BIG 12 GAMES
Oklahoma at Baylor: The Bears have won three of their last four games against Oklahoma, including a 48-14 thrashing of the Sooners in Norman a year ago. A win over OU would bolster Baylor’s case for making the top four in the country. A win over the Bears would provide more credibility for the Sooners’ own playoff hopes. Baylor quarterback Jarrett Stidham will be making his first home start. In his debut against Kansas State, Stidham threw for 419 yards. Chances are, whichever team can establish a running presence will be able to win. Baylor counters with Shock Linwood, whose 1,046 yards lead the league. Oklahoma’s attack features two excellent runners in Samaje Perine, who led the Big 12 in rushing a year ago, and Joe Mixon.
Oklahoma State at Iowa State: The Cowboys are riding high after their unexpected dismantling of TCU last Saturday. Surely, coach Mike Gundy will remind his squad that the team was in a similar position in 2011, only to lose at Ames, a defeat that kept them out of the national title game. A player to watch is Cowboys receiver James Washington, who has averaged 108 yards per game in Big 12 action. This stat should scare the Cyclones — Oklahoma State is scoring an average of 12 points per game off of turnovers.
Texas at West Virginia: The Mountaineers’ best offense is their running game, with Wendell Smallwood and Rushel Shell, both of whom gained more than 100 yards last Saturday against Tech. It’s the same situation at Texas; D’Onta Foreman gained a careerhigh 157 a week ago.
Kansas State at Texas Tech: The Red Raiders need one more win for a bowl berth. But Tech’s run defense continues to be a weakness. That’s an opening for Kansas State. Expect Wildcats quarterback Joe Hubener to try and take advantage. He ran 29 times for 153 yards against Baylor last week.
Kansas at TCU: The Jayhawks still don’t have a win this year. And it’s doubtful they’ll pick one up in Fort Worth against a TCU team reeling from a loss to Oklahoma State. TCU QB Trevone Boykin threw four interceptions in the loss, one fewer than he’s had all season. Kansas can represent a big stat day for Boykin.