Big 12 Football: Could Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State Tie Again?

Last season, the Big 12 South ended up in a deadlock between the Aggies, the Sooners and the Cowboys. Oklahoma got the nod because of its high BCS ranking, but things could turn out differently this season. 

Yesterday, Oklahoma State knocked off Texas A&M at Kyle Field. Losing at home to a team they matched up well with and blowing a 20-3 halftime lead was a huge setback for the Aggies. The Cowboys are sitting pretty on top of the Big 12 with their rivals from Norman at 4-0. 

Last year, A&M went on to lose two more games before switching quarterbacks and going on a six-game winning streak with wins against powerhouses Oklahoma and Nebraska at home. The Aggies face off against OU in Norman on November 5th in their toughest road game of the season. 

The Sooners crushed Mizzou last night, dominating the Tigers through the final three quarters. Their game against A&M at home is their next challenge, as they are looking to take revenge for last year's embarrassment in College Station.

Each team has the means to win the Big 12 conference this season, but could the rankings end up just like last year? Next we take a look at each team's schedule and their chances at the title.   

Oklahoma State

The Cowboys came back from 17 down yesterday in a hostile environment, scoring 27 straight points in the second half and beating the Aggies for the fourth straight year.

Now ranked in the top 5, OSU controls their destiny in the conference. With only three ranked opponents left (Texas, Baylor, and OU), their high-powered offense can secure the school's first conference championship. 

Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon are one of the best duos in the nation, threatening even the most potent defenses. Watch for the Cowboys to rule the conference until they play their in-state competition at Stillwater, which is a toss-up for whoever can score the most. 

Texas A&M

The Aggies blew it at home on Saturday, allowing Weeden and OSU's offense to walk (or pass for that matter) all over them throughout the second half. It was a tale of two halves for A&M; the supposed Wrecking Crew left after the second quarter, while Tannehill and the offense fell apart systemically and gave up four turnovers.

Texas A&M hasn't had much luck against the Cowboys as of late, but still hold onto a chance to take home the Big 12 Title in their final season. They have four ranked opponents left, including a huge SEC game against former Southwest Conference rival Arkansas at Jerryworld next Saturday.

Last season, the Aggies beat up on Oklahoma 33-19 at home and this year will be a true test in Norman. To have any chance at winning the conference, A&M has to pull off a huge victory against top ranked Oklahoma. Sherman obviously created a formula for success against Bob Stoops and the Sooners last year, but twice in two years is a different story. Look for a close game in Norman on the 5th. 

Oklahoma

The Sooners rolled over conference foe Missouri last night, taking revenge for last year's upset. Landry Jones and company have already proven themselves this year with a resounding win over Florida State in Tallahassee, but can the top ranked Sooners finish through the season and head to New Orleans?

With four ranked opponents left, including a huge game in Stillwater to close out the regular season, Oklahoma has a tough road ahead of it. Landry Jones and the offense have to continue to show up while their capable defense needs to shut down the rest of the equally capable offenses (Baylor and Texas A&M) it faces. 

Bob Stoops sees the writing on the wall that this is his year to win a second national title and certainly won't go down without a fight. With conference realignment breathing down the Sooners' necks, this might be one of their final opportunities to win it all in the coming years. 

And the Winner Is...

Oklahoma State.

The Cowboys are vying for their first conference championship, and they have proven their ability to come back and win against tough opponents. With the fewest ranked opponents left and Oklahoma visiting Stillwater for the season closer, OSU has the means to win the Big 12. Weeden and the offense control their future; watch for the experienced veteran to do just that.

Oklahoma has looked powerful over these last few weeks and should go undefeated until their clash in Stillwater. Stoops and company cannot get complacent with their rank, which could open the door for an upset. OU is a strong favorite and could certainly repeat last year's outcome; it will just take some discipline.

Texas A&M is in a tough position now after yesterday's loss. They have to hope and pray for OSU to have a conference loss and for a victory at the Oklahoma game in Norman if they want a second Big 12 title. Tannehill and the offense have to regroup while the Wrecking Crew needs to make a reappearance if the Aggies want that opportunity. 

Anything is possible in college football, especially in the volatile Big 12 conference. Keep an eye out for these three teams in the rest of the season because one should be playing for the National Championship and another should be playing in the Fiesta Bowl. All three have the means but only two will get the nod.