After a rather minimal amount of action on Saturday last week, this weekend has some great games.
The return of a rivalry, a QB looking for his first road win, and an upset brewing in the state of Texas.
#12 Baylor vs. TCU 12 PM EST. FS1
The Revivalry returns this weekend as the #12 team in the nation travels to Fort Worth. This was one of the most intense rivalries in all of CFB from 2013-2015.
Due to inconsistencies of play and national respect took a hit, it’s been mostly dominated by TCU. With Baylor now being near the top again and TCU being respectable, it could create some fireworks.
Similar to the beginning of the season, who knows who’s going to take snaps for the Horned Frogs. Max Duggan broke his middle finger near the end of the Oklahoma State game.
Backup Mike Collins is ruled as a definite out. Alex Delton and Justin Rodgers have left the team. Finally, just cleared from his Medical Redshirt, Ohio State transfer Matthew Baldwin just started practicing this past week.
QB play wasn’t too critical last year as TCU needed just 16 points to defeat the Bears in 2018.
Baylor is looking to regroup after a near disaster of a loss last Thursday against West Virginia. The Bears have tended to play better on the road, so we’ll see how this environment holds up.
With uncertainty at QB, and some injuries in the secondary, it leads to believe TCU won’t be at full strength. The Bears are a physical team and will push you all 4 quarters.
Baylor will be the better team late and win.
Baylor 31, TCU 20
Texas Tech vs. West Virginia 12 PM EST. ESPN2
Somebody has to win this game. This is a game between two teams going in the wrong direction and the loser can kiss a late December game goodbye.
West Virginia showed a lot of life last Thursday by nearly upsetting Baylor on Halloween. WV got to Charlie Brewer 8 times and forced 3 Bears turnovers.
The offense, however had one big play and outside of that, was really mute. Some credit does go to Baylor’s defense.
However, Austin Kendall missed a lot of easy throws and some crucial drops were made by WV WR’s.
For Texas Tech, they are clinging to some sort of positivity. There’s normally shame for losing to Kansas at any point. With Kansas having a sense of direction, it’s not as bad of a loss as it would’ve been 3 years ago.
Alan Bowman will not be back yet for this game and Jett Duffey hasn’t won a road game yet. That can cause for some real concern on the part of the Red Raiders.
Both teams have stingy defenses, so the offense may be limited. However, with the home environment and a monster game from TJ Simmons, West Virginia pulls it out.
West Virginia 27, Texas Tech 24
#16 Kansas State vs. Texas 3:30 PM EST. ESPN
Coming into the season, it wouldn’t be too shocking if the rankings on the teams would be flipped. Instead, it’s Chris Klieman that has done an amazing job in Year 1.
The Wildcats are coming off a clubbing over Kansas after the Jayhawks were starting to gain some momentum.
The defense is playing very well at the right time and Skylar Thompson is getting good running lanes. Both of these could set up for success on Saturday.
Texas defensively, has talked about playing a 8 DB defense to put the most amount of speed on the field. That isn’t their main scheme, but one implemented by DC Todd Orlando.
If Texas wants to bring just 4 or 5 in the box, Skylar Thompson will find all kinds of room to run. A matchup to keep your eye on.
For Texas, they are coming off a bye week after losing to TCU. Sam Ehlinger had his worst game as a Longhorn and the defense gave up a plethora of big plays.
Texas returns a lot of their injury plagued defense and they’re getting players at the right time of the season.
Kansas State has done a great job of creating their own big plays, while also controlling the game. Texas can score points and I don’t believe Ehlinger will throw 4 picks again.
Texas 34, Kansas State 28
#9 Oklahoma vs. Iowa State 8:00 PM EST. FOX
Both teams have had to sit for a whole week and have the sour taste of a loss sit in their mouths. Making this a night game is the best move FOX could’ve possibly made.
Oklahoma will come out of this game playing angry and fast, especially QB Jalen Hurts. He has been the most focused a star QB has every been before. Hurts has meant all business from Game 1.
For Iowa State, they are on a hot streak, decimating their opponents. Until Oklahoma State walked into town and Tylan Wallace did this.
Oklahoma doesn’t have Tylan Wallace, but their WR core isn’t anything to be questioned. Ceedee Lamb, Charleston Rambo, and Lee Morris create the best WR core in the Big 12.
Both teams should be motivated for this game. In the end, Oklahoma has too much talent on offense and pulls away.
Oklahoma 42, Iowa State 28
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