1. Missouri (3) (6-1/2-1). Missouri dominated Texas Tech last weekend, holding the nation's number one scoring offense to 10 points. Missouri's defense has stepped up week after week and are becoming a force unto their own. If Missouri has a defense to compliment their outstanding offense, watch out. The Tigers can give anyone in the nation trouble on a neutral field.
2. Kansas (2) (7-0/3-0). Kansas did not come close to dominating the Buffaloes at Colorado. Kansas managed to play solid, assignment sound defense and made just enough plays to beat Colorado. CU is anything but a perfect team though. Kansas, while fundamentally a good football team, simply doesn't have the playmakers to survive undefeated much longer.
3. Oklahoma (1) (7-1/3-1). Oklahoma went to Iowa State and pulled out a 17-7 win in a game that was much closer than the final score indicates. Apparently OU simply is not a good road team; OU lost their first Big 12 road game at Colorado, and if the Cyclones had a half decent place kicker, OU might have been in a dogfight until the end versus the pathetic Iowa State unit. Oklahoma was anything but impressive.
4. Kansas State (4) (4-3/2-2). Kansas State is not perfect and needs to have turnovers and make special teams plays to win and win easily--but still are an improving team. Though the Wildcats lost to the Cowboys, every break went OSU's way. Kansas State has an improving offense, their best since 2002. If the defense learns to tackle and stop the run, K-State could beat anyone. I expect the 'Cats to win the next two games fairly easily.
5. Texas (6) (6-2/2-2). Texas did not have a particularly good showing versus Baylor. However, the Longhorns still managed to win by 21 in Waco. Texas continues their march through the dregs of the Big 12 versus Nebraska this week.
6. Oklahoma State (7) (5-3/3-1). The Cowboys have all kinds of dangerous weapons; however, OSU does not have much of a defense. Any team with those weapons at their disposal is a dangerous team however. That said, OSU was lucky to get two wins this year, using a large dose of luck to beat KSU and Texas Tech.
7. Texas Tech (5) (6-2/2-2). Texas Tech looked simply awful versus Missouri. Missouri confused and battered Texas Tech, which is what happens when you play superior teams on the road. Tech simply does not have th defensive talent or offensive balance to compete in the Big 12.
8. Texas A&M (9) (6-2/3-1). Texas A&M was the latest beneficiary of Nebraska's largesse. The Kansas game could be their last chance to win this year.
9. Colorado (8) (4-4/2-2). Better than last year, but still not good. Had an opportunity to beat Kansas but didn't take it.
10. Nebraska (10) (4-4/1-3). Defense is among the worst in the country. Offense is trying to get there.
11. Iowa State (12) (1-7/0-4). Bonus points for playing OU within 10.
12. Baylor (11) (3-5/0-4). They might be better than Nebraska, but for now, they are entrenched at 12.
Predictions
(last week 5-1 straight up, 2-4 ATS)
Kansas at Texas A&M (+3) Kansas has played two road games very close to the vest. This week, KU has to stop an outstanding running team in Texas A&M. A&M has several weapons, which will cause KU to play assignment sound and tackle. If the Jayhawks cannot tackle consistently, they will not be able to stop A&M, since there will be no one to back up the first level of defense. A&M bursts KU's bubble, winning straight up at Kyle Field.
Baylor at Kansas State (-25.5) See previous post. Kansas State covers easily. One additional reason why: Baylor doesn't cause turnovers and loves to cough the ball up.
Iowa State at Missouri (-28.5) Iowa State really has a halfway decent defense. Missouri doesn't tend to run the score up. Iowa State under Dan Hawkins traditionally gave Missouri fits, and even won last year in Ames. In a closer game than most expect, Iowa State hangs around, covering the spread. Don't worry Tiger fans, Gary Pinkel won't have to claim a win that's really a loss this year, even if they won't cover the spread.
Nebraska at Texas (-20.5) Nebraska has an awful defense, and their offense is getting worse. Bill Callahan is reportedly trying to work in some spread option this week with Joe Ganz. That's a mistake. Texas rolls and rolls big.
Colorado at Texas Tech (-13.5) Colorado beat Texas Tech last year. Wow! That was in Colorado. This week, the game is in Lubbock. Look for Mike Leach to take out some frustration on the Buffaloes, easily covering the spread.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment