Though the Big XII may not have a championsip game like the other top conferences, their conference championship is on the line this weekend. Oklahoma State, Baylor and Texas are all currently tied for the conference championship. Since the Cowboys have beaten both, the Longhorns and the Bears, all they need to do is beat Oklahoma and they win the title, though that will not be easy. Meanwhile, if the Cowboys were to lose, whoever wins the other matchup between Texas and Baylor would win the championship. It's safe to say it's all on the line this weekend.
Here is a preview of this weekend's games.
#17 Oklahoma vs. #6 Oklahoma State
Early in the season, everyone would have assumed the Sooners would have been the heavy favorites. Oklahoma State had just lost to West Virginia and the Sooners had just switched quarterbacks and Blake Bell was playing incredibly well. However, since then, the tables have turned.
The Cowboys switched quarterbacks themselves, with Clint Chelf taking over under center. Since then, they have gone undefeated, including a dominating victory over previously undefeated Baylor.
The Sooners, meanwhile, suffered losses in the Red River Shootout to Texas and another loss to Baylor. The offense has been inconsistent, mostly because of poor quarterback play. Bell ended up suffering an injury and Trevor Knight, who had started the season, has come in and played well for them. However, their problem has been the running game. The backfield has struggled to gain consistent yardage, forcing Oklahoma to throw the ball more than they would like.
In this rivalry matchup, which dates all the way back to 1904, everything will be left on the field. “The Battle of Bedlam” is such an intense rivalry, that they no longer only focus on football. There is a trophy given out every year to whoever wins the most matchups between the two schools in all athletics.
In this matchup, the Cowboys have the advantage with a balanced offense, being able to mix the pass and the run with Desmond Roland carrying the ball and Chelf making good decisions and accurate passes. However, the Sooners have the 13th ranked defense and will make it tough for the Cowboy offense.
On the other side, the Cowboys defense has shown the ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage, with Calvin Barnett eating up space. Justin Gilbert has been a shutdown cornerback all season, and will limit Knight’s opportunities to pass effectively.
Despite Oklahoma State being favored, expect a very similar outcome to the Ohio State and Michigan. When rivalry games are played, all records are thrown out the window. The only thing that matters is playing for 364 days of bragging rights.
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma State
#25 Texas vs. #9 Baylor
While this game may not have the same rivalry implications, it will certainly be a fight. Both teams are tied for a share of the conference title, and if Oklahoma State were to lose, this game becomes “Winner take all.”
Texas has found a way to replace Jonathan Gray, with Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron taking on heavier workloads and controlling their previous ball security issues. With the more successful ground game, Case McCoy does not have to throw the ball as much, allowing him to minimize his mistakes.
Baylor has had a rough couple weeks, losing to Oklahoma State and playing all the way to the wire with TCU. Bryce Petty has had a tough time getting the ball spread around efficiently and the running game has been ineffective compared to earlier this season.
Baylor will rely on their running game early, especially with the Longhorns missing defensive tackle Chris Whaley. Establishing a running game will allow Petty to develop a better rhythm. Especially since Lache Seastrunk is back, it will make the offense better.
Predicted Winner: Baylor