CMan's Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 13

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-1, 10-1)

Last Week - Beat Baylor 49-17

Well, either Baylor had an off week or OSU is really good. The Pokes dominated the Bears from the first snap and didn't let up until the final seconds ticked off the play clock. These Bears looked like the pre-Art Briles Bears. The Pokes looked solid in every aspect of the game and if they beat the Sooners in their last conference game, deserve to be undisputed Big 12 champs.

Up Next: Oklahoma

#2. Baylor Bears (6-1, 9-1)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma State 49-17

Baylor's perfect season came to a stunning stop in Stillwater Saturday. The bears were humbled by the Cowboys and were removed from any National championship scenario. The Bears do have a shot at a BCS game and with TCU and Texas left, should have suffered their only loss this season. Baylor should bounce back and finish 11-1. It would appear that OSU and Baylor are leaps and bounds above the rest of the Big 12.

Up Next: At TCU

#3. Oklahoma Sooners (6-2, 9-2)

Last Week - Beat Kansas State 41-31

Kansas State could have caused the Sooners problems in Manhattan but the revamped OU offense with Trevor Knight at the helm provided enough offense to overcome the Wildcats. The Knight led Sooners looked more fluid than they do with Bell and the running game that was so evident in the first few games has returned with a vengeance. The loss of several starters on defense is evident but Mike Stoops has the backups getting better each week. With the win, Bob Stoops became the all time wins leader at Oklahoma.

Up Next: At Oklahoma State

#4. Texas Longhorns (6-1, 7-3)

Texas probably would have liked to play last weekend so that they would at least have a chance to erase the Oklahoma State loss from their collective minds. With the loss came the realization that a Big 12 championship is out of their reach and Mack Brown will likely be gone at seasons end. The Longhorns finish with Texas Tech on Thanksgiving and then travel to Waco and Baylor in the finale. Texas should go 1-1 in these last two games but, if they don't get past OSU, they might lose both.

Up Next: Texas Tech

#5. Kansas State Wildcats (4-4, 6-5)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma 41-31

The Wildcats had a 4 game win streak snapped by Oklahoma Saturday in Manhattan. Its no surprise, Stoops is 8-2 against Snyder with the only losses coming on a neutral site (Arrowhead Stadium), and in Norman last season. Having said that, Snyder has again done a masterful coaching job. Kansas State looked dead 5 weeks ago and not likely to become bowl eligible. The Wildcats have Kansas left and should win that game comfortably giving them a winning record in the conference and overall.

Up Next: At Kansas

#6. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-4, 7-4)

Last Week - Bye

Texas Tech comes out of the bye week with an opportunity to right a season that was in a tailspin. Four straight conference losses knocked them out of the top 25 and left them in danger of finishing the season with a losing record in the conference. They finish at Texas on Thanksgiving and despite the game being played in Austin, its winnable. A win gives the Red Raiders respectability and an 8 win season. A loss and Tech losses any credibility they gained early in the season.

Up Next: At Texas

#7. TCU Horned Frogs (2-6, 4-7)

Last Week - Bye

The best part about last Saturday is that TCU did not lose. I would love to say that there is a bright spot remaining in the Horned Frogs season but I can't. TCU must host an angry Baylor squad this Saturday and the Bears will be out to prove that the loss to OSU was a fluke. Ouch, I wouldn't want to be a Horned Frog this week. The good news for TCU, they don't have to play again after Saturday.

Up Next: Baylor
 
#8. Iowa State Cyclones (1-7, 2-9)

Last Week - Beat Kansas 34-0

I said earlier this season that the Cyclones would not move up until they beat someone. Beat they did. Iowa State reminded Kansas that even a snapped losing streak can lead to another. In football you are often only as good as your last game. The Cyclones were good last week shutting out the same Jayhawks that scored 31 on West Virginia a week before, the same team that Iowa State faces this week. Can they win two in a row? I'd say the odds are in the Cyclones favor.

Up Next: At West Virginia

#9. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-6, 4-7)

Last Week - Bye

The win over Oklahoma State must seem like a decade ago to the Mountaineers. They didn't play last Saturday so they likely watched, as the rest of the country did, the Cowboys step closer to the Big 12 Title. The Mountaineers finish with a home game against the upstart Iowa State Cyclones. Which team will show up on Saturday, the team that beat OSU or the team that lost to Kansas. Either way, like TCU, West Virginia can hang the cleats up Sunday and start looking for a new coach.

Up Next: Iowa State

#10. Kansas Jayhawks (1-7, 3-8)

Last Week - Lost to Iowa State 34-0

The Jayhawks are like the kid in your 5th grade class the gets praised for a good grade on a test right before being punished for not doing his homework. How do you snap a 29 game conference losing streak and follow it up with a shutout loss to the only winless team in the conference the very next game. Head coach Charlie Weis probably survives the season but his coaching history says the Jayhawks will not be any better next season. The Jayhawks have one more game and then the team can focus the rest of the year on cheering a winner, the KU basketball team.

