Archive for October, 2012

OL Coach Bill Bedenbaugh

CB Coach Daron Roberts

QB Coach Jake Spavital

QB Geno Smith

WR JD Woods

The Kansas State Wildcats are in the thick of the national title game. With the Wildcats finding ways to win, as long as they keep winning, K-State will at least be considered for the Title Game. As far as the Big 12 goes, there is no question that K-State is head and shoulders above everyone else. Oklahoma State is up next for the Wildcats, who crushed TCU this weekend. After another week in the Big 12 here are the power rankings:

1. Kansas State Wildcats (8-0, 5-0; Win vs. Texas Tech, 55-24; Last Week: 1st)
The continuation of success for Kansas State is based upon playing mistake free football. The Wildcats still lead the Big 12 conference in turnover margin, in addition to being ranked third nationally in least penalties against. Now yes, offensively Collin Klein has played a huge role as the Heisman favorite, accounting for over 600 yards of total offense and eleven touchdowns the past two games. And defensively the Wildcats have a number of players, like Arthur Brown and Ty Zimmerman that are possibly the best players at their position in the conference. But regardless of how those select few stars play, Kansas State will find a way to get it done. The Wildcats start with fundamentals embodied by head coach Bill Snyder, and until someone forces K-State to make mistakes it’ll be tough to stop this machine Snyder has crafted. Next up for Kansas State is Oklahoma State.

2. Oklahoma Sooners (5-2, 3-1; Loss vs. Notre Dame, 30-13; Last Week: 2nd)
Oklahoma is now officially out of the national title race with two losses. It wasn’t that Oklahoma played poorly against Notre Dame, but it is that Notre Dame is really good. In terms of the Big 12 standings, Oklahoma’s loss essentially means nothing because the loss came out of conference. What’s concerning for Oklahoma is that they couldn’t run the football against Notre Dame. After dominating on the ground the past couple of weeks, when the Sooners put strength (Oklahoma’s run game) against strength (Notre Dame’s run defense), the Sooners were out played. Yes it is hard to expect Oklahoma to run like they did against Texas or Kansas but, something more than 15 net yards had to happen if they wanted to beat Notre Dame. This week when Oklahoma travels to Ames, Iowa, they have to figure how to run the football effectively against a very tough Iowa State defense.

3. Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-2, 3-2; Loss vs. Kansas State, 55-24; Last Week: 3rd)
Against Kansas State, the Red Raiders were able to hang in for a half of football before K-State opened up the game in the third quarter. Aside from the second half of the game being a blowout, the Red Raiders are still a good football team. Texas Tech’s Seth Doege continues to play at a high level. He’s learned how to limit his interceptions over the past couple of weeks, he has only thrown two interceptions compared to 17 touchdowns the past three weeks. Defensively, K-State was able to expose what is one of the best defenses in the Big 12. They thrashed the Red Raiders for 426 total yards. Texas Tech will try to get back on track this week against in-state rival Texas this Saturday.

4. West Virginia Mountaineers (5-2, 2-2; BYE; Last Week: 4th)
WVU was able to take the BYE week probably at a good time after consecutive blowout losses to Texas Tech and Kansas State. The BYE week allowed West Virginia to try to get back to fundamentals. Offensively and defensively the Mountaineers need to see a drastic change from the month of October. West Virginia also is probably happy to get some guys completely healthy like Stedman Bailey, Shawne Alston, Will Clarke, and Brodrick Jenkins. WVU needs Bailey one hundred percent so he can run the deep route. Against K-State, Bailey struggled on that ankle that was hobbled during the Texas Tech game. West Virginia welcomes in TCU to Morgantown this weekend.

5. Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-2, 3-1; Win vs. TCU, 36-14; Last Week: 7th)
If there was one team in the conference that made a pretty strong statement, it was Oklahoma State. The Cowboys proved that their offense can score at any time against a decent TCU defense. Oklahoma State was able to game plan correctly by simply running their offense through Joseph Randle during a time of quarterback limbo between the injured JW Walsh and Wes Lunt. Randle was able to chew up 126 yards on the ground and score a touchdown. As long as Mike Gundy continues to run everything through Randle, it’ll make life so much easier for Wes Lunt as he retakes the reigns of the offense. If Randle can carry the load, Oklahoma State maybe back in the conference title race. The Cowboys travel to the little apple to take on Kansas State this Saturday.

6. Texas Longhorns (6-2, 3-2; Win vs. Kansas, 21-17; Last Week: 5th)
The escape plan out of Lawrence that Texas put together was tough to watch. The fact that the Longhorns found a way to win is really all that matters. It wasn’t pretty at all, but after Mack Brown put Case McCoy in the game, he was able to hit DJ Grant, for the game winning touchdown. Mack Brown and Longhorns simply survived this week. For a team that showed so much promise early in the season, Texas has been flawed in both facets of the game. If there is a bright side to what happened during the Texas-Kansas game for UT, it is that their defense showed up, the Longhorns held Kansas to under 300 yards of total offense. Up next for the Longhorns is a trip to Lubbock to take on the Red Raiders.

7. Iowa State Cyclones (5-3, 2-3; Win vs. Baylor, 35-21; Last Week: 8th)
The Cyclones offense dominated time of possession holding the ball nearly twenty minutes longer than Baylor did during Saturday’s game. Paul Rhoads set up Steel Jantz for success by running the ball effectively to eventually open up the pass. Iowa State’s offense looked like a juggernaut against Baylor. Jantz probably played the best game since he’s been at ISU, throwing for 381 yards and five touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Iowa State’s defense stepped up big slowing down a Baylor offense that averages 569 yards of offense per game to just 21 points. The Cyclones defense was able to force four turnovers to change momentum in the game. Iowa State gets a chance to upset the Oklahoma Sooners this Saturday.

8. TCU Horned Frogs (5-3, 2-3; Loss vs. Oklahoma State, 36-14; Last Week: 6th)
As mentioned week after week, there was going to be a time when TCU’s inexperience hampered the Horned Frogs. They’ve played the most freshmen in the country and clearly it showed on Saturday against Oklahoma State. TCU lost the turnover battle and committed ten penalties during the game. Both of those are trademarks of a young football team. Trevone Boykin for as well as he played during their game against Texas Tech two weeks ago, he played poorly during Saturday’s game. TCU travels to Morgantown to take on West Virginia to take on the Mountaineers this Saturday.

9. Baylor Bears (3-4, 0-4; Loss vs. Iowa State, 35-21; Last Week 9th)
Baylor’s defense is bad, but honestly 35 points to an Iowa State offense that has been terrible at times is inexcusable. Baylor has certainly taken a step back this season. All the talk has been about losing Robert Griffin III and Kendall Wright, but the offense is still one of the top groups in the country. It is just this season where the offense isn’t able to bail out a defense that has given up 41 touchdowns this season. Baylor has an uphill climb if they want to get to a third straight bowl game. After this Saturday’s game against Kansas, the Bears will finish out the season with four straight games against ranked conference opponents (Oklahoma, Kansas State, Texas Tech & Oklahoma State).

