Big 12 Football Rankings: Nebraska, Oklahoma State Retain Dominance over Big 12
Pretty normal week in Big 12 football, with no huge upsets shaking the pecking order.
Texas falls to Oklahoma State. Oklahoma crushed Texas Tech. Missouri avoids the upset by Kansas State. Nebraska handled Kansas. Texas A&M rallies Baylor. And the only upset of the week, Colorado dominated Iowa State.
So with that quick recap, where do the Big 12 teams rank after Week 11? (Note: I will update the national rankings when they are released.)
12. Kansas Jayhawks
1 of 12
Record: 3-7 (1-5)
Big 12 North ranking: fifth
National ranking: N/A
Former Nebraska great and current Kansas coach, Turner Gill, came home to Nebraska but left with a loss, with the final score 20-3.
With the loss to Nebraska, the Jayhawks became the first team in the Big 12 to be bowl ineligible. The Jayhawks offense was horrendous in this game—held to 87 total yards. Quinn Mecham was 3-of-13 for 15 yards with an interception. While the running game added 72 yards.
The only high point of the night for the Jayhawks, was that they caused two turnovers—an interception and a fumble. Now that the Jayhawks are bowl ineligible, the best outlook for them is to try to mess up the Big 12 South race by upsetting Oklahoma State and getting bragging rights against Missouri.
Kansas Player of the Week: Tyler Patmon had an interception—the only highlight for the Jayhawks.
Week 12: Oklahoma State
Prediction: Loss.
If Kansas can somehow win this game, I would say it would be in contention for the biggest upset of the year, but they are nowhere near the Cowboys level.
11. Colorado Buffaloes
2 of 12
Record: 4-6 (1-5)
Big 12 North ranking: sixth
National ranking: N/A
Colorado played their first game in the post-Hawkins Era. Longtime assistant Brain Cabral led the Buffaloes and shocked the Cyclones, winning 34-14.
The offense was clicking, as Cody Hawkins went 16- of-24 for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Rodney Stewart had 123 yards.
On defense, the Buffaloes shut down the Cyclones on the ground, holding them to negative six rushing yards and getting eight sacks. The only negative you can say about this performance is they gave up 235 passing yards and had a fumble. Other than that, this was an outstanding game for the Buffaloes.
If Cabral can keep his team at this level, he should have that interim title removed.
Colorado Player of the Week: Cody Hawkins was 16-of-24, for 266 yards and three touchdowns; that's a good day for anyone.
Week 12: Kansas State
Prediction: Win.
After seeing the run defense dismantle Iowa State's run game, I think Colorado can do the same against the Wildcats and force them to throw.
10. Texas Longhorns
3 of 12
Record: 4-6 (2-5)
Big 12 South ranking: sixth
National ranking: N/A
Could the Mack Brown Era be coming to an end? A lot of Longhorn fans want his, or Greg Davis's head. After the fourth home loss to Oklahoma State, 33-16, they have no reason to change their minds.
The passing game was average, Gilbert was 19-of-32 for 202 yards and an interception. The running game had 142 yards and two touchdowns, with Cody Johnson accounting for 68 and a touchdown; the other touchdown came from Ryan Roberson, a linebacker. I have no idea why he was running nor could I see it because the game coverage switched to USC-Arizona.
The run defense was good, holding the Cowboys to 123 yards. The secondary, was horrendous, giving up 409 yards through the air. I do not know what they need to do, but something has to change if Texas wants to go to a bowl game; maybe switch QBs? It worked for Texas A&M.
Week 12: Florida Atlantic
Prediction: Win.
Texas is bad, Florida Atlantic is worse; they should win this. If they do lose this one, heads should roll.
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9. Iowa State Cyclones
4 of 12
Record: 5-6 (3-4)
Big 12 North ranking: fourth
National ranking: N/A
One week after taking Nebraska to overtime, the Cyclones were crushed by the Buffaloes, 34-14.
Not only did they lose the game, Austen Arnaud's career at Iowa State is over. Arnaud had a knee injury in the fourth quarter that will require surgery.
The Cyclones offense was bad, and it started up front, where the O-line was dominated by Colorado. Arnaud was sacked five times, and backup Tiller was sacked three times. Iowa State's total rushing yards, was negative six. The passing game was somewhat effective; it got 235 yards but only one score.
The defense had no answer to Colorado's offense, giving up 384 yards of total offense. This sets up a must-win game against the Missouri Tigers for bowl eligibility.
Colorado Player of the Week: Austen Arnaud was 15-of-23 for 136 yards. The three-year starter and Ames native's career ended with a serious knee injury—an unfortunate end to Iowa State's leader's career.
Week 12: Missouri
Prediction: Win.
I'm going to go with the upset here. The Cyclones have their back against the wall, and Paul Rhoads knows how to motivate his troops. The fact that it's in Ames also helps.