Up Next: Kansas State

Buster and CMan's Top 25 - Week 13

BCS Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Auburn
5. Missouri
6. Clemson
7. Oklahoma State
8. Stanford
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Michigan State
12. Arizona State
13. Oregon
14. Northern Illinois
15. Wisconsin
16. Fresno State
17. LSU
18. Oklahoma
19. UCF
20. Louisville
21. Texas A&M
22. UCLA
23. USC
24. Duke
25. Notre Dame

CMan's Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Auburn
5. Oklahoma State
6. Clemson
7. Missouri
8. Michigan State
9. Stanford
10. Fresno State
11. Baylor
12. South Carolina
13. Oregon
14. Arizona State
15. Wisconsin
16. Oklahoma
17. Northern Illinois
18. LSU
19. UCF
20. Louisville
21. Texas A&M
22. USC
23. UCLA
24. Notre Dame
25. Duke

Buster's Top 25:
1.Alabama
2.Florida St.
3.Ohio St.
4.Missouri
5.Auburn
6.Clemson
7.Michigan St.
8.Oklahoma St.
9.Fresno St.
10.Stanford
11.Baylor
12.South Carolina
13.Arizona St.
14.Wisconsin
15.Oregon
16.Northern Illinois
17.LSU
18.Oklahoma
19.UCF
20.Louisville
21.USC
22.UCLA
23.Notre Dame
24.Texas A&M
25.Duke

CMan's Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 12

POWER RANKINGS

#1 Baylor Bears (6-0, 9-0)

Last Week - Beat Texas Tech 63-34

The more I watch the Bears play, the more I believe they are for real. Tech had a 20-7 lead in the first quarter before Baylor quickly scored two touchdowns in the last three minutes of the quarter to take a 21-20 lead. The bears never looked back. They creep up on you and score in bunches. If they get past Oklahoma State on Saturday, they will finish the season undefeated. They may be a long shot to play Alabama but, if they get a chance, I'm not betting against them.

Next up: At Oklahoma State

#2. Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-1, 9-1)

Last Week - Beat Texas 38-13

Finally someone beat Texas. The Longhorns didn't stand a chance. Oklahoma State led 28-10 at the half in Austin and the defense carried them to the victory in the second half allowing Texas only a field goal. The Pokes offense is finally clicking, catching up to their defense which has played well all year. The Cowboys have not had a defense like this since....ever. They finish with Baylor and Oklahoma, both at home. If they win out, they are undisputed Big 12 Champions. Not bad for the Pokes.

Up next: Baylor

#3. Oklahoma Sooners (5-2, 8-2)

Last Week - Defeated Iowa State 48-10

The Sooners rebounded from a huge loss to Baylor by booting the Cyclones in Norman. The first quarter started like most of the season for Oklahoma, slow. The game was tied 10-10 at the half, but an injury to Blake Bell resulted in the insertion of Trevor knight at quarterback and the move reinvigorated  a stagnant offense. OU finished the game with 405 rushing yards and saw the defense shut the Cyclones out in the second half. The game was so well in hand in the fourth that Kendall Thompson even got a series in. He played well despite playing against a tired and depleted Cyclone defense. The jury is still out on who starts against KSU.

Up Next: At Kansas State

#4. Texas Longhorns (6-1, 7-3)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma State 38-13

I'm sorry, but I can't rank the Longhorns over OU. Call me a homer if you want, but Texas finishes with Baylor and Tech. They could easily lose both but will likely go 1-1. Either way, they will likely finish with a worse overall record than the Sooners. Mack Brown came close to revitalizing his career but two more losses and he will likely have coached his last season in Austin. In fact, a loss to Baylor alone will probably do it. look for a new head man in Austin next season.

Up next: Bye week

#5. Kansas State Wildcats (4-3, 6-4)

Last Week - Beat Texas Christian 33-31

TCU fans say the refs gave the Wildcats the victory over the Horned Frogs. The fact of the matter is Kansas State has ripped off 4 straight victories after starting 0-3 in conference play. Kansas State finishes with Oklahoma and Kansas and should go 1-1 in those games insuring Bill Snyder a winning record. The Wildcats have insured the fifth spot in the rankings and a win on Saturday might move them up to #3. There is no better college coach than Bill Snyder.

Up next: Oklahoma

#6. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-4, 7-4)

Last Week - Lost to Baylor 63-34

How far they have fallen. Texas Tech has suffered four straight Big 12 losses after starting the season 7-0. Tech led Baylor 20-7 early in the first half Saturday and it looked like the Bears had met their match, in reality, the Bears were just getting off to a slow start. After starting the season against the Big 12 bottom feeders, Texas Tech came face to face with reality as they have been summarily dispatched by the top three teams. Tech gets a bye before finishing with the Longhorns, the rest may serve them well. A win against Texas and the season will be salvaged.

