The Weekly Buzz
4 comments so far
November 14, 2008 by
Texas @ Kansas » The Jayhawk's chances of beating Texas this year are pretty slim. We all know how the Kansas State Wildcats have surprised the Longhorns a couple of times in the past few years, but this KU doesn't have that explosiveness. This Longhorn punishing defensive front four has held their opponents to 86 rush yards per game while averaging over 3 sacks per game. Combined with the Colt McCoy-led offense, they have been nearly impossible to stop or even just get by without too much damage. The Texas Tech last minute win against the Longhorns coupled with the Texas Tech blowout of KU points to a sound defeat of the Jayhawks. This game won't get away like the Red Raider blowout, but there shouldn't be any doubt into the second half. Texas wins 45-30.
Texas A&M @ Baylor » This is an intriguing match up from the standpoint of the movement of both of these teams within the Big 12. The Aggies are perceived to be headed in the wrong direction in this league while the Bears appear to be poised to improve over the next few years. Baylor already gave both Nebraska and Missouri almost everything they could handle earlier this season while A&M hasn't shown signs of anything special on the field. Baylor should run all over the worst rushing defense in the Big 12, 31-27.
Nebraska @ Kansas State » With only a win against Texas A&M, the Wildcat's Big 12 play has been atrocious this year. They may still beat Iowa State, but it's not a guarantee, and they certainly are the underdogs this week against Nebraska. They will be playing against a Husker team that is finding its groove after a confidence-boosting win against Kansas. The key in this game will be the ability of our defensive front four to contain, hit, harass, and generally take down Josh Freeman. To me, the big stat is 451 yards/game. That's how much offense KSU allows opponents every game. If Nebraska's offense can pile up those numbers and contain Freeman, it would be a solid game. Huskers, 40-27.
Missouri @ Iowa State » The Tigers are playing to solidify their Big 12 Championship game spot (as long as Texas takes care of business). With the Cyclone's terrible pass defense going against the exceptional spread of Missouri, Chase Daniel and company should gouge them for big yards. The underrated rush offense of Missouri should also take to task an Iowa State team allowing 177 yards/game. Barring another “Baylorâ€? surprise, Missouri should win this game 52-27.
Oklahoma State @ Colorado » With the Cowboy's chances at a Big 12 title game out of the picture, they should be looking to take it out on someone. Colorado only scored 28 for the third time this season, and have only scored a total of 87 points in Big 12 play this season, averaging around 14 points/game in the Big 12. While they've had a solid pass defense (top in the Big 12), they're going against a team that averages 264 yards/game on the ground. Oklahoma's going for style points to get into the best bowl game possible. They should win with ease, 45-17.
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bnahusker Nov 14 08
Nice breakdowns Tom.
I have a hunch that you may be a little kind on the Baylor/aTm and OSU/CU spreads. I think that OSU will hold CU lower than 17. I also think that Baylor will einn by at least 10.
(Early disclaimer: I have stunk up the joint with predictions this year so aTm and CU will probably bot win.)
Have a great weekend and as always,
GBR!
Bob
Austin Nov 14 08
I think a couple of games could be closer... Iowa St. plays better at home and Mizzou had some close games recently.
Maybe Kansas can do something against UT.
If I had to pick an upset, it would be Colorado over Okie St. That altitude can get you.
darren Nov 14 08
Call me crazy, but I think ISU might come out and play Missouri tough.
I'm not calling for and upset. But last year's ISU squad played better at the end of the year. And, this year's team is very very young...the kind of team that gets better late in the year. Could be sneaky...
I think Texas will crush Kansas like an egg. UT is a great, hungry, team with a tough front 7.
But, there is a reason I don't do prediction-type posts. I'm often wrong. So, keep your money in your pockets, please.
tom Nov 14 08
My record isn't great against the spread (like 55%-45%), but I'm doing pretty good at pick 'em. I don't mind putting my rep out on the line for something like this. One of these days I'll shy away from the conservative picks and guesses and really go all out. Maybe this bowl season.