Big 12 Wrap: Week 11
It was another good week of Big 12 football, as the powers of the South wreaked havoc on the powers of the North, grabbing 2 of the top 4 spots in the polls. Here are the games:
Oklahoma 27, Colorado 11
Turnovers killed Colorado in a mucky wet mess in Norman, but so did Oklahoma's ability to capitalize, and to run out the clock with a power running game that was nonexistent during Bob Stoops' first three years heading the Sooner nation. Colorado coach Gary Barnett didn't sound very impressed with Oklahoma's victory afterwards. Buff fans probably aren't very impressed with his 3 losses. These two could very well meet again in the Big 12 title game, but I'm not so sure Barnett wants that rematch as badly as his comments suggest.
Texas 27, Nebraska 24
This was a great game that swung back and forth until the very end, when Frank Solich's decision to try for the end zone one more time instead of lining up for a field goal attempt cost Nebraska big time, as Nathan Vashar pulled off a game-saving interception. Frank Solich may be back next year, but it is hard to imagine that Nebraska defensive coordinator Craig Bohl will be, considering how far the defense has fallen off from the days of Charlie McBride. Kudos to Chris Simms for picking that defense apart, for a career-high 419 yards passing. And credit UT for winning 3 tough games after the OU loss. Wouldn't it be interesting if Miami and Ohio State stumble, and OU and UT won out for a Fiesta rematch? Probably won't happen, but you never know.
Kansas State 64, Kansas 0
If only Bill Snyder could apply a few of those 64 ridiculous points to the Colorado and Texas losses. The Colorado loss is especially tough, because K-State is effectively two games behind them in the North race. Iowa State, Nebraska, and Mizzou are all winnable games -- but it won't matter if Colorado doesn't stumble.
Iowa State 42, Missouri 35
Missouri is just good enough to be dangerous, and they made a game out of this one. Brad Smith had a fine day rushing and passing (over 300 total yards) , but was overshadowed by Seneca Wallace (nearly 500 total yards). Iowa State has two losses in the conference, but controls its own destiny in the North with games remaining against Kansas State and Colorado. Problem is, both games are on the road -- but win them, and they win the North.
Oklahoma State 28, Texas A&M 23
It's probably too early to say Oklahoma State has turned the corner, given their history of stops and starts, but back to back wins against Nebraska and Texas A&M are big wins for this program, even with those two teams having down years. They should beat Kansas and Baylor, and can play with Texas Tech. A second straight upset of Oklahoma is unlikely, but winning 3 of 4 will send the Cowboys to a bowl.
Texas Tech 62, Baylor 11
The Kevin Steele deathwatch is officially over, as Baylor announced his firing after the latest Baylor debacle. Against Big 12 opponents this year, Baylor was outscored 213-56 (ouch!). It will be interesting to follow the hiring process, as Baylor has a habit of advertising it's in the hunt for all sorts of big-name coaches, only to wind up with little-known assistants. Meanwhile, Texas Tech stands at 6-4 with Oklahoma State, Texas, and Oklahoma left on the schedule, giving next week's game with Oklahoma State bowl implications.
[Posted at 23:00 CST on 11/03/02] [Link]