Big 12 Football: Week 6 Conference Preview

Thursday:

Nebraska @ Kansas State:

The Thursday night underdog game from ESPN lore is in shape here.  K-State has somehow found just enough to roll into this game undefeated while the Huskers have done the same.

Daniel Thomas is one of the best RB's in the country, but it will be tough for the 'Cats to ride his coattails for an outright win. 

He'll get some yards, but will find it tougher to get those yards on the Husker side of the field.  Carson Coffman doesn't exactly scare anybody at QB.

Look for the Huskers to find just enough explosive offensive plays to put away a game that will likely be close well into the third quarter.  Bill Snyder is a helluva coach, and the atmosphere in Manhattan will be tough to overcome.

However, if the Huskers keep to task and avoid turnovers, they should be able to put away the 'Cats late:

Nebraska 27,  Kansas State 13

Friday:

Oklahoma State @ Louisiana- Lafayette:

Yep, I know, why is Okie State playing these guys on the road?  Especially after a tough conference game?

Smells like trouble, doesn't it?

And it may well be for the newcomers to this week's Top 25 from Stillwater.  After the thrilling win over A&M at home, how can this team actually take LL seriously?

Not only that, it will be a night game at 9:00 EST on ESPN.  Who in their right mind would schedule this game if you were from Okie State?

Even with all that going against the 'Pokes it is tough to see their high-powered offense struggling all that much against a team that gave up 55 to Georgia.

Oklahoma State 62,  Louisiana-Laffayette 26

Saturday:

Oklahoma:  A much needed BYE week after the Texas game in which they almost fumbled away.

Texas:  Another much needed BYE week after two dismal performances against UCLA and Oklahoma.

Texas A&M vs. Arkansas @ Arlington, Texas: 

In Jerry World, this contest should have plenty of offensive fireworks.  The A&M defense has gotten better, but the BYE week from Arkansas could come in handy for Petrino. 

Mallett should have a lot of success against the Aggie secondary, but it won't be an easy game to win.

While I firmly believe that Arkansas is the better team, Texas A&M has enough horses to make it somewhat reasonable.

Arkansas 41,  Texas A&M 31

Texas Tech vs. Baylor @ Dallas:

This game will be played in the Cotton Bowl.  A bit different, but at the same time, Baylor being 4-1 is a bit different as well.

Texas Tech is fresh off of an embarrassing loss at the hands of Iowa State in which they scored 38 points but still lost by two TDs to the 'Clones.

This is an important game in the pecking order of the Big 12 South, and Baylor looks as ready as ever to put away the Red Raiders in this one.

Robert Griffin is back and playing well, and if Tech can't keep Iowa State from laying down 50, what makes anyone think that a hungry and ready Baylor squad might not do the same?

Put away the pads, and lets play 7 on 7 in this one.  Should be a shoot-out and whoever has the ball last just may well win it.

Baylor 48,  Texas Tech 42

Colorado @ Missouri:

The Buffs, after their 52-7 debacle against California, have somehow righted themselves to be 3-1 heading into conference play.

Missouri is 4-0, and on the fringe of being ranked in their own right.

No doubt that the Buffs have played the tougher schedule, but bad things seem to happen for them in Columbia.

With Missouri coming off of a BYE week, the Buffs have their hands full after a thrilling come from behind win over Georgia just last week.

Missouri should be ready to go, and the Buffs could be over-matched in this one as well.

Missouri 38,  Colorado 24

Kansas:  BYE week.  After the 55-7 clobbering at Baylor, could there be a better off-week than this one?

Iowa State vs. Utah:

Before the season started, many thought that Iowa State had a chance of going win-less.  Sticking it in the 'experts' face, the 'Clones stand at a respectable 2-2 so far this year and have dreams of bowling again.

However, they haven't faced a Utes squad fresh off of a BYE week just yet. 

Do the 'Clones have anything left in the tank after that solid win over Texas Tech?

Doubtful, but that may be perfect for this squad that is expecting everyone to doubt them each and every week.

Either way, I have to go with logic and say...

Utah 44,  Iowa State 25