8. Texas Tech Red Raiders
5 of 12
Record: 5-5 (3-5)
Big 12 South ranking: fifth
National ranking: N/A
Texas Tech started but did not show up after that. Tech matched Oklahoma's early score quickly but never scored after that, losing 45-7.
The offense was did not play too well, amassing 326 yards. Potts was 18-of-35 for 136 yards and an interception and was benched for Sheffield, who was 1-of-4 for five yards. The running game had 182 yards, with Baron Batch leading with 91 yards.
The defense could not stop the Sooners. One week after stopping Missouri's quarterback cold, the Red Raiders gave up five touchdown passes from Landry Jones. They gave up a total of 526 total yards on defense.
Conference play is over for Texas Tech, so no championship for Tuberville this year. They still need one more win to get to a bowl game. With Weber State and Houston coming up, they should continue the Big 12's longest bowl streak.
Texas Tech Player of the Week: Baron Batch had 91 yards on 11 carries. Why does he not get the ball more?
Week 12: Weber State
Prediction: Win.
For those of you who do not know, Weber State is from the Big Sky conference on the FCS level and is the middle of the conference. Texas Tech should be able to win this one.
7. Kansas State Wildcats
6 of 12
Record: 6-4 (3-4)
Big 12 North ranking: third
National ranking: BCS No. 29
Kansas State dropped a hard fought game against the Tigers. This game was lost because of Kansas State's mistakes. Teams rarely commit four turnovers and escape with a win.
Kansas State had two costly fumbles that both led to Missouri scores, and both were mistakes on the part of Carson Coffman. Coffman was 11-of-19 for 170 yards with a touchdown and interception. Daniel Thomas was once again held to under 100 yards, only getting 66, but had two touchdowns.
The defense had issues stopping the Missouri offense—allowing 440 yards, with 232 on the ground. The Wildcats already have their sixth win but have gone 2-4 in their last six games. The Wildcats need a playmaker to jump start this team, and they really do, but he is for some reason not the starter, and his name is Collin Klein.
Kansas State Player of the Week: Collin Klein was 4-of-6 for 65 yards and a touchdown and had 141 yards rushing on the ground. Collin led the team to a win against Texas, and he should be the starter over Coffman.
Week 12: @ Colorado
Prediction: Loss.
Colorado held Iowa State to negative six yards, and they should be able to wreak havoc on Thomas. I might change my mind if Klein is made the starter; he adds a running dynamic to the quarterback position at Kansas State.
6, Baylor Bears
7 of 12
Record: 7-4 (4-3)
Big 12 South ranking: fourth
National ranking: BCS No. 35
Baylor had the game, but then let it slip through their fingers, as they fall at home to Texas A&M, 42-30.
Baylor had 503 total yards in the game, with 304 of those yards coming from their superstar Robert Griffin III. Griffin was 28-of-38 for 212 yards and added 92 yards on the ground with a score. Jay Finley added 169 yards on the ground with three scores. What killed Baylor, was their defense gave up 28 unanswered points, and their kicker missed three field goals. Baylor was able to drive, but could not capitalize on any of the second half drives.
Baylor's defense has been an issue all season, and if they had a more experienced defense, they could still be in the driver's seat for the Big 12 South. The Bears defense gave up 427 yards of total offense, as well as the 28 unanswered points. The Bears, have been a success this season. They ended their 26-year bowl drought, and Art Briles seems to be the right coach to turn Baylor into a consistent winner.
Baylor Player of the Week: Robert Griffin III was 28-of-32 for 212 yards and had 92 rushing yards for a score as well. He is a big reason that the Bears are bowl eligible.
Week 12: Oklahoma
Prediction: Loss.
Baylor has not beaten a ranked team this year. Oklahoma wants the Big 12 South crown and are going to put up a huge fight against the Bears, and all of the matchups favor the Sooners.
5. Texas A&M
8 of 12
Record: 7-3 (4-2)
Big 12 South ranking: third
National ranking: BCS No. 19
Texas A&M avoided the upset in Waco to win 42-30. The Aggies seemed to have left the Wrecking Crew in College Station for this game.
After limiting the Sooners to 362 yards, the Aggies gave up 503 to the Bears. The offense was not impressive until the second half. The Aggies did not score on offense until the second quarter. Tannehill was good, going 27-of-38 for 280 yards with a touchdown. Cyrus Gray had a big day for the Aggies, rushing for 137 yards with four scores.
The defense stepped up when they needed to in the fourth quarter, getting crucial stops and four sacks. Last week, the Aggies only gave up 72 yards on the ground; this game, they gave up 291.
If Texas A&M wants to upset Nebraska this week, they need to shore up on their run defense. The game was a quality win for the Aggies, and while they started slow, they finished hot and got a good win.
Texas A&M Player of the Week: Cyrus Gray had a career high 137 yards and four touchdowns. Gray has stepped into the void left by Michael's injury quite well.
Week 12: Nebraska
Prediction: Loss.
