Last Saturday brought a great deal of clarification to the Big 12 north. Bill Snyder continued round two of the Miracle in Manhattan in leading Kansas State to victory over Kansas and taking another step toward the most surprising division title in the Cats history.
The Wildcats can’t pass, but despite that flaw, they have developed a conservative offensive attack centered around running back Daniel Thomas that minimizes turnovers and allows their defense to keep them in games. It isn’t what Snyder would like to do, but he’s turned to this philosophy because of the talent he has and he’s winning.
The Cats get Missouri in Manhattan this weekend and the Tigers are reeling almost as badly as Kansas. Despite a 468 yard passing performance by Blaine Gabbert at home, the Tigers managed to give one away to Baylor. Missouri’s defense has fallen apart and gave up 427 yards passing to the Bears third string QB, Freshman Nick Florence, not that I’d expect Grant Gregory to have a field day passing Saturday, but I can’t pick against the Cats the way they’re playing.
If it weren’t for Nebraska somehow winning against Oklahoma, K-State would have the north all but wrapped up. While the Cornhuskers actually have an advantage over K-State due to the schedule the rest of the way, I can’t for the life of me pick them to win the north because they have absolutely no offense.
Against the Sooners, Nebraska managed one touchdown on a two yard drive off a turnover, but it was enough to win thanks to their defense. They had nine, three and out possessions against OU and neither quarterback Zac Lee or Cody Green have shown they can move the ball against a non Sun Belt conference defense.
This week the Huskers travel to Kansas to play a Jayhawk team that has lost four straight. As well as the Nebraska defense is playing and as bad as KU’s situation is, you’d think this would be a walkover for the Big Red, but I’m not sure they can score, particularly on the road. Kansas could be a huge spoiler.
Nothing has changed in the south and Texas gets back into conference play against Baylor after a record setting day last week against Central Florida. Roommates Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley shredded the Golden Knights and the Longhorns won’t be caught off guard after Baylor’s win against Mizzou.
Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are playing for bowl game position when they meet in Stillwater Saturday night. Tech’s defense has been putting pressure on QB’s and is third in the country with 30 sacks. I expect this to be much more of defensive contest than expected. A couple of trivia notes. The Red Raiders lead this series 9-4 since the Big 12 was formed and since 2000 they have the third most league wins (45) behind Oklahoma and Texas.
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