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Things finally got a little interesting this week. While we only had 6 teams in action, we did see a couple of games that were closer than some thought, and what some would consider an upset.
Out Of Conference
TCU was home again this week as they took down the Virginia Cavaliers by a score of 27-7. The Horned Frogs Held the Cavaliers scoreless for 3 quarters in a dominating, but not particularly impressive performance on Saturday. Casey Pachall threw for 305 yards with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. The season ending injury to RB Waymon James may have a significant effect on TCU’s offense as it took 5 different players to rush for 133 yards. The Frogs make the long trip to Dallas next week in The Battle for the Iron Skillet against SMU.
After a shaky start by QB Nick Florence, and a scoreless 1st quarter, Baylor got on track and defeated the upset minded ULM Warhawks 47-42. Florence finished with 351 yards and 4 touchdown passes, as they Baylor offensive machine continued to roll. The running game was not utilized as much as it has been earlier in the season, but I expect to see more out of them next week. The defense didn’t play their best game (at least I hope not), and they’re going to need to put on their big boy pants next week against West Virginia.
West Virginia took on Maryland at home this week in their final non-conference game of the season, and came away with a surprisingly narrow 31-21 victory. Most people, myself included, expected The Mountaineers to blow out the Terrapins, and turnovers are what cost Maryland a chance to win the game. Despite WVU’s anemic (by their standards) offensive performance this week, I expect the game next Saturday against our Baylor Bears could be the highest scoring game of the entire college football season.
Big 12 Showdown
Kansas State traveled to Norman this week where they upset Oklahoma 24-19. Colin Klein didn’t have any touchdown passes in the win, but threw for 147 yards and zero interceptions. Waco native John Hubert ran for 130 yards for K-State, in addition to Klein’s 79 yards on the ground. For the Sooners, Landry Jones threw for 298 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Freshman receiver Sterling Shepard had a breakout game for OU with 108 yards receiving on 7 catches, including Jones’ lone touchdown pass. The Wildcats are off next week with their next game on October 6th against KU, and the Sooners are also off in preparation for their trip to Lubbock to take on Texas Tech.
The Biggest Loser
The Charlie Weis era at Kansas continues to be the dumpster fire most of us thought it would be, as they lost to the Northern Illinois Huskies 23-30. Jayhawk QB Dayne Crist only threw for 147 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. That type of production from the QB position is what may lead to a winless season in the Big 12. Kansas has next week off as they prepare for their trip to Manhattan in 2 weeks to take on the Wildcats.
So what did we learn?
Kansas State established themselves as the best team in the conference, and Baylor and West Virginia both handled their business to set up a match-up of undefeated teams in Morgantown. Oklahoma left us with more questions than answers, and we wait for this weekend to see Texas, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, and Texas Tech all back in action.