Oklahoma being at the top of the conference is no shock to anyone. What is very interesting though is the disparity throughout the rest. It seems like spots 2-5 are up in the air.
Which is very surprising. Considering Texas was the concensus #2 from Media Days. Baylor is off to a undefeated start. Iowa State is gaining ground, and always expect an Oklahoma State upset.
Iowa State is looking for another road win and Oklahoma State has the chance for that so called upset.
#5 Oklahoma vs. West Virginia 12 PM EST FOX
There was no sign of defense anywhere in this matchup in 2018. A combined 115 points and it was a defensive touchdown that iced this game.
This season, however, I do not expect this game to be close.
The Oklahoma offense is the same monster that it was last year and this game will be held in Norman.
West Virginia has showed some offense over the past couple of weeks, until Austin Kendall got hurt. The Oklahoma transfer is “Questionable” for this game.
Jack Allison played through most of Iowa State and was considered “okay” throughout the game.
The line for this game is at -33.5. I don’t know if Oklahoma covers, but I would be shocked if they don’t win by more than 20.
Oklahoma 49, West Virginia 23
Iowa State at. Texas Tech 12 PM EST FS1
This is the matchup between 2 teams on opposite ends of the spectrum. Especially, in terms of momentum.
Iowa State is coming off a road win over West Virginia after throbbing TCU the week prior. Iowa State is playing really well on offense and the defense is playing per usual.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech is coming off an emotional Double OT loss to Baylor. Most of Texas Tech’s attention this week has been on the officiating of that game. Something Kirby Hocutt got fined $25,000 for earlier in the week.
Jett Duffey is coming off a game where he did impress, but also made some throws that scratch your head. Evidentally, what Jett Duffey has been known for.
This is a much improved Texas Tech defense, but will they able to hold another top of the conference QB?
I do think Iowa State comes in and sneaks out another huge road win. Building more momentum and still a case for a spot in the Big 12 title game.
Iowa State 35, Texas Tech 24
TCU vs. Kansas State 2:30 PM EST
Honestly, neither of these teams have looked impressive in 2019. Both of them began their campaigns with road wins over P5 schools.
Mississippi State gave up 59 points to Auburn and Purdue is currently 2-4.
The problems haven’t been with the defenses (outside of TCU nearly giving up 50 to Iowa State). The offensive struggles of both teams are the major flaws.
In and out of the lineup has been Kansas State’s lone deep threat, Malik Knowles. Skylar Thompson hasn’t had a breakout game and the running game has been too inconsistent.
TCU has struggles of their own. Max Duggan is a true freshman and it’ll take him some time. TCU doesn’t have a legit receiver outside of Jalen Reagor. TCU does have a good backfield, but Offensive Line play has been holding them back.
This game is going to be a rather ugly one, and is hard to predict because of that. TCU is slightly more talented and that is why they come out of Manhattan with a win.
TCU 21, Kansas State 17
#18 Baylor vs. Oklahoma State 4 PM EST FOX
Oklahoma State is among the toughest places in the conference. Want proof? Baylor comes into this game as a 3.5 point underdog. The number 18th ranked team in the country is an underdog to a 4-2 team.
This game last year featured a game winner from Charlie Brewer to Denzel Mims. This game will be between 2 strengths going head to head.
Oklahoma State’s offense is among the best in the conference. Spencer Sanders is exceeding expectations and Tylan Wallace is still the best threats in the conference.
Chuba Hubbard has been one the best running backs in the country. However, he could be showing signs of slowing down.
Hubbard had 124 carries last year as a Freshman. In just 6 games this year, Hubbard has 162 carries. He is on pace for over 300 carries. The worry is that he could be overused and could start losing gas toward the back half of the year.
Nonetheless, he’s a threat. Baylor’s defense will be without star MLB Clay Johnston for the season. As the leading tackler of Baylor, that could be a weakness in this game.
Baylor has the #2 ranked defense in the conference, but we’ll see how well they do against an explosive offense.
I believe Oklahoma State will come out on top and pull off the upset in the end.
Oklahoma State 34, Baylor 27
Kansas vs. #15 Texas 7 PM EST LHN
The Texas Longhorns lost to the Kansas Jayhawks in football in 2016. This is the lone week of the year where that reminder can be set.
Now back to reality, Kansas looked somewhat promising to begin. They got a shocking blowout win on the road against Boston College. They kept it close with Oklahoma for a half. Outside of that, it’s been the same Kansas of the previous decade.
Les Miles year 1 in Lawrence shouldn’t have high expectations. The passing game is still inconsistent and the lack of pass rush is a killer for the Jayhawks.
After being “out-physicalled” by Oklahoma, Texas is coming into this game upset. In Austin and at night, I don’t expect Texas to sleepwalk through this game.
Kansas gets a few touchdowns, but Texas handles this game throughout and imposes their will.
Texas 45, Kansas 17
Image Credit: https://www.dominionpost.com/2019/10/12/notebook-wvu-quarterback-jack-allison-has-topsy-turvy-showing-vs-iowa-state/
