In what is considered a "slow week" in college football this week, there are only five Big XII teams in action, with only one conference game. However, there are a few interesting storylines for this set of games. For Texas, Mack Brown said in his post-Ole Miss press conference that their season really starts this week as they pursue a Big XII title against Kansas State. For Texas Tech, Baker Mayfield returns to action after getting benched last week against TCU, so it will be interesting to see how he responds. Then there is the potential for a high-scoring shootout in the West Virginia-Maryland matchup. 

Here are previews of this week's Big XII games.

Conference Games

Kansas State @ Texas

Texas’s quest to rebound from a 1-2 start in non-conference play to conference champions is underway. After back-to-back poor defensive performances, especially in run defense, against BYU and Ole Miss, the Longhorns go up against Kansas State, led by running back Jon Huber.

Luckily for Texas, Kansas State is only 67th in the NCAA this season in rushing offense, compared to BYU and Ole Miss,  who are 2nd and 25th respectively after their games against the Longhorns. Hopefully, Greg Robinson has had enough time to help develop a scheme to get the Longhorn defenders in the right positions to make plays.

In the battle of Texas’s offense against Kansas State’s defense, a lot will depend on David Ash’s availability. Ash suffered a concussion against BYU and is questionable against the Wildcats. Ash adds an extra dimension to the Longhorn offense, as a quarterback with running ability. Texas’s key receiving weapon, Mike Davis, will be tough to cover, as Davis has a knack for getting behind defenses. However, Kansas State has Ty Zimmerman at safety, who should be able to neutralize Davis’s ability to get downfield. Regardless of who is at quarterback, the key to the Longhorns offense will be the running game, as backs Jonathan Gray, Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron should be able to open up the passing game.

Predicted Winner: Texas

Non-Conference Games

Louisiana-Monroe @ #20 Baylor

Baylor continues their season against another non-BCS opponent in Louisiana-Monroe. The Bears have rolled over their competition thus far, currently averaging a score of about 70-8 in their games. This one doesn’t look to be any different, as Louisiana-Monore averages allowing 335 yards per game against lesser competition. They allow over 4 yards per carry on the ground, so it seems that Lache Seastrunk will be looking to have a field day against the Warhawks.

Predicted Winner: Baylor

Texas State @ #25 Texas Tech

After a rough offensive week against TCU’s secondary, look for Texas Tech to get back to their aerial attack this week against Texas State, a program newly-transitioned to the FBS. The key for the Red Raiders will to see how Baker Mayfield and Eric Ward bounce back.

Mayfield was benched last week against TCU after throwing three interceptions. It was announced this week that Mayfield will continue to be the starter, so seeing how he bounces back from a poor performance will give an idea of how serious of contenders the Red Raiders are. Eric Ward, the team’s top receiver, was held without a catch last week in his matchup against cornerback Jason Verrett. Ward will look to get back in rhythm against a weaker Bobcat secondary.

Predicted Winner: Texas Tech

West Virginia @ Maryland

West Virginia seems to finally be on track now that they found their quarterback. After having their quarterbacks battle it out in practice, Ford Childress came out victorious, then successfully led the Mountaineers to a victory against Georgia State.

However, as West Virginia usually does, they have struggled defensively. And this week will not be easy, as Maryland is loaded with offensive talent. After last season’s debacle, when the Terrapins had four quarterbacks fall to season-ending injuries and had to use a backup linebacker at the position, C.J. Brown is finally healthy and leading the Terps offense to some high numbers. With the help of playmaking receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Brandon Ross, West Virginia’s defense is in for a long day.

Predicted Winner: Maryland

Louisiana Tech @ Kansas

Louisiana Tech has not been very good on defense this season, currently ranked 87th nationally, so this can be an opportunity for the Jayhawks to work out any kinks in their offensive gameplan before they enter Big XII play.

Jake Heaps has struggled in his first few starts, completing less than 50-percent of his passes and passing for less than 150 yards per game. Obviously, the focal point of the Jayhawk offense will continue to be running back James Sims, but if Heaps is able to start to build some chemistry with his receivers, it will be harder for teams to solely focus on stopping Sims and force them to respect the passing game, and this is Kansas’s last chance, as they begin conference play in two weeks against ranked opponent, Texas Tech.

Prediction: Kansas