Big 12 Football Week 5 Breakdown
15 Texas A&M vs. 17 Arkansas
Texas A&M is coming off of a tough loss at home to Oklahoma State. The Cowboys clawed their way back from a large deficit to take the lead and win. Now the Aggies have to go to Arkansas for a tough game against the Razorbacks. Arkansas is also coming off of a loss, but their game was not as close. The Alabama Crimson Tide had their way with Arkansas, winning 38-14. I like Arkansas’ offense as they can run and pass well. Their defense is the big question mark. Giving up 28 points to Troy leads me to believe that they are not ready for Texas A&M. The Aggies also have a balanced attack, but they will need to protect the ball. Their four turnovers against Oklahoma State cost them a win last week. If they repeat this, Arkansas will capitalize on those opportunities. But I think that the Aggies have learned from their mistakes and will protect the ball.
Predicted Winner: Texas A&M
14 Texas vs. Iowa State
Iowa State and Texas are two teams that I’m not sure what to make of. They are both undefeated, but have had close games against mediocre teams. Texas seems to have its quarterback situation figured out with Case McCoy, but they are still a running team, rushing for over 220 yards per game. Iowa State just had a semi-impressive win at UConn. Regardless of how the game against Texas goes, Iowa State is taking steps in the right direction. I have been impressed with junior quarterback Steele Jantz. His numbers are underwhelming, but they don’t reflect the leadership that he has on the team. He has intangibles that are pushing the Cyclones over the hump. Home field advantage will make this one interesting, but I still think Texas pulls this one out in the end. But I can’t shirk the feeling that Texas will slip up soon and drop in the rankings.
Predicted Winner: Texas
2 Oklahoma vs. Ball State
If there is a team on Oklahoma’s schedule that will ruin their BCS Championship hopes, it sure isn’t Ball State. Landry Jones will use this game to help his Heisman résumé. The Cardinals are already giving up over 25 points per game, and the Sooners are looking to raise that number. This game is a lock for Oklahoma.
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
23 Baylor vs. Kansas State
Is Kansas State’s defense for real? They’re only giving up about ten points per game. Unfortunately, the Baylor Bears are putting up over 50 points per game this season. They even lit up the TCU Horned Frogs for 50 points in Week 1. Robert Griffin is really making a case for Heisman this year, throwing 13 TD’s to only 12 incompletions…..not interceptions, incompletions! The Bears will need to stop Kansas State’s running game, but Baylor takes this one easily and gets their first road win of the year.
Predicted Winner: Baylor
Texas Tech vs. Kansas
The Texas Tech Red Raiders did not look good last week against Nevada. They got the win in a 35-34 contest, but Nevada is not a good team. Kansas is giving up a lot of points this season, so that favors Texas Tech. However, they are a team on the rise. The Jayhawks run the ball well, so it will be interesting to see if they can win the possession battle. If Kansas can keep the Red Raider defense on the field, they have a shot. But in the end, Texas Tech’s offense is too explosive for the Jayhawks.
Predicted Winner: Texas Tech