10. Kansas Jayhawks (1-7, 0-5; Loss vs. Texas, 21-17; Last Week: 10th)
The Jayhawks have only been blown out twice, against Oklahoma and Kansas State. Four of their seven losses have come by a touchdown or less. Charlie Weis’ Jayhawks have been in most games, they just have to learn how to finish. Once they figure out how to finish, things will get a lot better for KU. The Jayhaws are slowly learning how to get closer and closer to a win. The Jayhawks take on Baylor this Saturday for a right to step out of the Big 12 basement.

Some major changes knock some teams out of the BCS picture completely. USC is probably out of the BCS picture unless they beat Oregon this upcoming weekend. Rutgers loosing doesn’t kill their shot at the Big East’s automatic bid because the loss came out of conference to Kent State. As far as the Big Ten goes, Nebraska just becomes the favorite because they beat Michigan.

BCS BOWL GAMES
BCS National Championship – BCS No. 1 vs. BCS No. 2
(Monday Jan. 7th – 8:30 PM – Sun Life Stadium)
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Kansas State Wildcats
There is not a more consistent team in the country than the Alabama Crimson Tide. In what was supposed to be a “test” for the Tide turned into a 38-7 route against No. 11 Mississippi State. Nick Saban and company continue to just do the little parts of the game right. Yesterday they won the turnover battle and time of possession, making it the fourth straight game that they have done that. Also, Alabama’s defense is first nationally in total defense. Alabama will be tested this Saturday in a National Championship rematch in Death Valley against LSU. For Kansas State, against a solid Texas Tech team, Collin Klein had his second straight game, over the last two weeks Klein has 556 yards passing, 124 yards rushing and eleven total touchdowns. Klein continues to lead the Wildcats’ offense while the defense has a few key contributors in Arthur Brown, Ty Zimmerman and Vai Latui. Just like Alabama, Kansas State does the little things right, they are the third least penalized team in the country.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl – BCS Big 12 No. 1 vs. BCS At-Large
(Thursday Jan. 3rd – 8:30 PM – University of Phoenix Stadium)
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Louisville Cardinals
Despite Oklahoma falling twice already (at home against Notre Dame & at home against K-State), if they win out, they still will look good even with two losses as a quality at-large. Their two losses have come to two top five teams. Landry Jones’ hasn’t played great this season, but offensively they do have weapons in the run game like Damien Williams, Dominic Whaley and Blake Bell. Defensively they are one of the few units in the Big 12 that actually play defense. Louisville looks like the favorite to nab the Big East’s automatic bid. Though the Cardinals were tested this weekend against Cincinnati, Teddy Bridgewater looks to be a special play maker. He has the ability to get outside of the pocket and throw the ball down the field with accuracy. Though they are the favorite, the Big Easts’ automatic won’t be decided until the Cardinals make a November 29th trip to Rutgers.

Allstate Sugar Bowl – BCS SEC No. 1 vs. BCS At-Large
(Wednesday Jan. 2nd – 8:30 PM – Mercedes-Benz Superdome)
Florida Gators vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Gators’ offense finally caught up with Florida this past weekend against Georgia. Florida turned the ball over six times that resulted in Georgia taking advantage of it. Despite the loss, Florida still could finish with one loss and end up in the Sugar Bowl even if they don’t reach the SEC championship game. Since Georgia looks to be headed towards the SEC championship game, they probably will get run off the field by Alabama. So a one-loss Gator team, may look better than a two-loss Georgia team. On the other hand, Notre Dame is certainly in the National Title picture now if they weren’t before. But unless K-State or Oregon loses, Notre Dame still is probably on the outside looking. It isn’t necessarily strength of schedule, but it is the week and week out grind that K-State and Oregon has to go through playing a full conference slate. Notre Dame’s defense is really good and special. Manti Te’o may have had his Heisman moment when he picked off a tipped pass last night. Notre Dame will be in a BCS bowl game.

Rose Bowl Game – BCS Big Ten No. 1 vs. BCS Pac-12 No. 1
(Tuesday Jan. 1st – 5:00 PM – Rose Bowl)
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Oregon Ducks
When Michigan’s Denard Robinson left Saturday’s game due to injury, that is when Nebraska took control of the Big Ten Legends Division. Nebraska then cruised to victory 23-9 over Michigan who looked like the Big Ten favorite to get to the Rose Bowl before the game started. Now that Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead has full control of the Legends Division, the Cornhuskers control their own destiny in terms of getting to the Rose Bowl. Now for Oregon, they may not lose again, but Kansas State and Notre Dame may end up higher in the polls than Oregon just based off of strength of schedule. Until that point where Oregon passes K-State in the polls, 70-point style wins won’t matter. Oregon gets sent to the Rose Bowl probably despite going undefeated.

Discover Orange Bowl – BCS ACC No. 1 vs. BCS At-Large
(Tuesday Jan. 1 – 8:30 PM – Sun Life Stadium)
Florida State Seminoles vs. Boise State Broncos
The ACC title runs through Tallahassee. Florida State made that clear yesterday by stomping on upstart Duke, 48-7. FSU was able to force four turnovers during the blowout. EJ Manuel also looked sharp throwing for 282 yards and two touchdowns. Florida State right now is projected to meet up again with Duke in the ACC Title game, there is no reason as to why FSU should not win the ACC and go to the Orange Bowl. Now Boise State doesn’t have a marquee win or a real strong strength of schedule. Even though they have one loss, Boise State will get an at-large bid to the Orange Bowl setting up an exciting matchup between the Broncos and FSU.

NON BCS BOWL GAMES
GoDaddy.com Bowl – MAC No. 1 vs. Sun Belt No. 2
(Sunday Jan. 6th – 9:00 PM – Ladd-Peebles Stadium)
Northern Illinois Huskies vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

BBVA Compass Bowl – SEC No. 8/9 vs. Big East No. 5/C-USA
(Saturday Jan. 5th – 1:00 PM – Legion Field)
Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Temple Owls

AT&T Cotton Bowl – Big 12 No. 2 vs. SEC No. 3/4
(Friday Jan. 4th – 8:00 PM – Dallas Cowboys Stadium)
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Georgia Bulldogs

TicketCity Bowl – Big Ten No. 7 vs. C-USA No. 5
(Tuesday Jan. 1st – Noon – Cotton Bowl)
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. SMU Mustangs

Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl – Big Ten No. 4/5 vs. SEC No. 6
(Tuesday Jan. 1st – Noon – EverBank Field)
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Texas A&M Aggies

Capital One Bowl – Big Ten No. 2 vs. SEC No. 2
(Tuesday Jan. 1st – 1:00 PM – Florida Citrus Bowl)
Michigan Wolverines vs. LSU Tigers

Outback Bowl – Big Ten No. 3 vs. SEC No. 3/4
(Tuesday Jan. 1st – 1:00 PM – Raymond James Stadium)
Northwestern Wildcats vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl – ACC No. 6 vs. SEC No. 7
(Monday Dec. 31st – Noon – LP Field)
Maryland Terrapins vs. Ole Miss Rebels

Hyundai Sun Bowl – ACC No. 4 vs. Pac-12 No. 4
(Monday Dec. 31st – 2:00 PM – Sun Bowl)
NC State Wolfpack vs. Stanford Cardinal

AutoZone Liberty Bowl – C-USA No. 1 vs. Big East No. 5/SEC No. 8/9
(Monday Dec. 31st – 3:30 PM – Liberty Bowl)
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Missouri Tigers

