Even after just one week of conference play, only three undefeated teams remain. Texas and A&M are tied atop the league at 3-0 with Kansas just a half game back at 2-0.
Again there were no major upsets on this past weekend's slate. In games involving conference favorites, Kansas outlasted Iowa State in overtime behind big plays from Brandon Rush, A&M took care of Colorado in Boulder in the second half and Texas easily defeated Oklahoma.
Even without Bill Walker, Kansas State took down Missouri in Columbia and Baylor pulled off a minor surprise by defeating Texas Tech in Waco. The Nebraska vs. Oklahoma State game was postponed because the weather prevented the Cowboys from leaving Oklahoma City.
Let's take a look at the Big 12 Games of the Week:
Monday
Missouri (11-5, 0-3) at Kansas (15-2, 2-0) 8 PM ESPN
The Jayhawks were tested on the road but now return to in the friendly confines of Allen Fieldhouse. I don't expect this one to be close. Bill Self is now using Darrell Arthur as a sixth man. That is an unbelievable statement about the overall talent at Kansas. The Tigers have dropped their first three conference games, including two at home. The shine of Mike Anderson's 11-2 start will be completely gone if they drop to 0-4 in the Big 12.
Tuesday
Texas (13-3, 3-0) at Oklahoma State (15-2, 1-1) 8 PM ESPN2
This will only be the second true road game for the young Horns. Texas dominated Tennessee in the first half before faltering in the second half and overtime. Gallagher-Iba is the toughest place to play in the Big 12 and one of the toughest in the country. The Horns have dominated their first three conference foes but haven't faced a frontline like this one. Mario Boggan has 1st team all conference talent and 6'9" Marcus Dove might be one of the only conference defenders capable of matching up with Kevin Durant. The Cowboys were whipped by KU in their last game and probably still have a bitter taste in their mouths. This one will tell fans a lot about both teams.
Saturday
Oklahoma State (15-2, 1-1) at Texas A&M (15-2, 3-0) 8:00 PM ESPN
I believe ESPN College Gameday will be in College Station for this one. I feel like throwing up too. The Cowboys will enter this one either with some regained confidence after beating Texas at home or will have dropped two straight. Joseph Jones, Antanas Kavaliauskas, and Marlon Pompey present a bruising frontline for Billy Gillespie's team. Don't be surprised if the winning team doesn't score 60 points. The Aggies still haven't beaten a team worth respecting, but with a full week off to prepare, they should be able to get by OSU on their home floor.
--AW--