PC 18 89 tuesday, october 28, 2003 sports - the university daily kansan 9A BIG12: Kansas State, Missouri gain on Nebraska ing its wounds after an injury to quarterback Bill Whitemore. Big 12 North leaders Nebraska started quick before fizzling out in a 28-0 win over the North division's patsy Iowa State. After leading 28-0 at halftime, the Huskers didn't score again the rest of the game. Nebraska came into the game fired up to avenge last season's 36-14 drubbing at the hands of the Cyclones. Iowa State hadn't been shut out since a 41-0 loss to Kansas in 1991. Iowa State has lost its last six games, and will take on Kansas State in two weeks. Nebraska has a tough game at Texas this week. In preparation for the Cornhuskers, the Longhorns rolled against Baylor on Saturday, 56-0. Freshman phenom quarterback Vincent Young rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. Texas was without starting tailback Cedric Benson, who didn't make the trip after being charged with misdemeanor criminal trespassing last week. The tailback combination of Selvin Young and Brett Robin combined for 93 yards and three touchdowns in his place. texas' only Big 12 loss was to Oklahoma, but Nebraska looms, followed by Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. This Week's Games Probably the best of this week's games will be the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State matchup in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma State ruined the Sooners national title hopes in Norman, Okla., two years ago, and beat Oklahoma in Stillwater, Okla., last year. Les Miles seems to be able to maneuver against Bob Stoops, perhaps the nation's best big-game coach. Both sides are stacked with weapons, but Oklahoma may have more. Both teams rank in the top 10 in the nation in scoring offense, but Oklahoma's defense has been amazing this season and the offense may finally match it. Expect a close game, but Oklahoma will remain undefeated. Even so, Oklahoma State may be the second best team in the Big 12 right now. Stoops said those last two games may have been lost because the Cowboys established a running game and had big plays. "Alotofit's just execution, they had a better scheme than us," Stoops said. "We were out-coached and out-played." Texas will play home to Nebraska this week in a major Big 12 game. Texas has to stay on Oklahoma's heels in case the Sooners slip up this season, but Nebraska is not an easy opponent. Nebraska will need to hold its Big 12 North lead with Kansas State and Missouri creeping up from behind. Nebraska's defense struggled the last time it faced the mobile quarterback Brad Smith, and Texas QB Vince Young has talent to go with his athleticism. He hasn't proven to be a great passer, so don't look for the Longhorns to breeze past the Cornhuskers. Nebraska's offense just isn't talented enough to keep up, and the Texas defense has played well since the Oklahoma loss. In an intriguing offensive battle, Colorado travels to Lubbock, Texas, to take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Colorado enters the game with the nation's worst scoring defense, and the defensive backs struggle to cover anybody. That's trouble against Tech and B J. Symons, who puts up 400 yards passing in off games. Texas Tech will win this one, but Colorado's offense will keep it from getting too out of hand. Baylor travels to Kansas State Kansas State may be the most talented team in the North and they are playing extremely well lately Even if they aren't, the Wildcats will be too much for Baylor. Edited by Scott Christie John Nowak/Kansan Back-up Kansas quarterback John Nielsen was pulled down by Kansas State linebacker Josh Buhl during Saturday's game. Nielsen ran six times for a total loss of 17 yards in Kansas' 42-6 defeat against K-State. Oklahoma running game sees advances By Philip Gray NORMAN, Okla. — Winning close games usually comes down to the little things: turnovers, third-down conversions, special teams. By Philip Gray University of Oklahoma via U-Wire University of Oklahoma Throughout the season, the offensive line has protected quarterback Jason White, giving him time to make reads and completions. "We want to keep people away from Jason as much as possible." offensive tackle Wes Sims said. "He's everybody's target, and we always want to protect him." Run-blocking has also improved. After a slow start this season running the ball, the Sooners' offensive line has opened the holes the running game needs. In Saturday's victory, the offensive line played one of its best runblocking games of the year. Running backs Renalo Works and Kejuan Jones combined for 208 yards on the ground, bringing the season total to more than 1,200 yards. "I thought the offensive line did a tremendous job, especially in the run game, and they did a nice job in the passing game, too," offensive coordinator Chuck Long said. Sims said he noticed a steady improvement in the running game each week. Soccer: Kansas peaking in time for Big 12 tourney her 17th goal of the season Just three minutes later, Smith struck again, putting a pass from freshman defender Holly Gault past Michigan goalkeeper Suzie Grech. Smith's 18th goal was also the team-leading, sixth game-winner of the season for her. With three straight victories the Jayhawks are playing well and peaking at the right time for the Big12 Tournament, Francis said. "You always hope they are going to peak at the right time and not too early," he said. rankings - Edited by Nikki Overfelt The Jayhawks finish up regular season play at 3 p.m Friday against Oklahoma State at SuperTarget Field.
overallconference
WLTWLT
Colorado1421711
Nebraska1151630
Texas1170630
Texas A&M1232522
Kansas1441531
Oklahoma854333
Okla. State1132332
Iowa State584252
Missouri891261
Texas Tech3121270
Baylor692162
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