SB Nation User Blog: TB

An Attempt to Sort Out the Big 12 North Scenarios

TB — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:36:33 -0000

Now that each team is down to two or three games remaining, it's a little more manageable to look at what remains and figure out how things may play out. Nothing about this is guaranteed to be right, and if you see something that I've missed, make a comment explaining the mistake. I'm going to break this down by the record it will take to win the North, then by what each team must have happen to win it at that record. First, the current standings:

K-State: 4-2 (Missouri, @Nebraska)

Nebraska: 3-2 (@KU, K-State, @Colorado)

Colorado: 2-3 (@Iowa State, @Oklahoma State, Nebraska)

Iowa State: 2-4 (Colorado, @Missouri)

KU: 1-4 (Nebraska, @Texas, Missouri)

Missouri: 1-4 (@K-State, Iowa State, KU)

Winning Record: 6-2 (Teams still in the running: K-State, Nebraska)

K-State: Go 2-0

If K-State gets to 6-2, then it wins the division. By winning both remaining games to get to 6-2, by necessity Nebraska must lose a game and thus cannot get to 6-2.

Nebraska: Go 3-0

If Nebraska goes 3-0, then the same as above is true. It will win the division because K-State cannot also get to 6-2.

Every other school already has at least three losses.

Winning Record: 5-3 (Teams still in the running: K-State, Nebraska, Colorado)

K-State: Go 1-1

If K-State goes 1-1 and that win is over Nebraska, it wins the division. Even if CU went 3-0 to close the season, K-State would win the three-way tiebreaker by virtue of its wins over NU and CU.

If K-State goes 1-1 and that win is over Missouri, then it needs Nebraska to lose its road games to KU and CU -- or -- it would need CU to win out and make it a three-way tie. If it's a three-way tie in that scenario, then K-State wins because it would be 4-1 against the rest of the division, while NU and CU would be 3-2.

Nebraska: Go 2-1

If Nebraska goes 2-1 and those two wins are over K-State and CU, then the Huskers win the division.

If NU's two wins are over KU and K-State, then it needs CU to lose one of its three remaining games.

In this scenario, Nebraska must beat K-State, because if it doesn't, the Wildcats win the division.

Colorado: Go 3-0*

Colorado can get to 5-3 by winning out, but it would need K-State to go 0-2 because K-State has the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Winning record: 4-4 (All teams can still get to 4-4)

While each team can still get to 4-4, it's impossible to have a six-way tie at that record because some of the four-loss teams play each other. Also, Nebraska still has to win one more game to assure itself a 4-4 record, while Colorado has to win two to reach that plateau. I'm going to omit an extended discussion of this scenario, because it seems pretty unlikely at this point that 4-4 will be the best record in the division, and it would take forever to go through every possible scenario.

Postgame Reaction: KU

TB — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:58:49 -0000

by Charlie Riedel - AP

That, KU fans, is how your force a fumble. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

View full size photo »

K-State defeated KU Saturday, 17-10, to return the Governor's Cup to Manhattan. We'll get more into that in a moment, but first, an aside.

To all the KU fans who laughed at Bill Snyder's return, said there was no way he could turn things around because KU and Mizzou were sooo good now, who said after the Colorado and Oklahoma games that K-State wouldn't win another game this year, and to all the fans of all teams who said that K-State was stuck in a spiral of mediocrity from which it was unlikely ever to recover:

Go fuck yourselves. The Legend is back.

Now, before we get into what I liked, what I didn't like and all the other stuff we usually do in this post, I want to look at a few numbers. Here is a comparison of each of K-State's opponent's season averages and what they did against K-State (excepting Texas Tech, because we know they seriously exceeded all season averages in that game):

--Averages: 431 yards per game, 303 passing ypg, 128 rushing ypg, 31 ppg

--Against K-State: 301 total yards, 241 passing yards, 60 rushing yards, 10 points