Up next: Bye

#7. Kansas Jayhawks (1-6, 3-7)

Last Week - Beat West Virginia 31-19

Yes, the Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas beat West Virginia snapping a 27 game Big 12 conference losing streak. That's got to be worth something. Besides, they are the only bottom tier team to win last week. The Jayhawks finish with Iowa State and Kansas State so the odds that they could finish with 2 Big 12 victories is a real possibility. West Virginia might finish with 3 wins but they still lost to KU.

Up Next: At Iowa State

#8. TCU Horned Frogs (2-6, 4-7)

Last Week - Lost to Kansas State 33-31

The Horned Frogs didn't win last week but West Virginia lost to Kansas. That alone justifies the higher ranking. However, #8 and #9 are certainly interchangeable. the biggest difference between these two second year Big 12 teams  is that Gary Patterson will likely keep his job and Dana Holgerson will likely lose his. Either way, neither team will likely win enough in the future to make the top tier of this league. Both have a week off before hanging up the pads for the season.

Up Next: Bye

#9. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-6, 4-7)

Last Week - Lost to Kansas 31-19

See #8.

Up Next: Bye

#10. Iowa State Cyclones (0-7, 1-9)

Last Week: Lost to Oklahoma 48-10

This season can't end quick enough for Paul Rhodes and Iowa State. They hung with the Sooners for a half and then Oklahoma almost hung half a hundred on them. The Cyclones finish with KU and West Virginia so a win is not out of the question. The odds are good though, that Iowa State is tired and just wants the season to end. Who could blame them.

Up Next: Kansas

Honorable Mention:

Destiny Christian Wildcats (11-1)

Last Week - Defeated OKC Patriots 74-40

The Wildcats of Destiny Christian School in Del City Oklahoma, led by seniors Craig Hofeld (QB), Colton Hamel (WR) and Boston Mims (RB) won their second straight State Championship Friday night with a dominant victory over the OKC Patriots, the same team they dispatched last season, 74-40. Destiny capped a dominant season where they led all state of Oklahoma districts in scoring and winning many of their games by halftime. In addition, Hofeld and Hamel each ended the season ranked third in the state in their respective positions (all districts) with both leading all in TD passes and receptions respectively.

Buster and CMan's Top 25 - Week 12

BCS Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Baylor 
5. Oregon
6. Auburn
7. Clemson
8. Missouri
9. Stanford
10. Oklahoma State
11. South Carolina
12. Texas A&M
13. Michigan State
14. UCLA
15. Fresno State
16. Northern Illinois
17. Arizona State
18. UCF
19. Wisconsin
20. Oklahoma
21. Louisville
22. LSU
23. USC
24. Mississippi
25. Minnesota

CMan's Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Baylor
5. Auburn
6. Oregon
7. Clemson
8. Missouri
9. Oklahoma State
10. Stanford
11. Michigan State
12. UCLA
13. South Carolina
14. Fresno State
15. Texas A&M
16. Northern Illinois
17. Arizona State
18. UCF
19. Wisconsin
20. Oklahoma
21. Louisville
22. LSU
23. Minnesota
24. Mississippi
25. USC

Buster's Top 25:
1.Alabama
2.Florida St.
3.Baylor
4.Ohio St.
5.Auburn
6.Clemson
7.Oregon
8.Missouri
9.Stanford
10.Oklahoma St.
11.Michigan St.
12.South Carolina
13.UCLA
14.Fresno St.
15.Texas A&M
16.Northern Illinois
17.Arizona St.
18.Wisconsin
19.Oklahoma
20.UCF
21.LSU
22.Louisville
23.Minnesota
24.Mississippi
25.USC

Buster & CMan's Top 25 - Week 11

BCS Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Stanford
5. Baylor
6. Oregon
7. Auburn
8. Clemson
9. Missouri
10. South Carolina
11. Texas A&M
12. Oklahoma State
13. UCLA
14. Fresno State
15. Northern Illinois
16. Michigan State
17. UCF
18. Oklahoma
19. Arizona State
20. Louisville
21. LSU
22. Wisconsin
23. Miami (FL)
24. Texas
25. Georgia

CMan's Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Baylor
5. Stanford
6. Auburn
7. Clemson
8. Oregon
9. Missouri
10. Texas A&M
11. Oklahoma State
12. South Carolina
13. UCLA
14.  Fresno State
15. Michigan State
16. UCF
17. Louisville
18. Northern Illinois
19. Wisconsin
20. Arizona State
21. Oklahoma
22. LSU
23. Texas
24. Miami (FL)
25. Georgia

Buster's Top 25:
1.Alabama
2.Florida St.
3.Baylor
4.Stanford
5.Ohio St.
6.Auburn
7.Clemson
8.Missouri
9.Oregon
10.Texas A&M
11.Oklahoma St.
12.UCLA
13.South Carolina
14.Michigan St.
15.Fresno St.
16.UCF
17.Louisville
18.Northern Illinois
19.Wisconsin
20.Arizona St.
21.LSU
22.Texas
23.Oklahoma
24.Georgia
25.Miami (FL)

CMan's Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 11

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Baylor Bears (5-0, 8-0)

Last Week - Defeated Oklahoma 41-12

This is certainly shaping up to be the Bears year. Baylor pummeled Oklahoma on Thursday night and looked dominant doing it. Either OU is not very good or Baylor is. I think its a little of both. Baylor has the other three top big 12 teams left in their schedule, barring a complete breakdown I can't see the Bears losing a conference game this year. The biggest challenge appears to be a road game at Oklahoma State in two weeks.

