Around the Big 12/Games of the Week

Around the Big 12:

#11 Oklahoma State 16, Tulsa 7

The Golden Hurricanes jumped out to a 7-o lead, taking advantage of a Spencer Sanders injury that knocked the rising star QB out of the game to hold the potent Cowboys’ offense at bay — for three quarters.

But freshman Shane Illingworth sparked the Pokes off of the bench, leading his team on three scoring drives on 4-5 passing despite Chuba Hubbard being held under 100 yards by a pretty average Tulsa D.

One of the preseason conference contenders looked very beatable in their season debut, but you saw enough flashes from guys like Hubbard and Tylan Wallace to see a light at the end of the tunnel for Mike Gundy’s program, and with a little experience under their belt, they should be much prepared for their home date with WVU next week.

Next Up: vs. West Virginia | 2:30 PM | ABC

Other Big Games:

#17 Miami 57, #18 Louisville 34

Remember when D’Eriq King was committed to TCU? Remember when the coaching staff told him he wouldn’t play QB for the Frogs? Remember how good he was at Houston? Yeah, he’s been even better through two games for the Canes.

King threw for 325 yards and a trio of touchdowns as the Hurricanes jumped out to a big lead and hung on for the second half to spoil the Cards ACC opener. Miami is looking to finally live up to the preseason hype, and might finally have the QB that can help them do it.

#1 Clemson 49, The Citadel 0

This game was over by the end of the first drive, at by halftime it was already 49-0. You can ask why exactly the number one team in the country is playing The Citadel, but you can’t ask if Clemson was ready to get back on the field. Trevor Lawrence was lights out in his very short 2020 debut (8-9, 168 YDS, 3 TD) and running back Travis Etienne looked sharp in limited action. The defense was elite against a very overmatched opponent, and the Tigers will get a week off before opening ACC play against UVA.

#19 Louisiana 35, Georgia State 31 (OT)

After knocking Iowa State around in Ames a week ago, the Ragin’ Cajuns needed overtime to defeat the Panthers in the Sun Belt opener for both teams. ULL fell behind in the first quarter by a touchdown, and matched Georgia State with a touchdown each in the second. A two score third quarter tied things up, but the Panthers scored late in the fourth to force OT.

Billy Napier’s defense held GSU to just a field goal in OT, and Elijah Mitchell won in on the next possession, running four times to paydirt.

Marshall 17, #23 Appalachian State 7

The upset of the week happened in the southeast, as the oft-darlings of college football fell just one week after moving into the top 25. App State started strong but leveled off, converting just four third downs on the day against the Thundering Herds aggressive defense. The two teams combined for 199 yards in penalties and three turnovers in what was not one of the cleanest games of the young season.