--Averages: 413 ypg, 274 passing ypg, 139 rushing ypg, 30 ppg

--Against K-State: 458 total yards, 294 passing, 164 rushing, 42 points

Colorado

--Averages: 303 ypg, 217 passing ypg, 86 rushing ypg, 23 ppg

--Against K-State: 244 total yards, 184 passing, 60 rushing, 6 points

Texas A&M

--Averages: 478 ypg, 293 passing ypg, 185 rushing ypg, 36 ppg

--Against K-State: 301 yards, 314 passing, -13 rushing, 14 points

Iowa State

--Averages: 367 ypg, 181 passing ypg, 186 rushing ypg, 21 ppg

--Against K-State: 371 total yards, 164 passing, 204 rushing, 23 points

As you can see, with the exception of the Texas Tech and Oklahoma games, K-State's defense has held its opponents at or below their season averages in yards and points, sometimes significantly so. Let's all stand up and give a big ovation to Vic Koenning and Chris Cosh. This defense was 117th in the nation last season. It currently ranks 43rd. Before the season, we figured that if the defense could improve to even somewhere in the 80s in total defense, it would be a remarkable turnaround. With two games left, it's possible this defense finishes in the top 40, and almost assured that it finishes in the top 50. Simply incredible.

What I liked...

...riding the D-Train. Whereas a lot of teams and players see their numbers fall when they get into conference play, this guy has just gotten better. Yesterday, it was 184 yards on 24 carries (7.7 yards/carry) and one touchdown.

...more wizardry from Vic Koenning and Chris Cosh. At times this season we've been critical that our defensive coordinators play too much soft zone, but there's a clear reason why they're being paid to do the job while we pay to sit in the stands. Yesterday, as has been the case most of the season, the plan was to keep things in front of us, swarm to the ball and tackle well, and force the opponent into long drives. The longer the drive, the better chance of forcing a fumble or getting a stop on a third down. Even on KU's last drive that resulted in points -- the field goal with 5:20 remaining -- the beaks had to run 16 plays just to cover 57 yards, and required two third-down conversions and one fourth-down conversions. It's frustrating that we didn't get the stops when we had a chance, but when you force third downs, the odds are that you'll get stops eventually.

...more disciplined play from the offense. While this team has more weapons than opponents would like to admit, it's not going to put up big numbers most of the time. The key is that Bill Snyder, Dana Dimel and Del Miller recognize that and don't try to force the issue. Grant Gregory is an average-at-best passing quarterback in the Big 12, but the coaches don't try to turn him into Colt McCoy or Landry Jones. They recognize that running the ball, controlling the clock, and limiting turnovers is how to win games with this team. Amazingly, outside of the late INT against Oklahoma last week, this team has not turned the ball over since the Iowa State game.

...throwing it deep on first downs. I may be in the minority in this one, because the inability to convert ended up leading to three second-and-tens, but the two first-down throws to Brandon Banks were good calls. The coordinators seemed to find a weakness, as Banks was open on both throws. Unfortunately, Gregory missed on the first throw (not to mention Banks didn't make the best play on the ball), and Banks just flat dropped what would have been a touchdown on the second throw. So they didn't work, but here's a copy-and-paste of what happened on first down on the next possession:

Gregory, Grant rush for 13 yards to the KU11, 1ST DOWN KS, out-of-bounds (Dudley, Drew).

Even though we couldn't capitalize on the throws, we got KU on its toes, and it opened up a nice running lane for Gregory.

...KU fans claiming that they gave this game away, and that we did nothing to win it. It's clear that these fans have already forgotten how KU had its success in 2007. There is more than one way to win a football game. One way is to line up with superior athletes, chuck it all over the lot, and put up a ton of yards and points. This works fine if you're Texas or Texas Tech or Oklahoma. But there's another way to win football games, and it's something SEC teams have been mastering for years now. Play sound defense that doesn't give up big plays and makes the offense earn everything they get, and protect the ball on offense.

Along with that, it's laughable to claim that KU had more to do with losing this game by turning the ball over than K-State winning it. On both of Todd Reesing's fumbles, the ball was forced out. Josh Moore forced the first one by getting a hat and shoulder right on the ball, and Jeffrey Fitzgerald (I think) slapped the ball out while pursuing from behind on the second one. Now, could both of those have been prevented? Yes, but just about any mistake in a football game can be prevented, it's whether or not the players actually execute. Reesing didn't slide and didn't protect the ball, and our players made him pay for it. On the interception, Reesing could have prevented it by checking down to Opurum in the flat, but he forced it downfield into double coverage and threw it right to Emmanuel Lamur. Again, entirely preventable, but the game comes down to players executing. Our players were in position, and Reesing didn't make the play he should have.

