Big 12 Wrap: Week Ten
Because the backpacking trip got shortened considerably, I actually got to see the tail end of Big 12 games this week. Since most of the early games were real stinkers, I don't think I missed all that much at all. Here's the wrap:
Texas 21, Iowa State 10
The Austin crowd had to be doubting the local heroes in the fourth quarter with the score only 14-10 in their favor, but then the Longhorns went on the drive that may propel them through the rest of the season: a 19-play, 80-yard, 9-minute drive in which the Horns just blew Iowa State off the field. There may not have been tons of spectacular plays or stats, but Texas played physical football, controlled Seneca Wallace, and beat a quality Big 12 opponent. That's what they needed to do. Iowa State probably must win the rest of its games to contend in the North, because...
Colorado 37, Texas Tech 13
Colorado runs its Big 12 record to 4-0 by outmuscling Texas Tech in the second half, making the Buffalos the team to beat in the North. As we've pointed out before, Texas Tech can compete with most teams when its offense is clicking. On the other hand, because they don't play defense, it's very difficult for Texas Tech to beat any decent team when Kliff Kingsbury throws four interceptions. This game ends whatever faint Heisman hopes he still possessed. And while Colorado is still in control of the North, four tough games (at OU, at Missouri, Iowa State at Boulder, and at Nebraska) will test their mettle. I still think it's possible that the Big 12 North winner comes out with two losses (although I like Colorado's chances).
Nebraska 38, Texas A&M 31
Texas A&M has been feeling good about its offense since demoting offensive coordinator Dino Babers, and has been feeling good about its defense all season. But Nebraska, even in its current state of decline, is still better than the terrible teams (La.Laf, La.Tech., Baylor, Kansas) the Aggies used to pad their stats and boost their self-esteem. Going into the fourth quarter, though, the Aggies seemed to have this one under control. And then Frank Solich's bunch steamrolled the vaunted Aggie defense, and maybe saved Nebraska's season and Solich's job. At 2-2 in the South and with tough games remaining, the Aggies probably have to win every game to win the South. That's not going to happen. Nebraska has the same difficulty in the North, with games left against Texas, Kansas State, and Colorado (along with the usual practice against Kansas).
Kansas State 44, Baylor 10
This game was tied 3-3 with just over 4 minutes left in the first half. That's as close to a victory as Baylor is likely to get the rest of the year as the Kevin Steele deathwatch continues.
Missouri 36, Kansas 12
Does anyone in Columbia care? I guess 60,000 or so do, because they showed up for it. But I'm pretty certain people in Lawrence are much more excited about the upcoming basketball season at this point.
[Posted at 23:15 CST on 10/27/02] [Link]
