The Big XII week began Thursday night with Baylor and Oklahoma facing off in Waco. Both teams started off cold, but Baylor built momentum in the second quarter, creating a 24-5 halftime lead. The Bears eventually went on to win the game 41-12.
So how will the rest of the Big XII play out this week? Here is a look at this week's games.
Kansas vs. #14 Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State looks like its made a permanent quarterback change, switching to Clint Chelf after J.W. Walsh took a step backwards as the season went on. However, the focus of their offense has shifted, primarily running the ball through Desmond Roland, who has run for 315 yards and seven touchdowns in the past two games.
Meanwhile, Kansas has still not won a Big XII game since 2010. They have been blown out by nearly every Big XII opponent, and that will not change against Oklahoma State.
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma State
Kansas State vs. #25 Texas Tech
This game will be an interesting matchup. A pass-happy Texas Tech on a two game losing streak against a Kansas State team that is primarily run-based playing to try and keep their bowl game hopes alive.
Tech is looking to right the ship after losing two tough games to Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. To stay competitive, Davis Webb will need to minimize turnovers, something he has struggled with in the past two games.
Kansas State is currently on a two game winning streak and will be looking to continue momentum. Their two-quarterback system is unorthodox, but it has been working. They were able to hang with Baylor until the end of the game and they have found ways to win the two proceeding games. To win, they will need to primarily run Daniel Sams under center and focus on ball possession.
However, much like the Baylor game, the Red Raiders should have enough firepower to overcome any ball control efforts by the Wildcats.
Predicted Winner: Texas Tech
Texas vs. West Virginia
In 2012, Texas started the season 4-0 and were ranked 11th in the country. Unfortunately, they ran into 8th-ranked West Virginia, led by Geno Smith, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Andrew Buie. Texas eventually fell 48-45.
This year, Texas enters the game unranked, but currently tied at the top of the Big XII. Can West Virginia ruin the Longhorns’ high hopes again?
Case McCoy turned the ball over too much last week, but the Longhorns were able to overcome it against Kansas. The Mountaineers have proven to be a formidable opponent, despite poor quarterback play throughout the season. If McCoy starts poorly, will Tyrone Swoopes be given extended action?
Luckily for the Longhorns, their defense has improved significantly since the beginning of the season, so they should be able to keep the Mountaineer offense at bay.
Predicted Winner: Texas
TCU vs. Iowa State
Casey Pachall finally turned TCU’s offense around and Trevone Boykin has become a playmaker now that he isn’t playing quarterback. Pachall threw for nearly 400 yards last week and Boykin was the team’s leading receiver. Now that they can actually score points, and with their secondary, the Horned Frogs could become a thorn in the side of Big XII teams the rest of the season.
Iowa State, meanwhile, is heading in the complete opposite direction. The Cyclones have fallen apart in recent weeks, failing to establish any sort of offense and are getting blown out consistently. With inconsistencies at quarterback and in the backfield, they have a lot of questions they need to answer before they can notch their first conference win of the season.
Predicted Winner: TCU