Big XII Football Week 14 Breakdown
#3 Oklahoma State vs. #10 Oklahoma
This is the game that we were all waiting for (until the Cowboys lost to Iowa State). While this game may not mean as much as we had hoped, a BCS game is on the line. Not to mention the fact that this is a rivalry game. Oklahoma won last year 47-41, but this year is different. The Cowboys have had an extra week to prepare for this game while the Sooners were busy preparing for their game against Iowa State. Advantage Cowboys. Also, the game is in Stillwater, Okla. this year. Advantage: Cowboys. Oklahoma definitely has a better defense than Oklahoma State, but the Cowboys’ offense has broken 50 points six times this year. They will find a way to score and move the ball.
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma State
#17 Baylor vs. #22 Texas
So Texas beat Texas A&M. That win was good enough to bump them up to the 22nd ranked team in the country? I don’t buy it. A&M is not a good team this year. But Baylor is and a win over Texas will only drive the bandwagon into bowl season even faster. A&M might be Texas’ best win this season, which doesn’t exactly make a strong case for a top 25 ranking. Texas has lost every big game that they have played this year and even one that they should have won against Missouri. But Baylor is riding high off of wins against Oklahoma and Texas Tech. While Texas may have a good defense, it is nothing that RGIII and company can’t handle.
Predicted Winner: Baylor
#11 Kansas State vs. Iowa State
Iowa State has found a way to resurrect their season. Stringing together three wins in a row against Texas Tech, Kansas, and Oklahoma State has elevated them to six wins. And that means a potential bowl game could be in the mix. But Kansas State is the surprise of the season. Their only two losses have come against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. They won’t suffer the same fate to Iowa State that the Cowboys did. Kansas State plays a very smart and controlled style of football under coach Bill Snyder. They take this win and, with a little help from other teams, could move into the top 10 just in time for bowl games.
