Big 12 Football Week 11 Breakdown
#2 Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech
After LSU and Alabama fought it out in what Oklahoma State fans would probably call “boring football,” Oklahoma State has jumped a spot into #2. The BCS Championship Game is now in sight and only a few teams stand in the way. But Texas Tech does not pose a serious threat. Sure, they beat Oklahoma, but the Red Raiders have shown their true colors since that win. Losing to Iowa State and Texas A&M isn’t exactly how a team wants to respond to being voted into the BSC Top 25. At this point, Oklahoma State is leagues ahead of the Cyclones and Aggies. Every week, I’m tempted to say that they are playing their best football, but they maintain the same level of excellence each week. The Cowboys haven’t played a close game in over a month. And that showdown with Oklahoma on December 3rd will be the perfect way to march into the BCS Championship Game.
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma State
#14 Kansas State vs. Texas A&M
This is a showdown between the biggest surprise in the conference and the biggest let-down in the conference. At the beginning of the season, most people thought Kansas State would finish somewhere in the middle of the pack in the Big 12. After starting 7-0, they shocked Big XII country. Unfortunately, they’ve lost their last two games to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. The Texas A&M Aggies were thought to be the team that could challenge Oklahoma and Oklahoma State for the Big XII Title. Four losses later, College Station has been let down. Neither team is shining as bright as they once were, but I’ll give the edge to the home team. Kansas State knows that this is the last shot they will get against the Aggies. They want to make it count.
Predicted Winner: Kansas State
#16 Texas vs. Missouri
Missouri is coming off of a tough loss to Baylor in Waco. But if there is something positive to take away from that game, it was James Franklin showing us that he can throw the ball successfully when his team is down. This kid is shaping up to be a great college football quarterback. The Longhorns are coming off of a win against Texas Tech. Texas has played good football recently, but playing well against Kansas and Texas Tech doesn’t mean that much. I also don’t think Texas is deserving of that #16 ranking. After all, in the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll, they are 21 and 20 respectively. Texas lacks that big win. They still need a win to prove themselves. But this game is in Columbia, not Austin. Missouri will step up and shock the Longhorns with their great balanced offense.
Predicted Winner: Missouri
#25 Baylor vs. Kansas
Kansas is still looking for their first Big XII win of the season and their second in as many years. But Robert Griffin III has been spectacular this season despite his squad being 5-3. Kansas is giving up over 45 points per game. If there is such a thing as fantasy football for college athletes, pick RGIII to start this week. He, along with everyone who touches the ball on the Baylor offense, will have a field day against the Jayhawks. The Jayhawks haven’t seen a win in Lawrence, Kansas since Septenber 10. And they’re going to have to keep waiting.
Predicted Winner: Baylor