Chick-fil-A Bowl – ACC No. 2 vs. SEC No. 5
(Monday Dec. 31st – 7:30 PM – Georgia Dome)
Clemson Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl – C-USA No. 3 vs. MWC No. 4/5
(Saturday Dec. 29th – 11:45 AM – Amon G. Carter Stadium)
East Carolina Pirates vs. Nevada Wolfpack

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl – Navy vs. Pac-12 No. 6
(Saturday Dec. 29th – 3:15 PM – AT&T Park)
Navy Midshipmen vs. Arizona Wildcats

New Era Pinstripe Bowl – Big 12 No. 7 vs. Big East No. 4
(Saturday Dec. 29th – 3:15 PM – Yankee Stadium)
TCU Horned Frogs vs. Syracuse Orange

Valero Alamo Bowl – Pac-12 No. 2 vs. Big 12 No. 3
(Saturday Dec. 29th – 6:45 PM – Alamodome)
USC Trojans vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl – Big 12 No. 4 vs. Big Ten No. 4/5
(Saturday Dec. 29th – 10:15 PM – Sun Devil Stadium)
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Iowa Hawkeyes

Advocare V100 Independence Bowl – ACC No. 7 vs. SEC
(Friday Dec. 28th – 2:00 PM – Independence Bowl)
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Tennessee Volunteers

Russell Athletic Bowl – Big East No. 2 vs. ACC No. 3
(Friday Dec. 28th – 5:30 PM – Florida Citrus Bowl)
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Duke Blue Devils

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas – Big 12 No. 6 vs. Big Ten No. 6
(Friday Dec. 28th – 9:00 PM – Reliant Stadium)
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Michigan State Spartans

Military Bowl – Army vs. ACC No. 8
(Thursday Dec. 27th – 3:00 PM – RFK Stadium)
*Ohio Bobcats vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Belk Bowl – ACC No. 5 vs. Big East No. 3
(Thursday Dec. 27th – 6:30 PM – Bank of America Stadium)
Miami Hurricanes vs. Cincinnati Bearcats

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl – Pac-12 No. 3 vs. Big 12 No. 5
(Thursday Dec. 27th – 9:45 PM – Qualcomm Stadium)
Oregon State Beavers vs. Texas Longhorns

Little Caesars Bowl – Big Ten No. 8 vs. MAC No. 2
(Wednesday Dec. 26th – 7:30 PM – Ford Field)
*Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Toledo Rockets

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl – C-USA No. 2 vs. MWC No. 5
(Monday Dec. 24th – 8:00 PM – Aloha Stadium)
Central Florida Knights vs. *Utah State Aggies

R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl – Sun Belt No. 1 vs. C-USA No. 6
(Saturday Dec. 22nd – Noon – Mercedes-Benz Superdome)
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks vs. Marshall Thundering Herd

MAACO Las Vegas Bowl – MWC No. 1 vs. Pac-12 No. 5
(Saturday Dec. 22nd – 3:30 PM – Sam Boyd Stadium)
San Diego State Aztecs vs. UCLA Bruins

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl – Big East No. 6 vs. C-USA No. 4
(Friday Dec. 21st – 7:30 PM – Tropicana Field)
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Houston Cougars

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl – BYU vs. MWC No. 2
(Thursday Dec. 20th – 8:00 PM – Qualcomm Stadium)
BYU Cougars vs. Fresno State Bulldogs

Gilden New Mexico Bowl – MWC No. 4 vs. Pac-12 No. 7
(Saturday Dec. 15th – 1:00 PM – University Stadium)
Air Force Falcons vs. Arizona State Sun Devils

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl – WAC No. 1/2 vs. MAC No. 3
(Saturday Dec. 15th – 4:30 PM – Bronco Stadium)
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. Kent State Golden Flashes

A marquee matchup between Oklahoma and Notre Dame will give a real measure of to how good not only Oklahoma is, but how good and deep the conference is as a whole. If Oklahoma wins it’ll make a case for Kansas State even more. With two giant matchups one between OU and ND and the other between Kansas State and Texas Tech, the Big 12 against will only get clearer this week.

BYE WEEK: West Virginia Mountaineers

No. 23 Texas Longhorns (5-2, 2-2) vs. Kansas Jayhawks (1-6, 0-4)
(Memorial Stadium; Saturday – Noon; FSN)
Game Overview: Last Saturday, Texas was able to put the skeptic and critic on hold by beating Baylor in a shootout. This week Mack Brown’s team should be able to get their second straight win against a poor Kansas team. Texas this week has to focus on fundamentals and playing a sound game. They have to work on the defensive side of the ball. In the secondary, they need to cover better and across the defense they have to tackle better. This is a good week to work on it against Kansas who has decided to start freshman Michael Cummings at quarterback. Cummings last week in a platoon role with Dayne Crist, against Oklahoma was only 10-21 for 111 yards with two interceptions, but looked against Oklahoma State two weeks ago. With that said anytime a freshman quarterback has to go against a Texas defense that does provide a good pass rush, the game has all the makings to get ugly. Despite the loss of Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas still has a prominent pass rush with Alex Okafor, Brandon Moore and Cedric Reed. The three have combined for ten sacks on the season. If Kansas doesn’t protect their quarterback, Texas will have by far their best defensive game in conference play thus far.
Coach Speak: “This is by far the deepest the league has been with quality teams since I’ve been there. We’re going to Lawrence this weekend and Charlie (Weis) has done a great job in nearly beating Oklahoma State and holding TCU to 26 points. Four of the top quarterbacks in the country in passing efficiency are in this league. This past weekend there were more touchdowns than punts. It’s crazy with the speed of the game, what you’re having to do is play every week,” said Texas Coach Mack Brown. He is not taking even the lowly Jayhawks lightly because he knows the parody the Big 12 has had.
Key Matchup: Texas vs. Themselves; This is no disrespect to Kansas, but the only way Texas allows the Jayhawks to stick around is if the Longhorns don’t do things right on their end. They need to tackle and not turn the ball over. If they can tackle and protect the football, there is no reason as to why Kansas will even be in this game.
Prediction: Texas Longhorns 49, Kansas Jayhawks 10

