Big 12 Preview - 10.29.05

Big 12

Oklahoma at Nebraska - This game hasn't been good in quite some time, but this year will be different. Nebraska has improved and Oklahoma has realized it has some serious holes to fill. On paper, I believe the Nebraska is the better team, but only slightly. Both bring great defenses to the table. Running on either team has been extremely difficult. This has potential for some good ole smash-mouth football. I think the difference is going to come in Nebraska's ability (and conversely Oklahoma's inability) to throw the football. Oklahoma is certainly not thrilled after an overtime win against Baylor, but the real question concerns Nebraka's ability to bounce back after a loss at Missouri. Oklahoma 17 - Nebraska 23.

Texas Tech at Baylor - Don't get me wrong, I like Baylor. Everyone loves the underdog. Unfortunately, I don't think the Red Raiders feel this way about the Bears. Fresh off a sound whoopin' from Texas, Texas Tech will want to work out their problems on someone. Yes, Texas Tech is not the powerhouse they wanted everyone to think they were. However, they can still score a ton of points, and Baylor can't stop them. The defenses are comparable, but the offenses are not even close. Texas Tech 35 - Baylor 20.

Missouri at Kansas - In theory, this game should not be too close. Kansas doesn't have much of an offense to speak of. Missouri, on the other hand, averages nearly 200 yards per game more than the Jayhawks. Fresh off a good win against Nebraska, Mizzou should continue to roll. Don't look for a pretty good Kansas defense to slow down the Tigers. Missouri 34 - Kansas 10.

Colorado at Kansas State - This game has potential to be a close one. Both the offenses and defenses are comparable. However, Colorado's losses have come to Miami and Texas, while K-state has lost to Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma. However, Colorado didn't exactly look good in either game. Ultimately, K-state is on a two game slide, while Colorado is playing well right now. Throw in home-field advantage and the Buffs win. Colorado 31 - Kansas State 24.

Iowa State at Texas A&M - I am tempted to give Iowa State the nod, but I think Texas A&M isn't quite ready to be written off yet. A loss to Iowa State would cripple its chances for a run at the Big 12 South. With Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma still on the schedule, the Aggies have a chance to make some noise. They could very well be undefeated had it not been for a last minute field goal at Clemson and surprising Baylor. They seem to be forgotten in all the hooplah over Texas and Texas Tech, but they still have a lot to do with the divisional race. Iowa State doesn't have much to play for besides pride, but it has proven it can hang with solid teams. This one may be close, but with the game being in College Station, I believe QB Reggie McNeal finds a groove with the home crowd behind him. Iowa State 13 - Texas A&M 24.

Texas at Oklahoma State - This one is already over. Don't worry, you didn't miss anything. Texas 51 - Oklahoma State 10.