Big 12 Wrap: Week 6
It's time for the weekly Big 12 Wrap, my whimsical look back at the week's football games in the Big 12. For those who are new, just a reminder that this is my fun little take on things and shouldn't be taken all that seriously. I should note that the order in which I list the games is a rough approximation of how I'm ranking the teams of the Big 12 (that played) after the week. It was kind of a slow week in the Big 12, but here are the games:
Texas 63, Tulane 18
The disparity in talent was evident from the start of this one, as Texas rolled over a Tulane team expected to compete for the C-USA title. Texas ran the ball especially well, but really it was more of a practice as Texas had success with just about everything. Credit Mack Brown with demolishing the teams he is supposed to beat easily. But judging from the polls over the last two weeks, Texas isn't going to get any credit until they beat a good football team. Kansas State could provide that opportunity, as they come to Austin next week.
Nebraska 38, Southern Miss 14
Nebraska continues to beat average football teams with its lackluster offense and an above average defense, and the national media seems inclined to hype that same defense as championship caliber. But with the exception of Oklahoma State (which only really got its offense on track last week), Nebraska hasn't really played any team with a good offense. Southern Miss came into the game averaging only 14 points per game, but actually outgained the Huskers (killing themselves with turnovers). 4-0 is good, but bigger challenges await the Nebraska defense.
Texas Tech 49, Ole Miss 45
I'm not the only one to point out the lack of defense at Texas Tech. But it doesn't seem to bother coach Mike Leach, who must have been especially happy after his team passed for 654 yards and rolled up 697 total. Sure, Ole Miss gained 567 yards, but Texas Tech scored last, with 1:40 left, and that's the Leach formula for winning. Not a Big 12 Championship probably, but at least Red Raider football is fun.
Pittsburgh 37, Texas A&M 26
Texas A&M played a solid Pittsburgh team tough in the first half, but the wheels came off after halftime, with breakdowns in all aspects of the game. A&M had its moments in this game (and in last week's loss to Virginia Tech), but really hasn't put it together for all four quarters yet this year. Were Aggie fans expecting this when they chased off the winningest coach in their history? I'm guessing not. Texas Tech is liable to torch the disorganized A&M defense next weekin Lubbock, but maybe the A&M offense will get on track. Or maybe Coach Fran will continue to play musical quarterbacks while Mike Leach runs up 60. Hard to say.
Kansas 35, Missouri 14
Earlier in the week, I scoffed a bit at a columnist who suggested Kansas's Mark Mangino or Mizzou's Gary Pinkel could figure in the race for Big 12 Coach of the Year. I'm scoffing less after the Jayhawks beat Mizzou convincingly in Lawrence in this ongoing border war. Mizzou seemed to unravel in front of the unusually large Kansas crowd, and KU quarterback Bill Whittemore outplayed his better known counterpart on the Mizzou side, Brad Smith. Kansas has an off week before traveling to Colorado for a game that will indicate how far Kansas has come, or how much more work there is to do.
Northern Illinois 24, Iowa State 16
Once upon a time, I would have said that Big 12 teams ought not lose to MAC teams. But this MAC team has now beaten Maryland, Alabama, and Iowa State. Indeed, that's a better schedule than many Big 12 teams have played! Iowa State's rebuilding year continues with Oklahoma next week. Ouch.
Posted by Kevin Whited @ 09/28/03 20:47 | Big 12 Football | Technorati
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The Horns may squeak by K St, but then OK Bob will give the old Teasips their traditional thrashing. Burnt orange indeed.
Posted by Gary C @ 12:33 on 09/29/03
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