TCU Horned Frogs (5-2, 2-2) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-2, 2-1)
(Boone-Pickens Stadium; Saturday – 3:30 PM; FSN)
Game Overview: After early losses in the beginning of conference play, TCU and Oklahoma State are all of a sudden in the thick of the Big 12 conference standings. These teams almost mirror each other in what they have gone through this season. Both schools have played a bunch of first time starters, in addition to experiencing adversity at the quarterback position. TCU has played 16 true freshmen compared to just eleven scholarship seniors. Oklahoma State keeps eleven freshmen on their two deep. These two teams are extremely young and it starts with their quarterbacks. TCU obviously dealt with the Casey Pachall situation and replaced Pachall with Trevone Boykin. The redshirt freshman, Boykin has scored nine total touchdowns in the last two weeks. He’s given TCU some ability to do some things outside of the pocket that Pachall wasn’t able to do. On the other hand for Oklahoma State, both freshmen quarterbacks Wes Lunt and JW Walsh, when healthy have played well. Because of Walsh’s knee injury, Lunt should be starting the rest of the way. In the three games Lunt has played in he’s completed 68% of his passes for 588 yards and four touchdowns. As long as Oklahoma State Coach Mike Gundy continues to run his offense through running back Joseph Randle, Lunt shouldn’t feel an immense amount of pressure on him. Randle continues to be the catalyst of anything that results in success offensively as he has 897 yards of total offense already this season. If Oklahoma State can push the issue against an untypically down TCU defense, than Oklahoma State has a real shot to get to that fifth win.
Coach Speak: “You just can’t turn the ball over, the last couple games we’ve played when we’ve won the turnover battle we’ve won, when we didn’t we lost,” said TCU Coach Gary Patterson. It is all about winning the turnover battle when trying to win games.
Key Matchup: TCU QB Trevone Boykin vs. OK State DE’s; TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin has unique ability to do things outside the pocket. It has given TCU some good options offensively to get outside the pocket and make plays down the field. If Oklahoma State doesn’t contain Boykin and keep him in the pocket, Oklahoma State will get beat.
Prediction: TCU Horned Frogs 35, Oklahoma State Cowboys 33

No. 14 Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-1, 3-1) vs. No. 3 Kansas State Wildcats (7-0, 4-0)
(Bill Snyder Family Stadium; Saturday – 3:30 PM; FOX)
Game Overview: In the Big 12 preseason media poll, Kansas State was picked to finish sixth and Texas Tech was picked to finish ninth. Right now, not only is Kansas State vying for a Big 12 Championship, but also a shot at the National Title and as for Texas Tech, the Red Raiders are already bowl eligible, something no one thought they would be prior to the season starting. To say these two teams are proving doubters wrong, is an understatement. When the Wildcats return home for the first time in three weeks to take on Texas Tech, they will be tested by Texas Tech who is good on both offense and defense. Both schools lean on their defenses to fuel their offenses. Both are in the top 25 nationally in total defense, and Kansas State is seventh in the country in turnover margin. Both schools use their standout players on defenses to get the ball back in their offenses hands. Kansas State’s key defensive guys are Arthur Brown, Ty Zimmerman and Vai Latui while Texas Tech’s defensive stars are Cody Davis and Terrance Bullitt. With those defenses playing at high level, Heisman front runner, Collin Klein and Tech gunslinger Seth Doege will have a tough test. These two quarterbacks have success in different styles, Klein is the slow patient runner that uses his running game to open up play action while Doege sits back in the pocket and slings the ball around.
Coach Speak: “He just works diligently trying to improve his capabilities on and off the field. He’s done well with everything. He’s an excellent leader; he continues to improve in that area. He is an excellent manager of the game, he continues to improve there,” Snyder said about his quarterback Collin Klein. “He’s an efficient passer and continues to improve there. He runs the ball well and continues to improve there. He is one of those guys who diligently tries to improve all facets of his game and life.” Klein who leads the Heisman conversation has 1397 passing yards, 551 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns.
Key Matchup: TTU QB Seth Doege vs. KSU S Ty Zimmerman; Five of seven interceptions that Tech quarterback Seth Doege has thrown, have landed in the hands of the defenses’ ball hawking safety. Now Zimmerman is probably one of the best safeties that he will face all season long. Some times throughout the season Doege has forgotten to notice where the safety is on the field. He cannot do that this week, because Zimmerman who has three interceptions already will make him pay for forgetting to recognize where Zimmerman is on the field. If Doege can locate where Zimmerman is on the field he’ll be able to have a good game like he has had the past two weeks against West Virginia and TCU.
Prediction: Kansas State Wildcats 39, Texas Tech Red Raiders 24

Baylor Bears (3-3, 0-3) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (4-3, 1-3)
(Jack Trice Stadium; Saturday – 7:00 PM; FSN)
Game Overview: Two teams that just a couple of weeks ago we’re in the top twenty five are in need of a win in order to stay in contention for a bowl game berth. Whoever loses this game, is probably on the outside looking in at post season play. Baylor’s offense has been potent at times. Nick Florence utilizes Terrance Williams, Lenear Sampson and Tevin Reese as well as any quarterback uses a duo or trio wide receivers. The Bears offense will be matched up against a good Iowa State defense that comes off of a uncharacteristically bad week against Oklahoma State. Baylor does a lot of the same things that Oklahoma State did offensively, so if Iowa State wants to win this game they will have to go back and adjust secondary coverage to cover these real good Baylor wide receivers. As for Iowa State’s they have to figure out what they are going to do offensively at the quarterback position. Paul Rhoads has made it clear that the starting quarterback spot between Steel Jantz and Jared Barnett is an open competition. It’ll be interesting to see who gets call against Baylor’s defense.
Coach Speak: Baylor had a historically good season last year, this season it hasn’t gone as well. Coach Art Briles isn’t concerned. “We got to win six games minimum to start with, we’re halfway there, we just have to keep fighting and keep scratching. We’ve been extremely close on two of our last three ball games,” said Baylor Coach Art Briles. “We just haven’t made plays at the end or haven’t gotten breaks during the course of the game. But you know, our towel is certainly still strapped over our shoulder.”
Key Matchup: Baylor Defense vs. Iowa State offense; These two units have really hampered their team’s overall success. Baylor’s defense is 120th in the nation in total defense giving up 553 yards per game. Iowa State’s offense is 101st in the nation total offense. This week something has to give.
Prediction: Baylor Bears 37, Iowa State Cyclones 31

No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-0) vs. No. 8 Oklahoma Sooners (5-1, 3-1)
(Oklahoma Memorial Stadium; Saturday – 8:00 PM; ABC)
Game Overview: Is there a better time for these two college football titans to play? History and all when Notre Dame and Oklahoma take the field Saturday night in Norman, both will be playing to keep their national title hopes alive. For Notre Dame it is their first massive test against a proven power. Yes the Irish have wins over ranked teams in Michigan, Michigan State, and Stanford, but a win on the road against a Big 12 school, will solidify Notre Dame being a top five school. As for Oklahoma this is a great chance for the Sooners to get back into the BCS picture and national title conversation. Yes, they did lose the last time they had a big chance like this against a top three Kansas State team, but now if Oklahoma upsets Notre Dame, they are back in the middle of everything. With that said these are really a tale of two units for each squad. The Notre Dame defense has been dominant all season long. The Irish are second in the nation in red zone defense, second in scoring defense and sixth in the country in total defense. They have 17 takeaways on the season which is already three more than they had all of last season. Notre Dame’s defense is forcing the issue. Oklahoma is going to have to play smart football and not turn it over. They will have to use balance between their run game and pass game in order to avoid letting Notre Dame try to make them one dimensional. Oklahoma has gotten good production out of the run game between Damien Williams and Dominic Whaley. If they can run the ball it’ll open up the pass like they did against Texas, that’ll give Landry Jones plenty of opportunity to make a statement. If Jones can have that chemistry with Kenny Stills, Justin Brown and Trey Metoyer then Oklahoma may be able to take advantage of Notre Dame’s secondary.
Coach Speak: Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o has gotten a ton attention this season for good reason. He has 69 tackles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops recognizes the player that he is. “He’s a great player, he has a nose for the football, and he is tough, physical and a great tackler. But most of all has a great nose for finding the ball,” Stoops said about Te’o.
Key Matchup: Notre Dames Goal Line Defense vs. Oklahoma’s Goal Line Offense; Notre Dame’s strength of their defense lies within the front seven. They have been phenomenal this season. Led by Te’o along with help from Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix on the defensive line, Notre Dame has stood tall in big situations when opposing offenses get the ball inside the red zone. As mentioned above Notre Dame is second in red zone defense. A lot of that has to do with stuffing the run. Oklahoma will try to run the ball down their throats when they get the ball deep inside Notre Dame Territory. Oklahoma will try to rush the ball not only with Williams and Whaley but also six-foot-six, 260 pound backup quarterback Blake Bell. What the Sooners call the “Belldozer” package has resulted in 12 rushing touchdowns already for Bell. It’ll be interesting to see if Notre Dame’s defense and Oklahoma’s offense can match the toughness of each other.
Prediction: Oklahoma Sooners 30, Notre Dame Fighting Irish 17

