PAGE 12
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
FOOTBALL
Kansas State continues to lead in Big 12
FARZIN VOUSOUGHIAN
fvousoughian@kansan.com
1. Kansas State (8-0)
Kansas State remained undefeated on the season after a big win over Texas Tech. The Wildcats are in the driver's seat to win the Big 12 and are trying for a spot to play in the National Championship game.
2. Oklahoma (5-2)
Oklahoma suffered a tough loss against Notre Dame at home on Saturday night in front of a national audience. It marked the second time the Sooners lost at home this season, both to unbeaten teams. Despite the loss, they still remain one of the top teams in the conference.
3. Texas Tech (6-2)
Texas Tech lost by 31 points against Kansas State. But at 6-2 on the season, Texas Tech still has a shot at finishing strong after starting off near the bottom in the Big 12 preseason poll.
4. Texas (6-2)
Although Texas struggled on the road against Kansas, coach Mack Brown is happy with a win at the end of the day. The Longhorns have given up more points than any team in the conference, and are working to improve defensively so they can stay in the top tier of the conference.
5. Oklahoma State (5-2)
The Cowboys stumbled during the first half of the season, but have won their last three games. Now, coach Mike Gundy has the team in a rhythm. However, the Cowboys still have a lot to prove as their next four conference opponents are all currently ranked.
6. West Virginia (5-2)
As conference newcomers, West Virginia has learned what it's like playing in the Big 12 with other high-scoring offenses. With the Mountaineers on a bye week, coach Dana Holgorsen has an opportunity to better his defense for the remainder of the season.
7. Iowa State (5-3)
Iowa State has had a long season since conference play kicked off, but its season got a little better with a win over Baylor. Linebacker Jake Knott also got some recognition as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week.
Texas Christian not only lost to Oklahoma State this past weekend, but suffered more bad news at the quarterback position. The Horned Frogs may lose quarterback Trevoe Boykin for another game, forcing coach Gary Patterson to start a third quarterback this season if Boykin can't play this week at West Virginia.
8. Texas Christian (5-3)
9. Baylor (3-4)
Baylor went undefeated in its non-conference games. Now Baylor is under .500 after losing four straight Big 12 games. The Bears have an opportunity to change that weekend when they host Kansas.
10. Kansas (1-7)
FOOTBALL
Even though James Sims had a career day against Texas, it was not enough to squeeze out a win. The Jayhawks have lost 17 straight conference games and will face a Baylor team who is also struggling in the Big 12.
Baylor coach sees two goals for victory over Jayhawks
NATHAN FORDYCE
nfordyce@kansan.com
With the Big 12 season halfway over, the Baylor Bears and the Kansas Jayhawks are both looking for their first victory in conference play.
Baylor is 0-4 in conference play and Kansas is 0-5. The teams face off this weekend in Waco, Texas.
Baylor coach Art Briles said losing in conference play hasn't affected the team.
"What you can't do is let it beat you down," Briles said. "You have to move forward. You have to move forward and have faith. The kids are pretty resilient and they don't all the time look at the big picture."
Defeating the Jayhawks is the place to start for Baylor to move
forward and be bowl eligible.
Brites said that Kansas is a good football team with great players and coaches.
"They are capable of beating anyone on any day just like everyone else in this league is," Brites said.
In order to win this weekend Baylor must limit turnovers and get the ball to star senior wide receiver Terrance Williams.
The Bears have had 17 turnovers on the year, 12 of those in their last three games.
Briles said he doesn't know how to limit the turnovers,but it's a problem the coaching staff and players are aware of.
"I think sometimes you get in situations trying to extend the play and you get a little risky with the football," Briles said. "It's all situational and awareness."
And then there is Williams. He has been virtually unstoppable for most defenses this year. He has caught 60 passes for 1,203 yards and scored nine touchdowns.
Briles said Williams has greatly benefited from playing with NFL players like Josh Gordon and Kendall Wright. They showed him how hard he had to work off the field in
order to see playing time.
"I think he's proven himself to one of the best in America by his work ethic on the field and his production on the field," Briles said. "We have a lot of confidence in throwing him the football. And he's been very productive when we do it."
Edited by Hannah Wise
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