Big XII Conference Recap- Week 3

There were lots of big games across the Big XII this weekend. The takeaway from this past weekend is that KU should have scheduled the Big 10 when it had the chance. If you need or want more insight into KU’s debacle in Durham, RCT has you covered. As for the rest of the Big XII, here’s a quick recap of all the games.

UCLA 20, Texas 17

In the end, it was a back up quarterback that took care of Texas. UCLA sophomore Jerry Neuheisel came in and threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winning TD with three minutes to go. Texas actually got off to a good start in this one, scoring the opening 10 points. The funniest point of the game started before the opening kick. UCLA won the toss and deferred to the second half where they would obviously choose to receive. Despite the fact that everyone with an ounce of football knowledge understands this, Texas elected to kick it to the Bruins to start the game. Thus, UCLA got the ball first in both halves. Hopefully Texas will be similarly hilarious and inept when they visit KU in two weeks.

Oklahoma 34, Tennessee 10

Well, this game played out like it was supposed to. Oklahoma proved itself as a top contender to win the Big XII and Tennessee showed that they are still a ways away from being an elite football program again. OU’s Trevor Knight was 20 of 33 for 308 yards and a touchdown through the air. The highlight of the game was probably Julian Wilson’s 100-yard interception return for a TD in the fourth quarter. OU is off next week before taking on West Virginia next Saturday.

Arkansas 49, Texas Tech 28

The Texas Tech faithful were understandably skeptical of their team after back-to-back disappointing performances against Central Arkansas and UTEP that nonetheless resulted in wins. Saturday was more of a reality check for the Red Raiders and they absolutely couldn’t handle the running game from Arkansas. The Razorbacks ran for seven touchdowns on the day and had the ball for over 65% of the time. Texas Tech has a bye week to lick their wounds and get ready for Oklahoma State.

West Virginia 40, Maryland 37

Josh Lambert kicked a 47-yard field goal as time expired for the Mountaineers as they escaped Maryland with a three-point win. Half way through the second quarter, WVU was up 28-6 before the Terrapins closed it to one point just a few ticks of the clock into the second half. The game was tied at 37 after a fourth quarter Maryland punt return, but the kick by Lambert sealed the Mountaineers second win of the season. Oh, by the way, West Virginia QB Clint Trickett threw for 511 yards. The Mountaineers get a real test when they host Oklahoma next week.

Iowa State 20, Iowa 17

Either the Big 10 is awful (it is) or Iowa State is better than we thought (it’s possible) but it’s probably a combination of both. Iowa State’s Cole Netten banged a 42-yard field goal through the uprights with two seconds to go to give the Cyclones the win. Iowa State was down 14-3 at the half but rallied to outscore their in-state rivals 17-3 in the second frame. ISU has next week off to prepare for Baylor.

TCU 30, Minnesota 7

Here’s another example of the Big XII being far superior to the Big 10. Not much to say about this contest other than TCU completely dominated. The shutout ended when Minnesota finally scored a TD with 10:56 to go in the game. By that time, the outcome had already been decided. TCU has next week off before they get back to winning ways against SMU.

Oklahoma State 43, Texas-San Antonio 13

Another Oklahoma State blowout. This was supposed to be a down year for the Cowboys after losing so many players, but they look like they could be a challenger for the conference crown. They next host Texas Tech on Thursday, September 25.

Baylor 63, Buffalo 21

Nothing to really say here. Baylor looked dominant, Buffalo scheduled this game several years ago, the game was over seven minutes into the game when it was 14-0 Bears. Bryce Petty was 23 of 34 for 416 yards and four touchdowns. Baylor is off next week before taking on Iowa State.

Up-to-date Big XII Standings:

Kansas State 2-0, 1-0

Baylor 3-0, 0-0

Oklahoma 3-0, 0-0

TCU 2-0, 0-0

Oklahoma State 2-1, 0-0

Texas Tech 2-1, 0-0

West Virginia 2-1, 0-0

Kansas 1-1, 0-0

Texas 1-2, 0-0

Iowa State 1-2, 0-1