Big12 Football Week 8 Breakdown
#3 Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech
Oklahoma feels a bit slighted at number 3. They were the top ranked team going into the season, are currently undefeated, and have fallen two spots. They want to get back to being the best team in the country. The Sooners win easy over a mediocre Red Raider squad. It won’t be easy to jump Alabama or LSU, but the Crimson Tide and Tigers will knock each other off in a few weeks. All Oklahoma has to do is stay undefeated and they’ll be right where they need to be.
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma
#5 Oklahoma State vs. Missouri
Missouri has been a disappointment this season. With a young quarterback, they are a team that doesn’t really have an identity. In the past they have been a spread offense passing team, but this year’s team is different. Oklahoma State knows who they are. The Cowboys are that 5-wide team that Missouri used to be (only better). Oklahoma State wins easy and keeps their eyes on the BCS. If the Cowboys win out and beat Oklahoma in December, then they have a case for being the nation’s best team.
Predicted Winner: Oklahoma State
#15 Kansas State vs. Kansas
Who would have thought that the Kansas State Wildcats would be ranked #15 at this point in the season? It seems like Kansas State wins their football games by playing within themselves. Quarterback Collin Klein doesn’t make too many mistakes. If he doesn’t have a receiver open, he has no problem pulling the ball down and running for a modest five yards. The Jayhawks have returned to their old ways. And those old ways don’t win football games. They may rush for over 200 yards per game, but Kansas has only held one opponent under 40 points this season (McNeese State in Week 1).
Predicted Winner: Kansas State
#18 Texas A&M vs. Iowa State
The Aggies proved that they can hold a lead and score in the second half after routing Baylor by 27 last week. But they still have two losses in big games. Luckily, playing Iowa State does not constitute a “big game.” The Cyclones have lost their last three games and none of them were close. The Aggies should keep rolling and look to Missouri next week.
Predicted Winner: Texas A&M