The Big 12 conference is really deep. Any school can win in any weekend. West Virginia has figured that out the hard way. Kansas State seems like a legit national title contender. Here is how this week’s power ranks look:

1. Kansas State Wildcats (7-0, 4-0; Win vs. West Virginia, 52-14; Last Week: 1st)
Bill Snyder’s team just does everything right. They don’t make mistakes. The Wildcats lead the Big 12 Conference in turnover margin and also are nation’s least penalized team. Kansas State doesn’t make mistakes that could end up hurting themselves. Between Snyder’s mentality and Collin Klein’s (7 total touchdowns vs. West Virginia) shear ability to make plays, the Wildcats are in prime position to make a run at the national title game. Kansas State has already played their toughest games on the road at Oklahoma in September and this past weekend on the road at West Virginia. They’ve past those two tests with ease. Unless Kansas State starts making mistakes that beat themselves, Kansas State is just miles ahead of everyone else inside the conference. KSU finally returns to Bill Snyder Family Stadium to take on a good Texas Tech team this Saturday.

2. Oklahoma Sooners (5-1, 3-1; Win vs. Kansas, 52-7; Last Week: 2nd)
Ever since September’s loss to Kansas State, the Sooners have been an awoken sleeping giant that has big play ability on offense, and steady defense to put them over the top. All of Landry Jones, is the Landry Jones of last season, he threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns in Oklahoma’s win over Kansas. Jones continuity with his receivers looks so much better than what it was to start the season. Jones has gotten in sync with Kenny Stilles, Trey Metoyer, Justin Brown and Trey Millard. Between an efficient passing game and a run game that has the ability to be dominant, Oklahoma is back in the BCS bowl picture again. Add the fact that the Sooners defense hasn’t given up more than 21 points in a game all season long, the Sooners are an imposing team. Oklahoma welcomes in the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. If Oklahoma wants prove that the Kansas State loss was just a loss because Kansas State is good, they have to win on the big stage against Notre Dame.

3. Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-1, 3-1; Win vs. TCU, 56-53; Last Week: 3rd)
Texas Tech has been the surprise of the Big 12 Conference, and continued that on Saturday in one of the best games of the 2012 season against TCU. All of a sudden quarterback Seth Doege is in the Heisman conversation. Over his last two games Doege has thrown for 817 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Red Raiders offense is as potent as any team in the Big 12. The Red Raiders proved yesterday that they could win a shootout. Now, one glaring concern for Tech is the defense. After playing at such a high level all season long, as one of the top five statistical units in the country, Texas Tech allowed 516 total yards of offense to a young TCU offense. Tommy Tuberville has to get the defense turned around because the Red Raiders travel to Kansas State this weekend.

4. West Virginia Mountaineers (5-2, 2-2; Loss vs. Kansas State, 52-14; Last Week: 4th)
Two weeks ago after beating Texas in Austin, it seemed like West Virginia was destined for a magical season. Flash forward to today and West Virginia’s season has become anything but magical. After back to back blowout losses to Texas Tech and Kansas State, the Mountaineers have so many different problems to assess. For starters, WVU has to figure out how to fix all the defensive issues. Whether it is going to be changing on field personnel or dumbing down Joe DeForest’s 3-4 scheme, WVU has to figure what the problem because right now being 113th in total defense isn’t good enough. The other glaring issue for the Mountianeers, is where has the offense gone? The past two weeks, Dana Holgorsen’s “juggernaut” offense has only scored 21 points.

5. Texas Longhorns (5-2, 2-2; Win vs. Baylor, 56-50; Last Week: 5th)
Well, Texas found a way to win against a high flying Baylor offense. After everyone thought the wheels were falling off following back to back losses to West Virginia and then in the Red River Rivalry against Baylor, Mack Brown was able to right the ship against the Bears. The Texas offense used that great run game to total 251 yards on the ground. Between Joe Bergeron who had five touchdowns, DJ Johnson and Johnathan Gray, Texas was able to physically take it to the Baylor defense. If Texas continues to run the football effectively, they will be able to at least be in and likely win every game left on their schedule. Texas takes on the lowly Kansas Jayhawks this week.

6. TCU Horned Frogs (5-2, 2-2; Loss vs. Texas Tech, 56-53; Last Week: 6th)
If there was any doubt that TCU couldn’t hang around in a shootout, the Horned Frogs offense proved that just like everyone else in the Big 12 that they can score whenever they want. TCU is playing well behind freshman quarterback Trevone Boykin. In the three games Boykin has started he’s progressively gotten better. In Boykin’s first game against Iowa State he threw for 270 yards, a touchdown, but three picks. Last week against Baylor he threw for 261 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions, and finally this week, Boykin matched what Seth Doege was able to do, throwing for 332 yards and four touchdowns. Once this very young TCU team that has played the most freshmen in the entire country, figure out how to win, the Horned Frogs will be extremely dangerous.

7. Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-2, 2-1; Win vs. Iowa State, 31-10; Last Week: 8th)
The Oklahoma State Cowboys just seem to be injury ridden at the quarterback position this season. When news broke last night that JW Walsh would be out for the rest of the year, it was crazy to think the ball would be back in Wes Lunt’s hands. Regardless, it doesn’t matter who the quarterback is because the OSU offense runs through Joseph Randle. This season seven of Randle’s eight games, he’s rushed for 100 yards. As long as Mike Gundy continues to go through Lunt, Oklahoma State will continue to stay in the thick of the Big 12 conference. Another added bonus is, Oklahoma State’s defense showed up against Iowa State, the Cowboys welcome in TCU this weekend.

8. Iowa State Cyclones (4-3, 1-3; Loss vs. Oklahoma State, 31-10; Last Week: 7th)
Man, Iowa State has been in all three games that they have lost this season except for this past weekend against Oklahoma State. The Cyclones finally fell this weekend and not having a productive offense caught up to them. Now, while Oklahoma State was able to wear down that talented ISU defense, Iowa State’s offense couldn’t stay on the field. The Cyclones were a dreadful 4 for 17 on third downs against the Cowboys. Iowa State has to do a better job in big time situations. The Cyclones return home this week to take on Baylor.

9. Baylor Bears (3-3, 0-3; Loss vs. Texas, 56-50; Last Week 9th)
Baylor’s defense is as bad as any in America. While the Bears offense continues to churn out big time numbers, the Baylor defense is having a historically bad season. Baylor’s defense is 120th in the nation in total defense, giving up 553 yards per game to go along with 36 opponent touchdowns. Until that changes, Baylor may end up losing a lot of these shootout type games. Baylor has to take account defensively.

10. Kansas Jayhawks (1-6, 0-4; Loss vs. Oklahoma, 52-7; Last Week: 10th)
Until Kansas wins a game, they will stay in this tenth slot all season long. They we’re just over powered this weekend against the Oklahoma Sooners. Charlie Weis did say he’d be picking a starting quarterback this week, so if you’re looking for a story line in Lawrence, there it is.

There are a lot more teams set to make a run at a National Title than most people thought there would be at the beginning of the season. Between, front runner Alabama, along with Kansas State, Oregon, Notre Dame and Florida, legitimately there is a chance that as many as three of those teams can run the table. Those teams set up what should be an exciting stretch run.

BCS BOWL GAMES
BCS National Championship – BCS No. 1 vs. BCS No. 2
(Monday Jan. 7th – 8:30 PM – Sun Life Stadium)
Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Kansas State Wildcats
Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide has been a top college football for what seems like forever. While every team below them has flipped flopped spot, Alabama just continues to play at the highest level. They also are all of a sudden not a just a run oriented offense, over the past three games AJ McCarron has proved to be more than a game manager. In ‘Bama’s last three wins, McCarron has completed 55 of 73 passes for 657 yards and 6 touchdowns. Having that ability to throw the ball for a big play, makes Alabama’s offense that much more complete. For Kansas State isn’t it about time someone gave them credit? Last night in Morgantown, K-State proved that they are legit. They are like a machine that just produces the same product day after day. The Wildcats have embodied their head coach Bill Snyder. They play mistake free football, they control time of possession and they win the turnover battle. With three wins on the road this season against ranked teams (at Oklahoma, at Iowa State, at West Virginia), it is hard not to put the Wildcats in that National Title game.

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl – BCS Big 12 No. 1 vs. BCS At-Large
(Thursday Jan. 3rd – 8:30 PM – University of Phoenix Stadium)
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Oregon State Beavers
With Kansas State in the National Title game, the runner up in the Big 12, Oklahoma gets a trip to the Fiesta Bowl. When Oklahoma lost at home to Kansas State back in September it might have woke up a sleeping giant in the Sooners. They have come up with a formula to win football games. Offensively they use balance between Landry Jones and the slew of the runners they have, defensively they are tackling a lot of better and creating turnovers. Bob Stoops and company probably can finish the season with just the one loss to Kansas State. As for Oregon State, they just might sneak in as an at-large. They probably will lose to Oregon in the Civil War, but with just one loss, the Beavers may be attractive enough to land in this game. The Beavers have played fundamental football, they win with defense. Despite losing their starting quarterback, backup Cody Vaz has done nothing but play well in his place. If Oregon State can just continue to play their game and win football games they will be in a BCS game come January.

Allstate Sugar Bowl – BCS SEC No. 1 vs. BCS At-Large
(Wednesday Jan. 2nd – 8:30 PM – Mercedes-Benz Superdome)
Florida Gators vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Florida has been super impressive through the first half of the season. All they have done is win big games. Wins early in the season at Texas A&M and at Tennessee along with what they’ve done at home against then No. 4 LSU and No. 7 South Carolina, stand tall. In terms of body of work only what Kansas State has done maybe is as impressive. The Gators defense forced four turnovers against South Carolina and took advantage of every single one of them. Florida led by Josh Evans who has 44 tackles looks like a defense not to be reckon with. Until someone can go in and take down Florida’s defense, the Gators probably won’t lose. Notre Dame faces one of two stretch run tests this Saturday as they travel to Norman to take on Oklahoma. Notre Dame has done it with defense, but this is the first time they will face an offense as potent as Oklahoma. It’ll be interesting to see how Notre Dame fares against Landry Jones and company. If Notre Dame’s defense holds up, Manti Te’o has to be heavily forced into the Heisman conversation.

Rose Bowl Game – BCS Big Ten No. 1 vs. BCS Pac-12 No. 1
(Tuesday Jan. 1st – 5:00 PM – Rose Bowl)
Michigan Wolverines vs. Oregon Ducks
Somehow Michigan going to be the Big Ten representative in the Rose Bowl, with Ohio State and Penn State bowl ineligible, Michigan is the only one left to pick in a beaten down Big Ten. The Wolverines at least have a flashy player in Denard Robinson that can get Wolverines some notoriety as they move down the stretch. Michigan still has two tough games left, one on the road in Lincoln against Nebraska and their rivalry game on the road in Horeshoe against Ohio State. If Michigan can get through at least one of those game, than there is no reason as to why anyone else would represent the Big Ten in the granddaddy of them all. The Ducks end up here regardless of whether they run the table or not. Oregon will win the Pac-12, if they go undefeated, Kansas State or Florida could end up ahead of them in the BCS standing, so for right now even though Oregon has been really impressive ends up in the Rose Bowl.

Discover Orange Bowl – BCS ACC No. 1 vs. BCS At-Large
(Tuesday Jan. 1 – 8:30 PM – Sun Life Stadium)
Florida State Seminoles vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Florida State found a way to win and handle Miami pretty easily. The ‘Noles upset loss against North Carolina State still standouts as maybe the most disappointing loss for a team that could have played for a National Title, because if FSU wins that game, they probably are sitting at number two in the country with a magical season still on the line. Regardless, they will be the ACC champ and take the ACC’s Orange Bowl bid. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights probably is the most surprising team in all college football. What Kyle Flood has done to step in for Greg Schiano is truly incredible. Give Rutgers, Kyle Flood and quarterback Gary Nova who threw four touchdowns yesterday a ton of credit for still be unblemished on the season.

NON BCS BOWL GAMES
GoDaddy.com Bowl – MAC No. 1 vs. Sun Belt No. 2
(Sunday Jan. 6th – 9:00 PM – Ladd-Peebles Stadium)
Ohio Bobcats vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

BBVA Compass Bowl – SEC No. 8/9 vs. Big East No. 5/C-USA
(Saturday Jan. 5th – 1:00 PM – Legion Field)
Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Syracuse Orange

AT&T Cotton Bowl – Big 12 No. 2 vs. SEC No. 3/4
(Friday Jan. 4th – 8:00 PM – Dallas Cowboys Stadium)
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

TicketCity Bowl – Big Ten No. 7 vs. C-USA No. 5
(Tuesday Jan. 1st – Noon – Cotton Bowl)
Purdue Boilermakers vs. SMU Mustangs

Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl – Big Ten No. 4/5 vs. SEC No. 6
(Tuesday Jan. 1st – Noon – EverBank Field)
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Texas A&M Aggies

Capital One Bowl – Big Ten No. 2 vs. SEC No. 2
(Tuesday Jan. 1st – 1:00 PM – Florida Citrus Bowl)
Wisconsin Badgers vs. LSU Tigers

Outback Bowl – Big Ten No. 3 vs. SEC No. 3/4
(Tuesday Jan. 1st – 1:00 PM – Raymond James Stadium)
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl – ACC No. 6 vs. SEC No. 7
(Monday Dec. 31st – Noon – LP Field)
Miami Hurricanes vs. Ole Miss Rebels

