Around the Big 12: Texas is back!

The only thing that we know about the Big 12 is that we don’t know much about the Big 12. This past weekend was no exception, as there were chaotic games across the conference, including the biggest upset of the year when Texas beat Oklahoma State in Stillwater.

Let’s go around the Big 12.

Texas 41, #6 Oklahoma State 34

Well, this one was crazy. The Cowboys won nearly every statistical category Saturday, out-gaining the Horns 530 yards to 287 and having 72 fewer penalty yards. Sam Ehlinger played poorly overall, throwing for just 169 yards on just over 50% completion percentage and rushing for negative yardage thanks to five sacks. But had three touchdowns through the air and made plays when he needed to, matching the potent Pokes offense blow for blow as the Longhorns took advantage of five OSU turnovers, including three fumbles and an interception by Spencer Sanders.

The star of the game came from the losing side, as Tylan Wallace absolutely dominated, to the tune of 187 yards and two scores on 11 receptions. But the Texas defense was just good enough, holding Okie State to a tying field goal in the waning moments of regulation and ending the game on fourth down with a Joseph Ossai sack.

There’s now a three way tie atop the conference, with Oklahoma State, Kansas State, and Iowa State all sitting at one loss a piece. The Cowboys have the tiebreaker over the Cyclones and will look to earn it over the Cats next weekend in the Little Apple.

Next Up: Texas gets WVU at home, while Oklahoma State travels to Manhattan for a showdown with Kansas State.

West Virginia 37, Kansas State 10

Gary Patterson was curious about how this one went, stopping the press conference to ask the score. The result got a little wry smile out of him, as he well knows what awaits his team in Morgantown.

Chris Klieman got his first taste of Country Roads, and let’s just say he didn’t enjoy it. Will Howard was exposed as a true freshman for the first time, averaging just five yards per completion and getting picked off three times by the opportunistic Mountaineer D. Deuce Vaughn was limited to just 22 yards on the ground and 1 through the air (on two receptions), and the Wildcats big play offense was completely stifled.

Jarret Doege bounced back from a bad trip to Lubbock to throw for over 300 yards and two scores, and Leddie Brown went over the century mark and scored as well. K State couldn’t get anything done on offense, converting on less than half of their third down opportunities and compiling just 225 yards in total — and just 41 on the ground for a unit that needs so badly to be effective to give its team a chance to win.

Next Up: The Wildcats play Oklahoma State at home in a critical showdown, while WVU will take their act on the road to Austin.

Iowa State 52, Kansas 22

Iowa State is good. Kansas is not good.

Breece Hall had an easy 185 and two scores and the Cyclones D added five sacks and 11 TFLs against the hapless Hawks.

It’s Kansas, there’s not much to say.

Next Up: Baylor heads to Ames while Kansas goes to the slaughterhouse in Norman.

Oklahoma 62, Texas Tech 28

The Sooners were looking to embarrass someone, and the Red Raiders were a worthy pawn. 559 yards on offense (400 allowed), Rattler threw for a couple scores and just shy of 300 yards, Theo Wease broke out for 100+, and the much maligned Oklahoma D held Henry Colombi to a QBR of 5.8. The Red Raiders were able to move the ball, but turned it over twice, had little to no pressure on Rattler, and didn’t protect either passer who took snaps.

Things got so bad that Alan Bowman took snaps again.

The Sooners are far from out of the mix for a Big 12 title, and while their playoff dreams are all but dead, does anyone want to have to play them in Arlington? Spencer Rattler is finding his groove, and still has more weapons than anyone. With the running game getting going and the defense looking more serviceable by the week, it’s far too soon to rule out the Sooners.

Meanwhile, Texas Tech looks lost on both sides of the ball, and their matchup with TCU could be a season saver, as the Red Raiders get Baylor at home and still have Kansas on the schedule. This instate rivalry will be a big one next weekend.

Next Up: Texas Tech faces TCU in Fort Worth, while the Sooners get the Kansas bye week at home.