After watching Texas A&M struggle offensively to the Bears and allow nearly 300 yards on the ground, I think they do not have enough to upset the Huskers.
4. Missouri Tigers
9 of 12
Record: 8-2 (4-2)
Big 12 South ranking: second
National ranking: BCS No. 15
Missouri won their final home game of the season, 38-28. Missouri won this game with their defense that caused four turnovers, with two of those coming off Kansas State miscues.
Missouri's offense went back to their dominant ways, after struggling in their last two games—both of which were on the road. Blaine Gabbert was 17-of-25 for 208 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The running game continued to be a huge factor for Missouri, amassing 232 yards—with Gabbert getting 89 of those with a touchdown and wide receiver Jackson getting a touchdown as well.
The defense caused four turnovers that killed Kansas State drives and set up good field position for the offense, as well as a scoop-and-score. When it comes to allowing yards, the defense was bad, giving up 422.
Missouri needed this win and should move them up to a better bowl game.
Missouri Player of the Week: Blaine Gabbert was 17 of 25 for 232 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, and added 89 yards on the ground with a touchdown.
Week 12: @ Iowa State
Prediction: Loss.
Missouri, outside of the the state of Missouri, has been bad. Their only two losses were outside the state. Iowa State has their backs against the wall and are going to fight for the Telephone Trophy.
3. Oklahoma Sooners
10 of 12
Record: 8-2 (4-2)
Big 12 South ranking: second
National ranking: BCS No. 14
Oklahoma remains unbeatable at home, cruising to a 45-7 victory over Texas Tech. The Sooners dominated the Red Raiders through the air and on the ground, racking up 562 yards of total offense.
Jones was 22-of-29 for 317 yards and five touchdown passes. The running game added 246 yards, with Murray getting 79 of those yards and Finch getting 67 yards and a touchdown.
The defense stuffed the Red Raiders offense, limiting them to 326 total yards and only giving up one touchdown.
When this team is on, they are unstoppable. The only problem is that the only time they seem to be on, is at home.
Their next two games, to decide the Big 12 South, are both on the road. They need to fix whatever problems they have on the road if they want to get to the title game.
Oklahoma Player of the Week: Defensive tackle Adrian Taylor has battled injuries throughout his career and suffered a career-ending injury on Senior Day, a very unfortunate end to the young man's career.
Week 12: @ Baylor
Prediction: Win.
I think that this is the game that Bob Stoops fixes whatever has been going on when the Sooners play on the road and should be able to exploit a weak Baylor defense.
2. Oklahoma State Cowboys
11 of 12
Record: 9-1 (5-1)
Big 12 South ranking: first
National ranking: BCS No. 10
Oklahoma State started slow against the Longhorns, and it looked like Mack Brown might have continued his streak over the Cowboys. Then the Cowboys offense started clicking in the second quarter, as the Cowboys scored 30 unanswered points to win, 33-16.
Brandon Weeden was his usual self, going 29-of-43 for 409 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The running game only amassed 123 yards but accounted for three touchdowns. The run game was well below their average, but Texas does possess one of the best run defenses.
The defense gave up 352 yards, but most of those came in the final quarter. Justin Blackmon is unstoppable; he has played against two of the best secondaries in the country and got around 150 yards against both. He should be in the Heisman discussion.
The Cowboys are on a roll right now and only have one final challenge, Oklahoma, to clinch the Big 12 South Crown.
Oklahoma State Player of the Week: Justin Blackmon, had 145 yards and a touchdown off a 67-yard pass.
Week 12: @ Kansas
Prediction: Win.
The Cowboys are on a roll right now, and the Jayhawks do not have the talent to compete with Oklahoma State.
1. Nebraska Cornhuskers
12 of 12
Record: 9-1 (5-1)
Big 12 North ranking: first
National ranking: BCS No. 8
Nebraska ended the longest continuously played series in college football with a 20-3 win over Kansas.
The offense had some issues, but Taylor Martinez did not look like he was back to full strength. Martinez was 14-of-26 for 167 yards with an interception and added 71 yards on the ground and fumbled. Helu and Burkhead both had good games, rushing for 85 and 77 yards respectively, with both getting a touchdown. The offense played better than they did against Iowa State, but they still look mediocre when Martinez is not at 100 percent.
The big story for Nebraska was their defense limited the Jayhawks to 87 total yards. They only allowed three passes to be completed for 15 yards and only allowed 72 yards on the ground. I do not care who you are or who you are playing, limiting a team to only 87 total yards is very impressive.
Nebraska Player of the Week: Alfonoz Dennard came back after an injury that sidelined him last game and had an impressive interception. He does not get as much hype as Amukamara, but he is a very good CB.
Week 12: Texas A&M
Prediction: Win.
After watching Texas A&M struggle on offense versus a weak Baylor defense, I do not think they will be able to move the ball effectively on offense. Martinez should be back to 100 percent for this game, and he is deadly when he is.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