What I didn't like...

...well, um, not much. Moving on.

What it means and where we're going...

In terms of this rivalry, it means the Governor's Cup is back at Vanier Football Complex and that you have scoreboard for the next year over your friends, coworkers and neighbors who are KU fans. In a slightly different sense, it shows a sea tide of change from last year's result. K-State got run over in Lawrence last season by a KU team that ended 8-5. Though yesterday's win wasn't an utter pwning like last year was, it signals something significant in this series. With what was supposed to be their "History Awaits" squad -- now changed to "History, uhh, waits" -- KU couldn't even beat a K-State team that was a popular pick to finish last in the North. Now, with Snyder back and getting this team into position to make a bowl game and in control of its destiny in the Big 12 North, K-State is a team on the rise while KU will have to pick up the pieces after this year as it loses Reesing, Kerry Meier, Dezmon Briscoe, Jake Sharp and Darrell Stuckey.

In terms of the conference race, it once again means that K-State still controls its own destiny in the North. Nebraska's improbable victory over OU last night is neither here nor there, although it certainly wouldn't have hurt to see them lose. If we win next Saturday at home against Missouri and then go to Lincoln and win on 11/21, we will play in Dallas for the Big 12 Championship. That's not to say I won't be cheering like hell for KU to beat Nebraska this weekend, or for Colorado to beat them in Boulder, because a little help never hurts and it's not like we can just count on winning in Lincoln. But the fact remains that if we go 2-0, we will have won the Big 12 North and Snyder will deserve National Coach of the Year honors.

Previous Opponent Roundup

Massachusetts beat Northeastern, 37-7, to move to 5-4 (3-3 CAA) on the season.

Louisiana beat Arkansas State, 21-18, to move to 5-4 (3-2 Sun Belt) on the season.

UCLA finally got a Pac-10 win, beating Washington, 24-23, to move to 4-5 (1-5 Pac-10) on the season.

Nobody cares how Tennessee Tech did.

Recaps for Big 12 opponents are below (Texas Tech was idle).

Texas 35, UCF 3

A bit of a sluggish start (scoreless after one quarter, 14-3 UT lead at halftime) gave way to an easy victory over Central Florida. Colt McCoy put up huge numbers on the day, throwing for 470 yards. A mere 273 of those yards went to Jordan Shipley (did you know he's McCoy's roommate?!?!). Texas has it set on cruise control toward Dallas, with only games against KU, Baylor and Texas A&M remaining.

For more: Burnt Orange Nation

Up next: Baylor (Waco, Texas), 11/14

Colorado 35, Texas A&M 34

I've given up trying to figure out either Colorado or Texas A&M. Colorado hasn't been able to move the ball against a stiff breeze most of the year, and suddenly the Buffs go off for 437 yards against A&M. Hey Aggies, be sure to take your medication this week, this bipolar act is getting old.

For more: The Ralphie Report, I Am The 12th Man

Up next: Colorado vs. Iowa State (Ames, Iowa), 11/14; Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma (Norman, Okla.), 11/14

Oklahoma State 34, Iowa State 8

This game was a real snoozer. I tried to listen to some of it on XM on my way back to Kansas City, but Okie State led 27-0 in the third quarter and nothing of interest was happening. Despite getting Austen Arnaud and Alexander Robinson back on offense, ISU couldn't do anything right in tallying only 242 total yards and one touchdown with the game already well in hand. Good bounceback for Okie State, as the Cowboys are positioning themselves for a nice bowl trip if they finish strong. Meanwhile, the Cyclones are searching for that one more win they need for bowl eligibility.

For more: Clone Chronicles

Up next: Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech (Stillwater, Okla.), 11/14; Iowa State vs. Colorado (Ames, Iowa), 11/14

Nebraska 10, Oklahoma 3

I consider this game some small measure of the universe righting itself after Nebraska turned the ball over eight times in a home loss to Iowa State two weeks ago. Landry Jones apparently was not informed before the game that ~~Shawn~~ Matt O'Hanlon was not on his team, as he proceeded to throw the ball into the Irishman's waiting arms three times (he had five total interceptions in this game). Nebraska's only touchdown drive of the night was a remarkable one-yarder after Landry Jones, you guessed it, threw an interception. For the night, Nebraska "gained" 180 total yards (I want someone to tell me who the last Big 12 team was to win a game in which they gained less than 200 total yards). Nebraska now has a closing stretch that includes road games with KU and Colorado and a home game with K-State. Their defense will shut down or severely limit all three of those teams, but the question is whether their offense can do enough to win (or, at least as was the case last night, not turn the ball over).

