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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012
FOOTBALL
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Big 12 features three conference matchups
FARZIN VOUSOUGHIAN
fvousougian@kansan.com
Bye week: #7 Kansas State, #16 Oklahoma, Kansas
25 BAYLOR 3-0 (0-0) AT #9
WEST VIRGINIA 3-0 (0-0)
West Virginia and Baylor successfully survived its non-conference schedule. Now, the two undefeated teams will put its streaks on the line as West Virginia plays its first conference game in the Big 12.
West Virginia has a cohesive offense led by senior quarterback Geno Smith. Smith's success has come from senior wide receiver Tavon Austin and junior wide
reciever Stedman Bailey. Each receiver has more than 20 catches, more than 300 receiving yards and five touchdowns in three games. It is no secret that coach Dana Holgorsen will continue to use his passing game as a weapon against Baylor.
Junior linebacker Ahmad Dixon and sophomore linebacker Bryce Hager have played well this season, but will be tested by the Mountainers.
If Baylor wants any shot of winning, senior quarterback Nick Florence will be the key for the Bears' offense. Like Smith, Florence has a reliable receiving core. He has thrown two or more touchdown passes to at least four different players in three games. But can that carry over in Big 12 play?
West Virginia's offense will be too much for Baylor to handle. By the time this game is over, the debate for Smith winning the
Heisman Trophy can only grow. West Virginia wins, 45-28
12 TEXAS 3-0 (0-0) AT OKLA-
HOMA STATE 2-1 (0-0)
Oklahoma State is coming into the game leading the nation in scoring offense. It has scored 38 or more points in each of its three games. But with the defense Texas has, Oklahoma State will have to work hard to be able to score a lot of points.
Texas coach Mack Brown is pleased with what he is seeing from sophomore cornerback Quandre Diggs, who leads the conference with three interceptions. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy must pick
his poison with the Longhorns' defense. With freshman quarterback Wes Lunt's knee injury, freshman quarterback J.W. Walsh may start. If the passing game does not work, Gundy may try running with junior Joseph Randle, junior Jeremy Smith and sophomore Desmond Roland, all who have four touchdowns on the ground.
However, the Cowboys will have a hard time staying up to speed with the Longhorns. Texas has averaged almost 50 points per game on the year and Brown wants the team to keep that up in conference play. Sophomore quarterback David Ash is one of only two quarterbacks in the conference who have been free of throwing interceptions this year. With viable options everywhere on the field for Ash, Texas will use its rushing and passing attack.
While Oklahoma State's offense has been hot, it will be time for Texas to put an end to its run.
Texas wins. 38-17
Texas Christian's defense has given up 4.3 points per game this season. Its defense should have no problem stopping Southern Methodist, who have ran into issues offensively this season.
Junior quarterback Garrett Gilbert has 16 touchdowns and 27 interceptions in his career. This year, Gilbert has thrown for three touchdowns and four interceptions. TCU coach Gary Patterson will expect a lot out of freshman defensive end Devonte Fields, who has three sacks and one forced fumble this year. If Fields continues to apply pressure, that will give TCU junior defensive back Jason Verrett and Elisha Olabode and senior defensive back Kenny Cain a shot at adding to their takeaway total of seven.
15 TEXAS CHRISTIAN 3-0 (1-0)
AT SOUTHERN METHODIST 1-2
(0-0)
Junior quarterback Casey Pachall has moved the football well this season in the three games the Horned Frogs have played. He and his offense won't have any problems putting points on the scoreboard against the Mustangs.
Texas Christian wins, 38-3
TEXAS TECH 3-0 (O-0) AT IOWA
STATE 3-0 (O-0)
Iowa State was placed eighth in
A CONVERSATION WITH EULA BISS Author of the KU Common Book
the Big 12 preseason polls while Texas Tech started ninth. It was expected that the two programs would remain in the bottom tier of the conference. However, Both schools have received consideration to be in the Top 25 after 3-0 starts.
Texas Tech's pass catchers have played at a high level and want to pursue a strong passing game against Iowa State's defense. Sophomore tight end Jace Amaro snagged three touchdown receptions in the last two games. Wide receivers Darrin Moore, a senior and Eric Warda, junior, have also pulled in three touchdown catches to help the Red Raiders start 3-0. The team is sixth in points scored and sixth in points allowed, forcing Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads to come up with a defensive plan to slow down senior quarterback Seth Doege.
Iowa State is not far behind Texas Tech in points allowed as it has given up 10.7 points per game, ranking it ninth in the nation. But the Cyclones will only be as good as senior quarterback Steele Jantz. Jantz has been inconsistent on the season with six touchdown passes and four interceptions. If turnovers become an issue for Iowa State, Texas Tech can remain undefeated by taking one on the road to open up its conference schedule.
Texas Tech wins, 41-24
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