We're entering the half-way point of the college football season and things are starting to heat up around the Big XII. There have been some early surprises, such as Oklahoma State dropping their conference opener to West Virginia and Texas defense (or lack thereof). However, as we get deeper into conference play, there are some exciting matchups coming up, including one this weekend down in Dallas.
Here are the Top-5 remaining Big XII games.
5. Texas Tech vs. Baylor-- Nov. 16
This will be a game for the record books. Texas Tech is currently 3rd in the nation in passing yards and 13th overall, while Baylor puts up more yards per game than any other team in the country, who recently set the record for most yards in a Big XII game (846). As of right now, the two teams are projected to total 1,299 yards and 112 points in their matchup.
While Baker Mayfield’s knee is a question mark moving forward this season, Red Raiders coach Kliff Kingsbury has a system in place that should allow either Davis Webb or Michael Brewer to put up similar numbers. The bright note is that Tech’s defense has been very strong this season, but they will be put against their biggest test of the season when they will be forced to stop Bryce Petty, Lache Seastrunk and company.
Baylor, meanwhile, will be one week removed from playing Oklahoma, a game that could ultimately decide who wins the Big XII, so it will be important for them to have the proper mindset going into this game. If they win, they can’t look past this game, since the next game on their calendar after this one will be Oklahoma State. However, if they lose to the Sooners, they cannot come to play feeling like their season is over.
No matter the result of this game, it will be exciting and the scoreboard will be consistently “lit up.”
4. Oklahoma State vs. Baylor-- Nov. 23
This potentially could be the most exciting Big XII game we will see this season. Baylor has been unstoppable offensively, averaging over 70 points per game (yes, you read that correctly). Oklahoma State has been inconsistent, but has the offensive firepower to keep up.
The key players to focus on in this game are two Oklahoma State defenders, cornerback Justin Gilbert and defensive tackle Calvin Barnett, both of whom are ranked in eDraft NFL Draft writer Jon Dove’s Top-30 prospects in his most recent big board. If Oklahoma State wants to have a chance to win, they will need to find a way to slow down Baylor enough for the Cowboy offense to keep pace. Gilbert will need to slow down one of Baylor’s receivers, either Antwan Goodley or Tevin Reese, and allow the defense to force Bryce Petty to only throw to one-half of the field. Barnett will be important in the running game. Baylor running back Lache Seastrunk is averaging over 10 yards per carry this season, so Barnett will need to force the Baylor line to double-team him to open up gaps for the linebackers to stop Seastrunk before he gets upfield.
If the Gilbert and Barnett can make the major impact that will be expected of them, J.W. Walsh and the rest of the Cowboy offense will need to play with more consistency to keep pace.
However, if either fail, Oklahoma State will be in for a long game.
3. Oklahoma vs. Texas-- Oct. 12
eDraft covered this rivalry in this week’s Big XII preview.
This game is one of the biggest left on the schedule, not only because of the rivalry and its popularity, but because if Texas can win, it could be what Mack Brown needs to save his job. However, if the Longhorns get blown out like they have the past two years, that could be the last straw for Brown's time in Austin.
2. Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State-- December 7
“The Battle of Bedlam” is another one of the biggest rivalries in college sports, as it carries off the football field. The rivalry originally started in 1900 when the two school’s track and field teams competed against each other. In 2000, the “Bedlam Series” was created and became a competition that measures each school’s success against the other during the year, and the winner wins the “Bedlam Bell.”
On the gridiron, Oklahoma has dominated, boasting an all-time record of 83-17-7. The Cowboys have only won three times since 2000, though this year has the potential to be a different story.
Oklahoma State last won in 2011, when Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon were on the roster. This season, the Cowboys are being led by J.W. Walsh and good receivers, such as Josh Stewart. While neither are as superior as Weeden and Blackmon, Walsh has good chemistry with his receivers and can create explosive plays. However, Oklahoma’s defense will have already been tested by Baylor, and if they beat the Bears, could potentially need this last game to secure a Big XII championship.
The key performers in this game will need to be a pair of cornerbacks, the Cowboys’ Gilbert, and Sooners star, Aaron Colvin. Both will be relied on heavily to shut down the opposing team’s first read and force Bell and Walsh to throw elsewhere.
1. Baylor vs. Oklahoma-- Nov. 7
The way both teams are playing, this game could decide the winner of the Big XII.
Prior to this game, Baylor will play Kansas State, Iowa State, and Kansas, so this will be the first defense that will truly be able to challenge the Bears’ offense. Currently, Oklahoma is 9th-ranked defense in the country, allowing less than 282 yards per game, while Baylor is averaging almost 780 yards per game.
On the other side, Baylor allowed 42 points to West Virginia, a team that has struggled at the quarterback position, and Blake Bell is significantly better. Bell, along with a slew of running backs and receivers will keep Baylor’s hands full all game.