Several games this Saturday gave the Big XII better definition, so let's see how it's shaking out.
Oklahoma 26 - Missouri 10
In this past weekend's Pick Six, I indicated that Missouri had an advantage in the running game in this one, and I was so wrong. Allen Patrick ran for 162 yards on 36 carries, yet another Sooner season high in carries, while the only run game the Tigers could muster was 75 yards from Chase Daniel, they only had 1 yard total from the running backs. That and 4 turnovers turned this game into Mizzou's worst nightmare. This leaves the Sooners bowl eligibile, vindicated after the loss of Adrian Peterson, and still very much in the conversation for the Cotton Bowl, especially if they can take a win out of College Station next weekend. The Tigers still share the lead of the Big XII North with Nebraska going into Lincoln this next weekend.
Oklahoma State 41 - Nebraska 29
The Huskers jumped out to an early 16-0 deficit, but the Cowboys stormed back with 117 rushing yards from Dantrell Savage and 229 yards passing by Bobby Reid to beat the Huskers. The World Wide Leader calls this an upset, but I've thought hard about this, and I think this game was a statement. The statement is that the Big XII North is far from back. There have been only three wins this year by North teams over South teams, and two of those were over a Tech team that was reeling from youth and a lack of chemistry. Nebraska hasn't beaten a South team yet and have to travel to College Station on November 11th for their third game against the South division. I'll admit I was excited about Missouri and Nebraska coming into conference play, but they've only proven that they need at least another year before they can "resurrect the North." Great win for Oklahoma State, which leaves them only 1 win away from a bowl game. If the Cowboys can take down Texas, Baylor, Texas Tech, or Oklahoma, then they can take their band of upstarts into December.
Kansas 20 - Colorado 15
Colorado gets three Mason Crosby field goals and a 95 yard fumble return for a touchdown to show for their 316 yards of total offense, even though the Buffs won the turnover battle 4-2, they couldn't seem to push the ball into the endzone, whereas the Jayhawks had no qualms walking straight in. Kansas stays alive in bowl contention, needing to win 2 of their last 3 to make a bowl.
Kansas State 31 - Iowa State 10
Iowa State scored all their points in the first quarter and then allowed 31 unanswered to the Wildcats, who are now in a position to go to a bowl if they win just one of their last three games, and the next of those is against Colorado. Do you think the Cats would prefer Houston or Shreveport (or, dare I say, El Paso)? The meltdown that is this season continues for the Cyclones, who were VHT coming into the season, looking to compete for the North title.
A&M 31 - Baylor 21
For the first time in three years this game was resolved in regulation. The Aggies put up a staggering 507 yards of total offense, which is still 12 less yards than Graham Harrell had by himself this weekend, while Enemy of the Nation Shawn Bell had 260 yards and a torn ACL. This is bad news for Baylor faithful, who were hoping against hope for a bowl bid, which is still technically possible. They would, however have to beat two of their last three without Shawn Bell. Those three are Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma.
Bowl Eligible Teams
Texas, A&M, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska
One Win Away
Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Kansas State
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