Up next: Texas Tech

#2. Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-1, 8-1)

Last Week - Defeated Kansas 42-6

The Pokes seem to be hitting stride at the right time. Despite the Longhorns unblemished conference record I still believe OSU is better. Lucky for us, we'll find out this weekend. The Pokes win against Kansas surprised no one. The road win last weekend against one loss Tech was impressive. Clint Chelf has survived the critics and proven that he is a capable starter. the Pokes defense is giving up more yards and points against better teams but they are still keeping that total under what the offense pouts on the board.

Up next: Texas

#3. Texas Longhorns (6-0, 7-2)

Last week - Defeated West Virginia 47-40 (OT)

I can no longer rank Texas behind Oklahoma. The Longhorns victory over the Mountaineers was shaky at best, but they won and remain undefeated in the big 12. I think that all changes nest weekend in Stillwater. Texas is playing better and has won six in a row but I am still not convinced they can beat the likes of Baylor or Oklahoma State.

Up next: At Oklahoma State

#4. Oklahoma Sooners (4-2, 7-2)

Last Week - Lost to Baylor 41-12

The Sooners marquee wins this season came against ranked opponents Notre Dame and Texas Tech. Neither will be ranked this week and both now have worse overall records than the Sooners. Oklahoma has lost several top players to injury this season on both sides of the ball this season. But, top teams lose top players all the time and still win. The Sooners are missing two critical aspects of a top team, consistent front line talent and depth. The Sooners might also take a hard look at the offensive playbook.

Up next: Iowa State

#5. Kansas State Wildcats (3-3, 5-4)

Last Week - Defeated Texas Tech 49-26

Don't look now but Bill Snyder has the Wildcats playing football. Kansas State has three games remaining and three wins is a real possibility. Kansas State sent reeling Texas Tech to it's third consecutive loss in rather dominant, familiar fashion.  Like Oklahoma State, the Wildcats are peaking at the right time. With two of the last three in Manhattan and a road contest at Kansas to end the conference schedule, the Wildcats could finish in spectacular fashion and keep Snyder's legacy intact.

Up next: Texas Christian

#6. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-3, 7-3)

Last Week - Lost to Kansas State 49-26

After starting the season 7-0 the Red Raiders have lost their last three. Tech is now in danger of finishing their conference with a losing record as they finish the season against Texas and Baylor, both on the road. The Red Raiders will not likely drop any further in the Rankings but they will not likely see the top tier again this season either.

Up next: AT Baylor

#7. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-5, 4-6)

Last Week - Lost to Texas 47-40

West Virginia should have beaten Texas. They were in the game from the start and they were at home. But, they didn't. Dana Holgerson's squad is night and day. They have the potential to be good but can't seem to get over the hump. Unfortunately for Holgerson that's likely a sign of inconsistent coaching. Without a change at the top, I don't see the Mountaineers doing much different next season.

Up next: At Kansas

#8. TCU Horned Frogs (2-5, 4-6)

Last Week - Beat Iowa State 21-17

Sorry TCU fans, a win against woeful Iowa State is not enough to get you a bump over the Mountaineers. Besides, with games left against KSU and Baylor, the win against the Cyclones was likely your last of the season. The Horned Frogs are going to have to get better quick or they will become, like the Cyclones, a perennial doormat for Big 12 opponents.

Up next: At Kansas State

#9. Kansas Jayhawks (0-6, 2-7)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma State 42-6

I almost ranked the Jayhawks last based on the manner in which they celebrated their third quarter field goal at Oklahoma State Saturday, cutting the Pokes lead to 28-3. On the other hand, perhaps they thought it was a three point basket. I grew up a Jayhawk fan, basketball primarily,  but football as well. I was a Glen Mason supporter and a fan of Mark Mangino. Those days seem so long ago. It's difficult to believe that this program produced the likes of John Riggins and Gale Sayers.

Up next: West Virginia

#10. Iowa State Cyclones (0-6, 1-8)

Last Week - Lost to TCU 21-17

I wonder how different the Cyclones season would have gone had they beaten Texas. Would they have gone on to win more games? Perhaps. The Cyclones would have gained a lot of belief in themselves with a victory over the Longhorns. The opposite likely happened with the loss and, worse yet, they seem to have lost confidence in the programs direction under Paul Rhodes. Emotional upsets fueled this team the last few years. They have none this year, not even a "moral" victory. Players and fans can only take so much, before they quit. It looks like the Cyclones have reached that point.

