it wasn't enough to give Maryland the win.

Last Week’s MVP: Clint Trickett (QB West Virginia)

How amazing has Trickett been so far this season? This past weekend, he completed 37 of out 49 passes for 511 yards and 4 TDs (along with an INT).

This Week: Saturday, September 20th @ 5:30 pm on FOX | Oklahoma vs. West Virginia

West Virginia has a real test this weekend when Oklahoma comes to town. I believe that Trickett will feel confident after the Maryland win and have an impressive game against Oklahoma. However, the running game will have to get going if they want a chance to beat Oklahoma. They'll also need to prepare for Oklahoma's dangerous rushing attack.