A defining week for the Big 12 last week as Texas continues to roll, and even moved up in the BCS rankings after a pounding of then ranked #8 Texas Tech in Austin, clearly sending the message to the rest of the Big 12 South and North, they are the big boys on the block, and a major national title contender. The season ending date with Texas A&M in College Station looms large, but Texas is coasting into the Big 12 Championship regardless of the outcome of that game, and should destroy any takers from the North Division. The picture became more clear in the North last week, as Missouri's all world QB Brad Smith ran wild on Nebraska and generated over 450 yards of offense himself in a blowout over the Huskers who were down 21, tied it up at halftime and then the Tigers brought out the Claws and it was a track meet for Brad Smith. Nebraska takes on Oklahoma this week in Lincoln in what should be a good one, and North Title Contender Colorado put away Kansas in Boulder in impressive fashion 44-13, and travel to Manhatten Kansas to take on the K State Wildcats, who went down in flames against Texas A&M last week by only 2 points in a barn burner. It looks like a Missouri and Colorado race to the finish line in the North, as the Buffalo's have Nebraska at home the day after turkey day, and that is a huge plus for them. Stay tuned folks, the race for 2nd in the South should be a good one with Texas Tech and Texas A&M. Here are some takes on Big 12 action this weekend Colorado -7 @ Kansas State A KEY game of the Buffalo's, and they are hitting on all cylinders on offense right now putting up 44 against a more than respectable Kansas defense last week, as QB Joel Klatt continues his success with a 62% completion rate and 12 TDs versus only 4 picks on the year, a far cry better than K State's QB Allan Everidge, who has just over 800 yards passing on the year with 5 TDs, and QB Webb, who is a better runner, both swapping playing time to find the right mix. The key for K-State to their demise is averaging only 58 yards rushing per game in their last 3, which means a stacked defensive line against them almost the entire game. The Buffs can generate points in a hurry with a solid trio of receivers and a great QB, and I look for a 10 point Buffalo win here, as K State is struggling and off 2 straight losses, getting outscored 89-48 in the process. Missouri -5.5 vs. Kansas To those of you who do not know it, this is a HUGE rivalry in football in the Big 12, darting back to the Big 8 days. Missou is off a HUGE win against Nebraska and better yet for this scenario, are avenging back to back losses to Kansas, and playing with double revenge. The Tigers offense with QB Smith at the helm is solid and in the spread attack can strike quickly, as evidenced by their balanced attack and posting up over 540 yards of offense per game in their last 3, against the likes of Nebraska, Iowa State and Oklahoma State on the road. Kansas simply cannot trade punches here and the offense is almost 300 yards less per game on the average versus the Tigers, who should take out some revenge on Kansas this week, with a ton of confidence. Brad Smith again makes the difference, plus the WR's of Missou have size of over 6'3" and above, which creates a mis-match against smaller DB's. Nebraska -1.5 vs. Oklahoma- MY FEATURED BIG 12 GAME OF THE WEEK Texas Tech -10 @ Baylor I feel for the Baylor Bears, as they have surprised even myself this season, even with a 4-3 record but fatigue will be key this week in Waco as they take on an angry Texas Tech team, who out yarded Texas last week in a huge loss in Austin. Bottom line here, with Baylor off an OT loss to Oklahoma, a beating by Nebraska the week before, and the Red Raiders looking to rack up some points here, it will be a long day for the Bears and I see them having their worst loss of the season this Saturday. I would lay the points, the Bears are not a good red zone team and Raider head coach Mike Leech will take plenty of chances in this game. That is it for this week in the Big 12, be sure and stay tuned for next weeks report and more premium plays winners from me in the Big 12 each and every week. |
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