Up next:  at Oklahoma

CMan's OU Pregame - Baylor

OKLAHOMA             vs                  BAYLOR   

     
        

4-1, 7-1

4-0, 7-0



           
         Oklahoma travels to Waco Texas this Thursday night to take on 5th ranked and undefeated Baylor. This game should be a barn burner as Baylor enters the game as the top ranked scoring offense in the Big 12 while Oklahoma has the number 2 ranked scoring defense. On the flip side, the Sooners bring the number 6 ranked scoring offense in the Big 12 to take on the top ranked scoring defense. The outcome could range from a defensive battle on both sides of the ball to a shoot out. A defensive battle will favor Oklahoma, Baylor likely wins a shoot out.

Since the inception of the Big 12 Oklahoma is 16-1 against Baylor, including an 8-1 record in Waco. Prior to the 2011 game, Baylor had not beaten OU in the modern era. The average margin of victory for the Sooners is 40-17. Oklahoma has only given up 30 or more 3 times to Baylor and the most points allowed was 45 in 2011. So, history favors the Sooners. But, will history matter on Thursday?

Baylor has scored 447 points in 7 games this season averaging 69.3 per game. No surprise there. In the three season leading up to 2013, Baylor averaged 40 points a game. However, defensively the Bears were giving up an average of 35 per game as well. This season Baylor is only giving up 16 points per game. That's right, the Bears have discovered defense. 70 points scored versus 16 points allowed is scary, in any league.

There is the question of competition. Like Texas Tech, Baylor has feasted on lesser rivals, many at home. The Bears pounded the likes of Wofford, Buffalo and ULM prior to the conference season. In conference, Baylor has faced four of the bottom five Big 12 teams. The toughest game to date was a 35-25 win against Kansas State in Manhattan, a game the Wildcats led 25-21 going in to the 4th quarter. This will certainly be the toughest competition that Baylor has faced yet.

The Sooners have a proud, tradition rich program. Baylor is trying to become proud and has a long way to go to be tradition rich. But, they are having the best season they have ever had and a team that can score 70 on a bad team can surely score 30 on a good one. The biggest question is, can the Sooners score enough to beat the Bears offense. The Bears are already a 9 to 14 point favorite in this game. The over/under is 74. The odds makers expect a shoot out or a blowout. No one is expecting a shut out.

What about the Sooners. OU gave up 30 points and 388 passing yards to Texas Tech. OU held Tech to 10 points off their scoring average but only 20 yards below their passing average, in Norman. This will not beat Baylor. The Sooners scored 38, but against the 7th ranked scoring defense in the conference. They will likely have to score more to beat Baylor. Still wondering about History?

History may favor the Sooners in this series but common sense and statistics favor Baylor in this game. The fact that the game is being played on Thursday is an even stranger omen for OU. I hear Stoops hates Thursday games. If the game were played in Norman, I would give history a nod. But it is in Waco. In fact, Baylor is expecting such a large crowd that they are removing the cover that's has been over the end zone seats for centuries. everything I read and hear suggest that Baylor should win this game and win it comfortably.

Now, before the Sooner nation sets out to hunt me down, there is a bright spot to this commentary. Oklahoma is not often an underdog and they are rarely a double digit dog. Bob Stoops is as proud a coach as they come and he has been known to get his teams up big in games of this nature. Stoops will have his team prepared and they will play with emotion. Texas Tech was a good prep for this game. They play similar offense and decent defense. Stoops will correct any mistakes made in the Tech game in advance of Baylor. Stoops also recognizes that a win will mean OU has taken down two top 10, undefeated teams in succession. A loss will mean waving goodbye to a Big 12 championship and any possibility of a big time bowl game. History (again) says Stoops and the Sooners will be ready. Will it be enough? We will find out Thursday.

The game could turn on a couple of factors. If the Sooner defense can set an early tone like they did against Notre Dame and get an early lead, the flow will favor OU. And, more importantly, if Josh Heupel can put together a decent offensive game plan and the coaches let Blake Bell execute, the Sooners could have a good night. Bell seem to play up to his competition and he's dangerous when told he can't win.

OU will have to play almost perfect on both side of the ball to pull out a victory. The only time they did that this season was in South Bend and you know what happened there. We know the Sooners can play in and win big games, Stoops has a history of doing just that. There is a lot at stake Thursday night for Oklahoma and the Sooners are at their best when everyone bets against them.

CMan's Pick:      OU 41 - 38

Busters Pick:      Baylor 43-38

Buster & CMan's Top 25 - Week 10

BCS TOP 25:

1.Alabama
2.Florida St.
3.Oregon
4.Ohio St.
5.Stanford
6. Baylor
7.Clemson
8.Missouri
9.Auburn
10.Oklahoma
11.Miami (FL)
12.South Carolina
13.LSU
14.Oklahoma St.
15.Texas A&M
16.Fresno St.
17.Michigan St.
18.Northern Illinois
19.UCLA
20.Louisville
21.UCF
22.Arizona St.
23.Notre Dame
24. Wisconsin
25. Texas Tech

CMan's TOP 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Oregon
4. Ohio State
5. Baylor
6. Stanford
7. Auburn
8. Clemson
9. Fresno State
10. Missouri
11. Texas A&M
12. Oklahoma 
13. Miami (FL)
14. LSU
15. Oklahoma State
16. South Carolina
17. UCF
18. UCLA
19. Northern Illinois
20. Louisville
21. Michigan State
22. Wisconsin
23. Arizona State
24. Notre Dame
25. Texas

Buster's TOP 25:

1.Alabama
2.Oregon
3.Florida St.
4.Baylor
5.Ohio St.
6.Stanford
7.Clemson
8.Missouri
9.Auburn
10.Fresno St.
11.Texas A&M
12.Oklahoma
13.Oklahoma St.
14.Miami (FL)
15.LSU
16.South Carolina
17.UCF
18.UCLA
19.Louisville
20.Northern Illinois
21.Michigan St.
22.Wisconsin
23.Arizona St.
24.Notre Dame
25.Texas Tech

OU VS. Texas Tech: Quick Recap

 Oklahoma            vs               Texas Tech

 

                  (7-1, 4-1)                                                                                            (7-1, 4-1)

       

The Sooners defeated the Red Raiders 38-30 last Saturday in a nail biter! After almost a two hour delay, weather did not seem to effect either team. Tech continued to sling the ball all over the field, and the Sooners attempted to do the same. All jokes aside, Oklahoma actually had a pretty good game through the air. As for the defense, there wasn't much of it for either team. The highlight of the season thus far for the Sooners has been special teams. However, the special teams had a horrible outing last Saturday. Let's take a look at each:

OFFENSE: A+
The offense looked the best it has since the Notre Dame game earlier this season. Blake Bell looked calm and collected and delivered some beautiful passes. Jalen Saunders seemed to catch everything that came his way Saturday. Lacoltan Bester becomes the first Sooner to catch, receive, and throw for a touchdown in the same season since 1961. This kid has a very bright future here at Oklahoma. Though the offense did get a win this week, they also received a loss. Fullback Trey Millard tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season. His presence will be missed in much more areas than just at fullback. Millard brings great experience and leadership to this team. This is a awful and sad loss for the program in general. No doubt in my mind he will recover and have a very successful career in the NFL.

DEFENSE: B-
The Oklahoma defense played pretty well last week, despite giving up almost 400 yards passing through the air. Though we did struggle to stop the pass, we came up with a pair of interceptions. The rush defense was fantastic as opposed to the way it has been the past two weeks. The Sooners defense definitely came out ready to play, and proved to be one of the best in the Big 12. It will be interesting to see how well they can play next week against the number one offense in the Nation.

Special Teams: D-
Special Teams has been one of the Sooners stronger sides during this 2013 season. However, this was not the case last Saturday. Oklahoma had one field goal blocked and was never successful at covering punts. The blocked field goal was simply a missed block by Trey Millard off of the left end that gave the defensive player a clear shot at the ball. A fake return was the cause of the horrible coverage by the Sooners punt team. As we get deeper into the season it is very important that the Sooners pick it back up of the Special Teams.

CMan's Big 12 Power rankings - Week 10

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Baylor Bears (4-0, 7-0)

Last Week - Bye

Again, the only thing to keep Baylor off the scoreboard is a bye week. The schedule for the Bears gets a lot tougher from this point on. Four of Baylor's next five opponents are in the top tier of the Big 12. The only relief they get is a week 13 match up with TCU. Baylor's first four Big 12 opponents are a combined 11-22, the next three Baylor opponents have a combined record of 21-4. We'll see if the Bears can keep pace with the rest of the top 5.

Up next:  Oklahoma

#2. Oklahoma Sooners (4-1, 7-1)

Last Week - Bye

Oklahoma needed a bye week and it couldn't have come at a better time. Every team needs a break mid season to heal nicks and bruises. The Sooners face their biggest challenge of the Big 12 season this coming Thursday in Waco and getting 10 days to prepare should help. Oklahoma should be well rested and better prepared to face the second consecutive spread offense and undefeated foe. Games in Waco used to be easy, not any more.

Up next: At Baylor

#3. Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-1, 7-1)

Last Week - Defeated Texas Tech 52-34

The Pokes appear to be peaking at the right time. The victory over Texas Tech was made more impressive because it was on the road in Lubbock. Clint Chelf suddenly looks like the dual threat QB everyone thought he was and the Cowboy running game finally looks like it has for the last several years in Stillwater. The defense continues to impress and if the Pokes can cut down on turnovers they will be a tough team to deal with as the season winds down.

Up Next: Kansas

#4. Texas Longhorns (5-0, 6-2)

Last Week - Defeated Kansas 35-13

Mack Brown said that they still had their sights set on a Big 12 Championship after falling to 1-2 early in the season. Those that laughed then are concerned now. It getting harder to ignore the Longhorns as they continue to win in the conference. However, they must finish against three of the top five teams in the Big 12. If they can get through that stretch unscathed Mack will look like a prophet and likely resurrect his job.

Up Next: At West Virginia

#5. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-2, 7-2)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma State 52-34

The Red Raiders have fallen back to reality in the last two weeks losing to OU and OSU in consecutive games. The Red Raiders are who we thought they were, good but not great. Things don't get easier for Tech as they face Baylor and Texas in two of the next three. The Red Raiders shouldn't hang their heads though, they are bowl eligible and have done far better than anyone predicted.

Up Next: Kansas State

#6. Kansas State Wildcats (2-3, 4-4)

Last Week - Beat Iowa State 41-7

Kansas State has rebounded from an 0-3 conference start to win their last two by an average score of 38-10. Sure, they were against West Virginia and Iowa State but they were wins. No one expected Bill Snyder to roll over and play dead and they might actually finish the season with a winning record. The Wildcats are still lacking an identity but at least they have figured out how to win again.

Up Next: At Texas Tech

#7. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-4, 4-5)

Last Week - Beat TCU 30-27

West Virginia and TCU switch spots this week because...well, The Mountaineers beat the Horned Frogs. West Virginia continues its up and down season and is surely questioning its decision to enter the Big 12. Aside from the fluke win against the Cowboys, the only other Big 12 team they have beaten is the other team that is questioning joining the conference. Don't look for anything to change in the near future for the Mountaineers, barring a coaching change.

Up Next: Texas

#8. TCU Horned Frogs (1-5, 3-6)

Last Week - Lost to West Virginia

Gary Patterson probably wishes it was 2010. TCU finished the season  13-0, ranked #2 nationally and defeated #4 Wisconsin 21-19 in the Rose Bowl. Right now that season seems like a decade ago. Like West Virginia, the Big 12 has not been kind to TCU. The Horned Frogs will finish their second season in worse shape than their first. Gary Patterson and the TCU fans are not accustomed to losing. TCU was picked to finish atop the Big 12 this season, with any luck they won't finish last.

#9. Kansas Jayhawks (0-5, 2-6)

Last Week - Lost to Texas 35-13

I hardly seems fair to rank Kansas above Iowa State but they do have 2 overall wins. The fact of the matter is neither team is very good. If not for weak, lesser teams in the state of Louisiana, the Jayhawks would be 0-8. The end of the season can't come soon enough in Lawrence. The good news is, the Jayhawk players can go ahead and make plans for Christmas and New Years eve. One thing is for sure, they won't be playing football before, during or after the holidays.

Next Up: At Oklahoma State

#10. Iowa State Cyclones (0-5, 1-7)

Last Week - Lost to Kansas State 41-7

Based on the Cyclones loss to Kansas State Saturday, they are making plans for life after football. Iowa State was at least competitive up to this point in the season. The 41-7 loss at the hands of the Wildcats may signal that Paul Rhodes team has lost any motivation that they might of had coming in to the season. The Cyclones have not been much better under Rhodes but they have been in the games till the end. The upsets that have identified his teams have not materialized this season. Without the upsets, the Cyclones are just bad.

Blake Bell - A tale of two Quarterbacks.

Oklahoma starting quarterback has had an interesting start to his career. Bell was used primarily his first two seasons as a short yardage running quarterback in the famous "BellDozer" package. During that span, Bell was a master of third and short conversions, and red zone, goal line scores. Blake accounted for numerous third down conversions and scored 24 touchdowns over two season in the Belldozer package. Over the two year period Blake rushed 104 times for 372 yards. Opposing teams knew it was coming and still couldn't stop it.

Entering the 2013 season Bell was expected to replace four year starter, Landry Jones, as the Sooner starter. However, just weeks before the season opener Head coach Bob Stoops named redshirt freshman Trevor Knight as the Sooner starting quarterback. The announcement was a shock to most fans and local talking heads. But, Bell took the news in stride. he supported Knight as a starter but kept himself prepared in the event he was called upon to play.


Trevor Knight was obviously a superior running quarterback. Knight led the Sooners with 103 rushing yards on only 13 carries in his first start. However, Knight struggled in the passing game hitting on 43% of his passes in the first two games, and his misses were horrible. He had thrown 3 interceptions in the first two games. Knight suffered a knee injury in the second game of the season against West Virginia. Bell played in the second half but only attempted one pass. The following week against Tulsa, Bell would get his first official start. Against Tulsa Bell was superb passing for a Sooner record 413 yards hitting 27 of the 37 passes he threw. Bell also rushed for 24 yards on 10 carries. After the game the obvious questions began to surface. Why was Bell not tabbed as the starter, he looked far better than Knight passing and he could run a little. Stoops brushed off the questions, but named Bell the starter going forward. The Sooners had a bye week coming up and then, a trip to South Bend Indiana and a date with Notre Dame. We would know a lot more about Bell in two weeks.