Hyundai Sun Bowl – ACC No. 4 vs. Pac-12 No. 4
(Monday Dec. 31st – 2:00 PM – Sun Bowl)
NC State Wolfpack vs. UCLA Bruins

AutoZone Liberty Bowl – C-USA No. 1 vs. Big East No. 5/SEC No. 8/9
(Monday Dec. 31st – 3:30 PM – Liberty Bowl)
Tulsa Golden Hurricane vs. Tennessee Volunteers

Chick-fil-A Bowl – ACC No. 2 vs. SEC No. 5
(Monday Dec. 31st – 7:30 PM – Georgia Dome)
Clemson Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl – C-USA No. 3 vs. MWC No. 4/5
(Saturday Dec. 29th – 11:45 AM – Amon G. Carter Stadium)
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Fresno State Bulldogs

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl – Navy vs. Pac-12 No. 6
(Saturday Dec. 29th – 3:15 PM – AT&T Park)
Navy Midshipmen vs. Arizona State Sun Devils

New Era Pinstripe Bowl – Big 12 No. 7 vs. Big East No. 4
(Saturday Dec. 29th – 3:15 PM – Yankee Stadium)
Baylor Bears vs. Temple Owls

Valero Alamo Bowl – Pac-12 No. 2 vs. Big 12 No. 3
(Saturday Dec. 29th – 6:45 PM – Alamodome)
USC Trojans vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl – Big 12 No. 4 vs. Big Ten No. 4/5
(Saturday Dec. 29th – 10:15 PM – Sun Devil Stadium)
Texas Longhorns vs. Northwestern Wildcats

Advocare V100 Independence Bowl – ACC No. 7 vs. SEC
(Friday Dec. 28th – 2:00 PM – Independence Bowl)
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Arkansas Razorbacks

Russell Athletic Bowl – Big East No. 2 vs. ACC No. 3
(Friday Dec. 28th – 5:30 PM – Florida Citrus Bowl)
Louisville Cardinals vs. Duke Blue Devils

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas – Big 12 No. 6 vs. Big Ten No. 6
(Friday Dec. 28th – 9:00 PM – Reliant Stadium)
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Michigan State Spartans

Military Bowl – Army vs. ACC No. 8
(Thursday Dec. 27th – 3:00 PM – RFK Stadium)
Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Belk Bowl – ACC No. 5 vs. Big East No. 3
(Thursday Dec. 27th – 6:30 PM – Bank of America Stadium)
Maryland Terrapins vs. Cincinnati Bearcats

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl – Pac-12 No. 3 vs. Big 12 No. 5
(Thursday Dec. 27th – 9:45 PM – Qualcomm Stadium)
Stanford Cardinal vs. TCU Horned Frogs

Little Caesars Bowl – Big Ten No. 8 vs. MAC No. 2
(Wednesday Dec. 26th – 7:30 PM – Ford Field)
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Northern Illinois Huskies

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl – C-USA No. 2 vs. MWC No. 5
(Monday Dec. 24th – 8:00 PM – Aloha Stadium)
East Carolina Pirates vs. San Diego State Aztecs

R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl – Sun Belt No. 1 vs. C-USA No. 6
(Saturday Dec. 22nd – Noon – Mercedes-Benz Superdome)
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks vs. *Ball State Cardinals

MAACO Las Vegas Bowl – MWC No. 1 vs. Pac-12 No. 5
(Saturday Dec. 22nd – 3:30 PM – Sam Boyd Stadium)
Boise State Broncos vs. Washington Huskies

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl – Big East No. 6 vs. C-USA No. 4
(Friday Dec. 21st – 7:30 PM – Tropicana Field)
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Houston Cougars

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl – BYU vs. MWC No. 2
(Thursday Dec. 20th – 8:00 PM – Qualcomm Stadium)
BYU Cougars vs. Nevada Wolfpack

Gilden New Mexico Bowl – MWC No. 4 vs. Pac-12 No. 7
(Saturday Dec. 15th – 1:00 PM – University Stadium)
Air Force Falcons vs. Arizona Wildcats

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl – WAC No. 1/2 vs. MAC No. 3
(Saturday Dec. 15th – 4:30 PM – Bronco Stadium)
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. Toledo Rockets

WVU Head Coach Dana Holgorsen

WVU Defensive Coordinator Joe DeForest

Kansas State and West Virginia meet in Morgantown, the winner of this game will be put in position to determine their own destiny in terms of winning the Big 12 title. WVU needs a bounce back victory.

BYE WEEK: None

No. 24 Iowa State Cyclones (4-2, 1-2) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-2, 1-1)
(Boone-Pickens Stadium; Saturday – Noon; FX)
Game Overview: Iowa State ruined the National Title hopes that Oklahoma State had last season. The Cyclones beat the Cowboys by slowing their quick strike offense. If they want to beat the Cowboys in Stillwater this season, they will have to do the same. Oklahoma State’s offense is still really good and does have quick strike ability. The difference this year is that Oklahoma State has to run their offense through Joseph Randle. With instability at the quarterback position whether JW Walsh or Wes Lunt will be in the game for Oklahoma State, the ball will have to go through the hands of Joseph Randle. That means the Iowa State defense will continue to have to play with that steady stout style of play they have been laying with all season long. If Iowa State can shut down Oklahoma State’s run game, it’ll be tough for the Cowboys to get anything going through the air. So if the Cyclones do that, the game becomes much easier.
Coach Speak: “They’re sound, they don’t make a lot of mistakes, they are in the right spot. And their linebackers play very well as a group, about as any group in this league,” said Mike Gundy about the Iowa State defense. The ISU defense only yields 17 points per game and only 3 yards per rush. Oklahoma State knows they are in for another tough task this week.
Key Matchup: ISU Front Seven vs. Oklahoma State Run Game; As mentioned above, if Iowa State wants to upend Oklahoma State, they are going to have to make the Cowboys throw the football this year. Iowa State will have to rely on defensive tackle Jake McDonough to clog up the “A” gaps and keep OK State’s interior offensive linemen off of Jake Knott an AJ Klein. If Oklahoma State doesn’t key Knott or Klein on every play those guys will make it tough for Joseph Randle to get it going.
Prediction: Iowa State Cyclones 27, Oklahoma State Cowboys 23

