By: Daniel Hill
Texas Tech at Oklahoma State: The Red Raiders narrowly survived overtime against Kansas 41-last week and the Cowboys stomped over West Virginia 55-34. There should be plenty of offense in this game as Oklahoma State is third in scoring and Texas Tech is 18th. At the beginning of the season, Texas Tech started guns ablaze but lately they have faltered with losses to Kansas State and Texas plus an ugly win over Kansas. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State has won four of their last five games with their only loss coming to No. 1 Kansas State. The Cowboys are the hotter team and have been more consistent as the season has worn on. With the home field advantage, the Cowboys should put up more points than the Red Raiders. Prediction: Oklahoma State 45, Texas Tech 38
Iowa State at Kansas: At first glance, this seems like it’s going to be an easy Iowa State win because the Jayhawks are 1-9 and the Cyclones are 5-5. But the Jayhawks are due for a win and have played several teams tough but have come up just shy of a win. Kansas lost to Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas Tech by only 17 combined points. The Cyclones have been an inconsistent team all season as they ride the high and low performances of their quarterback Steele Jantz. The Jayhawks have a superb rushing attack with James Sims. Kansas has played opponents extremely close in Manhattan and the Jayhawks have not played with the effort of a 1-9 team. The Jayhawks believe that they can win against anyone. On Saturday, Kansas will get its first Big 12 Conference win of the season. Prediction: Kansas 31, Iowa State 24
Oklahoma at West Virginia: Before the season, Oklahoma and West Virginia were thought of as the two premiere teams in the conference. Oklahoma has lived up to the billing while West Virginia is a train wreck. The Mountaineers started the season with five wins and now have lost their last four games. Oklahoma remains the best two-loss team in the nation with their only losses coming at the hands of the highly ranked Kansas State and Notre Dame. The Sooners are so strong they haven’t even played a close game this year. Aside from Kansas State and Notre Dame, the Sooners have manhandled all of its other opponents. While playing on the road in Morgantown can be difficult, the Sooners should earn the victory over the Mountaineers. Prediction: Oklahoma 49, West Virginia 31
Kansas State at Baylor: Arguably the most intriguing matchup of the Big 12 slate this weekend, Kansas State and Baylor presents profound opportunities for both teams. Obviously, the Wildcats are dreaming of a national championship and a perfect season. Collin Klein, Kansas State’s quarterback, is hoping to win the Heisman Trophy. Much like RG3 last season, Klein still needs to have that “Heisman moment” and he is looking to do so against the Bears in front of a national audience on ESPN. The Bears are trying to stun the nation by defeating the No. 1 Wildcats and they need to win at least two of their next three games in order to qualify for a bowl game. If Baylor can find a way to defeat Kansas State, it would be the defining moment of the Bears season and it would give them momentum for the rest of the year. The Wildcats play an overly methodical style of football. They slow down the game and they don’t make mistakes. If the Baylor defense can force some turnovers and the offense can put up some quick touchdowns, then Baylor has the talent to beat Kansas State. The bottom-line is that Kansas State plays mistake free football. If Kansas State plays to its ability then they will win the game. Baylor’s explosive offense should make this game immensely competitive and this game could come down to the wire. Prediction: Kansas State 38, Baylor 35