Bell again played a brilliant game against the Fighting Irish. Bell completed 22 of 30 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed 12 times for 59 yards, good for second on the team. The most important stat, Bell had not turned the ball over since becoming the starter. The decision to start Knight over Bell was becoming increasingly difficult to understand. On the field, Bell looked like a top ten quarterback. He was mobile, accurate and took care of the football. In two games Bell had a completion rate of 73% on 49-67 passing. He had thrown for 645 yards, 6 touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran 22 times for 83 yards, a 3.77 average. Stout numbers for a backup quarterback. What were we missing? What did the coaching staff see that the fans and talking heads didn't?

The answer came quickly. By the second half of the TCU game Bell looked appeared to be a shell of the player that defeated a good Notre Dame team on the road. Bell only threw for 152 yards and no touchdowns in a 20-17 win over TCU. Granted, TCU was playing a stout man to man coverage but Bell looked uncomfortable and indecisive for the first time since putting on an Oklahoma uniform. Bell's next outing against Texas was even worse. He managed only 133 yards against a defense that had been beaten horribly on two previous occasions earlier this season. Bell's completion percentage dropped to 46% and he threw his first two interceptions of the season. In addition to an inept passing game, Bell ran 7 times for -27 yards. The Kansas game was better but not enough to keep the fans and talking heads to start serious conversations about replacing Bell with Trevor Knight or the fully recovered, Kendall Thompson. In both games against Texas and Kansas, Bell looked uncomfortable, indecisive and frantic at times. Against Texas Tech, Bell started the first quarter in much the same fashion as he had played the previous two and a half games. Late in the first, Trevor Knight was seen warming up on the sidelines. Was a switch coming? It didn't and we may never know if it was planned because Bell snapped out of his funk on the next series and ended the game with 249 yards, 2 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 64%.



Blake Bell has started 6 games for Oklahoma this season. Three great starts and three clunkers. In his three starts against Tulsa, Notre Dame and Texas Tech,  Bell was 63-89 for 894 yards with 8 touchdowns and no interceptions. His completion rate in those starts was an astounding 71%. In those games Bell also rushed 31 times for 127 yards, a 5.06 average. In his clunkers against TCU, Texas and Kansas, Bell was 47-83 for 416 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. His completion percentage dropped to 54%. In those games he rushed 33 times for 108 yards dropping his average to 3.27 yards per carry. How could two sets of games, three in each set, have such opposite stats from the same player?

Is Bell simply inconsistent? I hope not. Inconsistency at this level will not win championships. Is it a confidence issue? Possibly, but with who. Is Bell lacking confidence or are his coaches lacking confidence in him. Could it also be a lack of consistency in play calling. Could the blame fall on the shoulders of Josh Heupel. I think it's a combination of all of these factors.

It would be difficult for me to believe that a player of Bell's caliber and pedigree can be that inconsistent. He obviously is a capable runner and passer. At times he looks exceptional. Most inconsistent quarterbacks are at least as bad as they are good, in other words, average. Blake Bell is not average. Nor is he completely developed mentally or physically. He has a great upside.

Confidence is the reason for the inconsistency. Not just Bell's lack of confidence but the coaches as well. It would appear that Stoops and Heupel have him on a rather short leash. I believe that the offensive coaches are concerned that if he shows any weakness in the passing game that they shut it down. When Bell senses a lack of confidence in his ability from the coaching staff, it has to affect his own confidence. I believe the coaches thought Trevor Knight gave them the best chance to win. With Knight out, they seem to want Bell to manage the game not to lose. The relationship came to a break point in the first quarter against Texas Tech. It would appear Heupel decided to let him play and let the chips fall where they may. Most of us like where they fell.


You must have tough skin if you are going to play or coach at OU. One week you're a King that can't be challenged, a week later you're a skunk that shouldn't be allowed to wear the coveted Sooner jersey. Perhaps Blake listened to a little too much public opinion over the first few games. He believed he was a King after Notre Dame and couldn't believe the same fans were calling for his head after the Texas game. Such is life as a Sooner. Better get used to it or leave because it will not change. Remember, these same fans wanted Stoops to replace Heisman winner Jason White with converted wide receiver Paul Thompson in the National title game vs LSU in 2004. A game that the Sooners and White almost tied in the fourth quarter.

Blake Bells overall numbers are not bad and he is 5-1 as a starter. He has a completion rate of 64% and has 10 touchdowns and only 3 picks. His yards per carry average is a respectable 4.14 yards. He has young receivers and the play calling has been very suspect at critical times this season. Bell seems to play better when he is allowed to play. He seems to have the respect of his team mates and hopefully proved to the coaching staff that he belongs the starter with the impressive manner in which he played against Texas Tech. Bell also seems to play better against strong competition. He played his best games against ranked opponents Notre Dame and Texas Tech.

The Sooners travel to Waco Texas next week to take on the 5th ranked Baylor Bears. This should be Bells toughest test yet. If the right plays are called and the coaches let Bell play, a win is a very real possibility. The statistics back up that theory. Let's hope they are right.