Big 12 Preview - 11.5.05

Big 12

Texas at Baylor - Any other year and I don't give this a second thought. However, Baylor has made serious strides this year (in the right direction, mind you). Still, they are nowhere near Texas status. The first half against Ok-State was just a hiccup. No worries for Texas, as they should roll. Texas 34 - Baylor 10.

Nebraska at Kansas - Nebraska is coming off a disappointing loss to Oklahoma, and Kansas is still celebrating its win over Missouri, who thrashed the Cornhuskers two weeks ago. Despite this fact, Nebraska should be able to take on the Kansas defense and come out on top. I do not want to slight the Kansas defense too much, but Missouri choked. Let's be honest here. Inconsistency was Mizzou's undoing. Nebraska has been relatively consistent, and although they let me down last week against the Sooners, I have faith they will rebound. Nebraska's offense, though hardly a powerhouse, is decent enough to outscore the anemic Kansas offense. Nebraska 13 - Kansas 3.

Kansas State at Iowa State - I think this may prove to be one of the better games on Saturday in the Big 12. Kansas State has lost two games in a row (Texas A&M and Colorado) by a total of five points. They are not playing poorly; they just aren't winning. Similarly, Iowa State has lost some close games. However, the Cyclones have won their last two games in impressive fashion and seem to be peaking. The win over the Aggies was huge for Iowa State, so I expect them to ride that momentum to a home victory over K-State. Kansas State 28 - Iowa State 34.

Missouri at Colorado - So does Mizzou rebound or do they tank? Now's the time for the Tigers to decide. The Buffs did not look great against Kansas State last week, but they pulled out the win and control their own destiny in the Big 12 North. Missouri's remaining schedule is relatively easier than Colorado's, so if it can beat Colorado it has a good chance of winning out and taking the north. Needless to say, this is a huge game for both teams. Missouri wins if it can run the football. Unfortunately, Colorado's run defense is 4th in the country. If the Buffs stop the run and contain QB Brad Smith, their offense should be able to put up enough points against the Tigers' defense to retain the lead in the north. Missouri 17 - Colorado 27.

Texas A&M at Texas Tech - There was a time when I looked forward to this game. But that time has come and gone, I'm afraid. Consequently, we are left with a disappointing 5-3 Texas A&M team and a Texas Tech team that still has to prove to me it's legit. If either team wins, it will look quasi-good on their resume, but nationally, few will actually care. The Aggies have boatloads of potential, but their secondary couldn't stop Snoop Dogg's pee-wee team. That's unfortunate, as Mike Leach only runs the ball when....wait...wait...he never runs the ball. I have a feeling we are going to see the back of the Aggie's jerseys a lot on Saturday. Texas A&M 20 - Texas Tech 47.