Predicting the Big 12 Season: Week 8 and 9
The Big 12 standings go for a ride during the next two weeks and the final undefeated team goes down.
Previous Weeks: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7
Week 8
Kansas 13 at Baylor 44
The Bears' offense piles on over 500 yards of total offense as the run and pass game both shine in this one. Blake Shapen finds Josh Cameron, Hal Presley, and Ben Sims for touchdowns while Taye McWilliams and Richard Reese score on the ground. On the flip side, the defense holds Devin Neal to less than 100 yards rushing while also forcing four turnovers as they overwhelm the Jayhawks. This game is not close from start to finish.
Texas 20 at Oklahoma State 38
The turnovers and offensive line problems flash in a big way in this one as Texas turns the ball over four times and Quinn Ewers is sacked 7 times. Spencer Sanders totals 300 yards and is able to move the ball consistently enough while also turning those four turnovers into 20 points. This game is simply not as close as the final score would indicate as Trace Ford, Collin Oliver, and Brock Martin ruin all of Steve Sarkisian’s offensive plans.
Kansas State 35 at TCU 38
The Wildcats' secondary shows major signs of cracking in this one as the Horned Frogs throw for over 400 yards. Chandler Morris puts together an elite performance and Quentin Johnston catches three touchdowns. The Horned Frogs struggle to run the ball but the explosive plays in the passing game propel them. The Wildcats match scores, for the most part, thanks to a four-touchdown performance from Deuce Vaughn but they are playing catch up throughout the second half. Huge win for Sonny Dykes and company in front of the home crowd fans.
West Virginia 27 at Texas Tech 38
The Mountaineers are coming off a massive win for the team and for the program. Everyone is feeling good about themselves and they forget they are traveling to Lubbock this week. JT Daniels throws two interceptions and is sacked seven times. The Red Raiders' defense forces turnovers and creates havoc throughout. On the flips side, Tyler Shough airs it out for 350 yards and three scores while Tahj Brooks adds two more scores on the ground. Joey McGuire gets a massive win in year one as they are starting to play a lot better late in the season.
Week 9
Oklahoma 20 at Iowa State 27
The Sooners travel into Ames with an undefeated record but they don’t leave that way. Will McDonald dominates up front as he gets two sacks and a forced fumble in this one. Dillon Gabriel struggles as the Cyclones dial up a great game plan while also getting elite pressure on the quarterback. Hunter Dekkers throws two touchdowns and takes care of the football which is a key in this one. The Sooners get a chance to tie the game late but Gabriel is intercepted by O’Rien Vance which seals the win for the Cyclones.
Baylor 34 at Texas Tech 20
The Bears travel to Lubbock to take on Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders two are starting to play much better football late. Baylor takes an early 14-3 lead thanks to a pair of touchdown passes by Blake Shapen, one to Ben Sims and one to Monaray Baldwin. Tyler Shough connects on a screen to Myles Price who goes for a 55-yard touchdown to make the score 14-10. Baylor adds a field goal before half to make it 17-10. The Bears open half with the ball and Monaray Baldwin takes a jet sweep to the house for a 40-yard touchdown then Al Walcott gets an interception and Baylor adds a field goal to push the lead to 27-10. Tech responds with a field goal to start the 4th but that is quickly answered by a six-minute drive led by Taye McWilliams and Sqwirl Williams. The Bears run the clock down and cap the drive with a McWilliams touchdown to put the game away.
Oklahoma State 28 at Kansas State 34
The Cowboys have been rolling since the loss to Baylor at the beginning of October with wins over Texas Tech, TCU, and Texas but that cruise control comes to an end in Manhattan. Spencer Sanders throws two interceptions and fumbles the ball twice as he finally loses a game for the Cowboys. The Wildcats' offense takes advantage, turning those four turnovers into 24 points as it is the biggest difference in the game. Adrian Martinez scores three touchdowns and takes care of the football really well in this one. Oklahoma State is down 21-7 at halftime but makes things a little interesting with a bit of a comeback in the 2nd half but this game never feels in doubt.
TCU 30 at West Virginia 48
The Mountaineers get back home after getting upset on the road a week ago and they are facing a TCU team coming off a big win. Morgantown is rocking and so is the West Virginia offense. JT Daniels throws for over 400 yards and four touchdowns as they total over 600 yards of total offense. The defense forces three turnovers and sacks Chandler Morris five times. Morris still slings it for 350 yards and three scores but the Horned Frogs don’t threaten to win this game.
Big 12 Standings
1. Baylor — 7-1 (4-1)
1. Oklahoma — 7-1 (4-1)
3. Kansas State — 6-2 (3-2)
3. Oklahoma State — 6-2 (3-2)
3. West Virginia — 5-3 (3-2)
3. Iowa State — 5-3 (3-2)
7. Texas — 4-4 (2-3)
7. TCU — 4-4 (2-3)
9. Texas Tech — 2-6 (1-4)
10. Kansas — 2-6 (0-5)