No. 17 Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-1, 2-1) vs. No. 23 TCU Horned Frogs (5-1, 2-1)
(Amon G. Carter Stadium; Saturday – 3:30 PM; ABC/ESPN2)
Game Overview: TCU surprised a lot of people last week, going into Waco and beating a Baylor team that many people though would run a beaten down, inexperienced TCU team off of the field. That statement by TCU really just said that they could overcome adversity and find a way to win. The Horned Frogs are tied for first in the country for most true freshman played. With that said, they will go through some growing pains. Quarterback, Trevone Boykin played really well last week, throwing four touchdowns. He gives TCU some more ability out of the pocket. Also, TCU should be able to rely on Matthew Tucker to run the football, he was eased in last week. Now the TCU offense is up against really experienced Texas Tech defense that does the little things right. They held West Virginia’s high flying offense to just 14 points last week. The Red Raiders rank fourth nationally in total defense. They’ve gotten great play from safeties Cody Davis and DJ Johnson. If they continue to play at a high level with that simple scheme, it’ll be tough for a young TCU offense to really get anything going against Texas Tech.
Coach Speak: “The big thing this year opposed to last year is we have more guys that have the opportunity to play at the level of college football that we need them to. We got a pretty good two deep,” said Texas Tech Coach Tommy Tuberville, “Our coaches have done a good job of sticking with fundamentals for the first six games haven’t done anything exotic, we just teach the same thing each week and we’ve gotten better at it.” That’s the thing about the Tech defense is that, they don’t blitz a lot, they just play a vanilla defense, that seems to give opponents trouble because they execute it perfection.
Key Matchup: Texas Tech QB Seth Doege vs. TCU Pass Rushers; Last week Tech quarterback, Seth Doege torched the West Virginia defense for 499 yards and six touchdowns. The problem was West Virginia never could get a pass rush going and allowed Doege to sit in the pocket a find his receivers with ease. This week TCU does have some ability to get to Doege with Stansly Maponga and Devonte Fields. Maponga has that explosiveness that can to the quarterback at any time, and Fields arguably is the best true freshman in the conference. TCU has to neutralize Doege and get to him, so he doesn’t pick apart their secondary.
Prediction: Texas Tech Red Raiders 37, TCU Horned Frogs 21

Kansas Jayhawks (1-5, 0-3) vs. No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners (4-1, 2-1)
(Oklahoma Memorial Stadium; Saturday – 7:00 PM; FSN)
Game Overview: Kansas is in for a long day. Last week they got close in playing tough through horrible weather conditions against Oklahoma State. This week they won’t be in the game against the Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma has been tough bunch since their September loss to Kansas State. That loss may have awakened a sleeping giant. With an elite running game between Damien Williams, Dominic Whaley and Blake Bell, the Sooners have opened up their entire offense allowing Landry Jones to even get more comfortable in the pocket. Charlie Weis is in for a long day. He’s spoken all year about playing four quarters, this weekend he’s going to need that and more if they want to pull this massive upset.
Coach Speak: About Damien Williams, Sooners Coach Bob Stoops said, “Well he’s (William’s) played consistently all year, he’s made big plays, he’s an incredibly physical tough runner, he’s got great speed, he’s taking care of the football. He’s been reliable, he’s got great hands, so he’s got everything you look for.” Williams this season has been Oklahoma’s most consistent offensive player. He leads the team with 508 rush yards to go along with six rushing touchdowns.
Key Matchup: Kansas Two QBs vs. Oklahoma Defense; If there is one thing that may throw the Sooners for a loop, is if Kansas’ two quarterbacks give Oklahoma’s defense a little element of surprise. Charlie Weis alluded to this week that he was going to play both quarterbacks. If Oklahoma isn’t ready for Michael Cummings, maybe he can do some different things that Mike Stoops hasn’t prepared for.
Prediction: Oklahoma Sooners 55, Kansas Jayhawks 13

No. 4 Kansas State Wildcats (6-0, 3-0) vs. No. 13 West Virginia Mountaineers (5-0, 2-0)
(Milan Puskar Stadium; Saturday – 7:00 PM; FOX)
Game Overview: For West Virginia, this where the luxury of playing in the Big 12 Conference comes in. Last week the loss against Texas Tech was something that probably shouldn’t have happened, but even with that if they go out against a top five Kansas State team and get a win, all is forgotten about the Texas Tech game. The ship will be righted if West Virginia can find a way to win this game. As far as this week goes, these two teams couldn’t get any farther apart in terms of personality. Kansas State embodies what Bill Snyder is. K-State will methodically move the football, not make mental mistakes and win the turnover battle. WVU mirrors coach Dana Holgorsen. The Mountaineers have that rock star-like mentality that allows them to strike quick, make ridiculous plays and put huge numbers. This game is all about the contrast between the two teams. Geno Smith and Collin Klein are both winners but they do it differently. Geno Smith will sit back in the pocket, and with a cool, calm, collective mentality will find his receivers for big plays. Klein, is going to try to will his team to victory, by doing everything he can. With that, these two guys will be front and center for what some think could decide the Heisman Trophy. Is that true? Probably not, but the winner will take a substantial stride in doing so. Smith needs a bounce back week against this good K-State defense led by Arthur Brown.
Coach Speak: “They are probably the most disciplined team I have seen in a long time on all three sides of the ball. They are extremely disciplined. They don’t make mistakes on any side of the ball,” said WVU Head Coach Dana Holgorsen about K-State, “They play with tremendous effort, and they play extremely physical football. They have a lot of experience. They are as smart of a football team as I have seen in some time.” West Virginia knows that if they make mistakes, they will not beat Kansas State. The Wildcats are too fundamentally sound for WVU to make mistakes against. Kansas State leads the conference in turnover margin.
Key Matchup: K-State DB Ty Zimmerman vs. WVU QB Geno Smith; Last time West Virginia saw this type of play maker on defense, it was September 2011 when LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu created havoc against the West Virginia offense. And no Ty Zimmerman, isn’t close to Tyrann Mathieu in terms of the athlete, but he does a knack to find the football. Smith who’s interception-less streak still continues, has to be aware of where Zimmerman is on the field at all times. If Smith isn’t aware, Zimmerman has the ball skills to end that interception-less streak.
Prediction: West Virginia Mountaineers 36, Kansas State Wildcats 27

Baylor Bears (3-1, 0-1) vs. No. 25 Texas Longhorns (4-2, 1-2)
(Royal Texas Memorial Stadium; Saturday – 8:00 PM; ABC/ESPN3)
Game Overview: These are two teams in dire need of a win that will arguably save their season. Most people though both these teams would bounce back last week after both school had losses to West Virginia. Baylor’s offense is top notch, but their defense is at the very bottom of the national rankings. For Texas, they just come off a blow-out loss to Oklahoma in Red River Rivalry that they need to get the taste out of their mouths. Texas needs quarterback David Ash to be healthy and play within himself this week. The Longhorns need to run the football with Johnathan Gray, Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron against this bad Baylor defense. If they can do that this game won’t be close. Texas is more physical than Baylor is. The only thing that will keep Baylor in the game is if it turns into a shootout. Nick Florence has the ability to put up huge numbers like he has throughout this season.
Coach Speak: For a defense that is reeling, Texas took another huge blow, when they found out Jackson Jeffcoat would be done for the rest of the season. “I really hate it for Jackson (Jeffcoat), he was playing at such a high level as one of the best defensive ends in the country,” said Texas Coach Mack Brown, “What you do is move Reggie Wilson and Cedric Reed up who have played quite a bit this year. We feel like they are ready to go. You have to make sure that you are two deep because there are still a lot of teams that throw the ball a lot and you need a lot of pass rushers for the last six games.”
Key Matchup: Baylor WRs vs. Texas CBs; If Texas doesn’t want this to become a back and forth game, they have to prevent Terence Williams, Lanear Sampson and Tevin Reese from making this a track meet. Texas needs its defensive backfield to step up and start tackling. Baylor is explosive and can make big plays at any point in time.
Prediction: Texas Longhorns 48, Baylor Bears 43