Big 12 Wrap: Week 3
After last week's crummy showing, most Big 12 teams turned in better performances this week.
Oklahoma 31, Oregon 7
The big story line in this game is Adrian Peterson, who rushed for 183 yards on 24 carries subbing for an injured Kejuan Jones. But the real story is how the defense responded to the removal of fiery team leader Dusty Dvoracek from the team, and against an Oregon team that under Mike Belotti always features a disciplined, high-flying offense. Clearly, the Sooners don't have the same number of individual playmakers on defense they've had in recent years, but the defense responded with stronger overall team play and a bend-but-don't-break approach that should serve them well in conference play. Oregon had four drives of nine plays or longer but only got points one one of those drives. Not many Big 12 teams besides Texas Tech (probably not Texas at this point) have the offensive sophistication this year to sustain long drives like that against the Sooner D. Interestingly, co-defensive coordinator Bo Pelini's Nebraska defense played a lot like this last year (but with less talent).
Oklahoma State 59, SMU 7
The Cowboys had their way against the hapless Mustangs, even throwing the ball around a little bit. In a down year for the Big 12, OSU has been a surprise so far, and may well finish in the top half of the conference despite losing so many playmakers from last year.
Colorado 52, North Texas 21
Joel Klatt rebounds from last week's underwhelming perforamnce to go 26 of 33 for 369 yards for the Buffs. Colorado quietly moves to 3-0, and takes their turn as the class of the weak North.
Texas Tech 70, TCU 35
After being down 21-0 midway through the second quarter, Mike Leach's team roars to life and finishes with a score that would make Bobby Knight proud.
Kansas State 40, Louisiana Lafayette 20
At least it wasn't a Division I-AA opponent. Otherwise, this game doesn't tell us that much, aside from the fact that Darren Sproles can run for a lot of yards against inferior competition.
Missouri 48, Ball State 0
Another game that doesn't tell us much, except for the fact that Mizzou can light it up against inferior competition.
Nebraska 24, Pittsburgh 17
The Bill Callahan era continues to underwhelm, but at least they got the win on the road against an inexperienced Walt Harris team that had a chance to tie with a late drive that fell just short. Watching John Blake waddle the sideline and signal furiously to the Nebraska defense at the end of this one made it worth watching the majority of this awful game. Maybe Callahan isn't such a bad coach, since he was able to overcome Walt Harris on the other sideline AND John Blake on his own.
Northwestern 20, Kansas 17
Mark Mangino's crew isn't quite improved enough to win on the road against Northwestern, and suffers its first loss.
Texas A&M 27, Clemson 6
The Aggies grab a win against a ranked opponent with a big running game and a solid defensive effort. Kinda reminds one of the football they played under that last coach.
Iowa State 48, Northern Illinois 41
It may not rank high for style, but this looks like it was probably the most exciting Big 12 game of the week.
(09-20-2004 Update) Tom Kirkendall has his local football wrap here, and Alex Whitlock has his Conference USA wrap here.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 09/19/04 20:18 | Big 12 Football | Technorati
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