Saturday, October 20, 2007

Saturday Rewind

Oklahoma State 41 Kansas State 39. Well for the first time, I was spot on predicting the Kansas State loss. Ultimately, Kansas State was outplayed on special teams, giving up a huge kick off return for a touchdown immediately after taking a 14 point lead, letting OSU back into the game. Then, Kansas State ultimately couldn't handle success, and for the third time this season lost a close game where they had the lead, this time losing leads of 14-0 and 21-7, and also surrendered two fourth quarter leads. OSU stormed back to score 17 fourth quarter points and won the game when Kansas State could not stop them or hold onto the football. Jordy Nelson had an amazing day (12 catches for 174 yards and 3 TDs and a 2 point conversion), but simply could stave off the errors of Jeron Mastrud and Michael Pooschke, who both fumbled keeping Oklahoma State in the game. Kansas State also caught a bad break when a punted ball bounced into Cedric Wilson, against creating a turnover for the Cowboys. Josh Freeman rallied Kansas State in the closing minutes, similar to the game against Oklahoma State last year, and Kansas State took the lead with a minute remaining after making the two point conversion. The Kansas State defense collapsed and allowed OSU to march easily down the field for the game winning chip shot field goal.

Ultimately, Kansas State was not plus in the turnover ratio and/or touchdowns from defense/special teams, so they could not pull of a victory.

Kansas 19 Colorado 14. For the first time under Mark Mangino, Kansas wins two Big 12 road games. Kansas played suffocating defense, taking away Hugh Charles and Cody Hawkins could not do enough to overcome the loss of running game. Kansas impresses with their ability to tackle and how assignment sound they are. Fundamentally, Kansas is one of the best teams in the country. They will continue to be a tough out.

Oklahoma 17 Iowa State 7. In a shocker for how close it was, ISU went toe-to-toe with the Sooners, and if it weren't for an errant kicker, may have had a chance to pull out a win versus a superior opponent.

Texas 31 Baylor 10. The Bears kept the game close, but the Longhorns put them away late, pulling away for a 21 point win.

Texas A&M 36 Nebraska 14. Again, the vaunted Blackshirt defense of Nebraska couldn't stop the running game. Texas A&M had their way, rushing for 362 yards. Texas A&M cannot throw the ball, but since Nebraska simply cannot stop anyone, it became irrelevant as the Aggie running game completely dominated the Cornhuskers.

Missouri 41 Texas Tech 10. Graham Harrell had three interceptions going into the game, and left with seven. Missouri harassed the Red Raiders all day and kept them completely off balance. Missouri used a balanced rushing attack and dominated Texas Tech. It's not shocking that Missouri won, but it is shocking they won going away. It appears Missouri and Kansas will battle for the right to represent the Big 12 North in the Big 12 title game.

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