For more: Corn Nation, Crimson and Cream Machine

Up next: Nebraska vs. KU (Lawrence, Kan.), 11/14; Oklahoma vs. Texas A&M (Norman, Okla.), 11/14

Postgame Reaction: K-State vs. Oklahoma

TB — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:25:52 -0000

This Big 12 North stretch run really is about to get interesting.

K-State did what everyone expected it to do in losing to Oklahoma on Saturday night. However, it was how the loss came about that was noteworthy. As was noted by the other half of the Unholy Alliance last week -- before I chimed in with an utterly redundant comment -- K-State could show quite a bit even in an expected loss against OU. At this point, there are appear to be three teams other than KSU who can claim some form of hope to winning the division. Let's look at how they've fared against the best teams the South has to offer.

KU: The week before being host to K-State, the Sooners pantsed KU in Lawrence, 35-13, in a game that wasn't really that close. Oklahoma led, 21-6, at halftime, and KU's only touchdown came in garbage time with the game well in hand.
Missouri: Like K-State against OU, they fell behind early, 21-0. Unlike K-State, and at home I may add, they rolled over and died, losing 41-7 and producing fewer than 200 total yards offense.
Nebraska: Went quietly into the night against Texas Tech in Lincoln. Didn't lose nearly as badly as K-State did to Tech, which is a sign of how good Nebraska's defense is, and is why I still consider Nebraska a threat in the North, despite the fact that its offense can't do anything right.

Anyway, let's move on to a quick review of the game.

What I liked...

...a team that doesn't give up. Had this been 2008, or 2007 or 2006, for that matter, I have little doubt we would have given up 600+ yards of offense and lost 63-14. While the team couldn't get over the hump after getting back in the game, the mere fact that it was even in the game after that first quarter is a credit to the coaches and players.

...the unleashing of Daniel Thomas. Over at Crimson and Cream Machine, a reader called it "gimmicky" and refused to respect what we did on offense. If he considers that offense gimmicky, then he clearly considers the Michael Bishop-Jonathan Beasley-Ell Roberson years a complete fluke, because the Wildcat formation is basically the offense we ran with those QBs. Daniel Thomas is what all those guys were, except not as polished of a thrower. I guess if you consider a jump pass a gimmick, then Urban Meyer is gimmicky, and he only has two national titles. I guess if you consider running play action off an option fake, you consider Nebraska from 1960-2003 gimmicky. While I liked these plays because they worked, I really like them because now KU, Mizzou and Nebraska have to prepare for them. They have to spend practice time working on them. Their safeties have to hesitate when DT takes the shotgun snap, they have to hesitate even if he looks like he's taking off on a draw, and they have to hesitate when it looks like he's running the option. I also get the feeling we haven't seen everything we may see in the playbook yet.

...more disciplined play. The only turnover for K-State in the game was the late interception, and you really can't hold that one against Grant Gregory. If we keep protecting the football and controlling the clock, we're in good position the next few weeks.

...speaking of Grant Gregory, an efficient outing against a tough defense. Gregory went 19 of 30 for 174 yards, and ran for more than 5 yards per play even after losses were subtracted.

...an offensive line that may be coming together. While OU did record two sacks, that's less than I feared we may give up. Further, they paved the way to 149 rushing yards, including a 5.1 yards per carry average.

...Brandon Banks to da house. I fear we've probably seen the last of teams kicking it deep to him, but if they kick it short, then we're going to have shorter fields each drive. Only Nebraska's kicker can probably dare to kick it deep and count on a touchback against us.

What I didn't like...

...two PATs blocked. I was watching this one at a bar, so I wasn't paying close enough attention to tell if these were Josh Cherry's fault or whether OU got penetration against our line. Either way, we can't go wasting points. I thought Snyder was going to explode after the second one.

...an inability to stop OU's passing game. While 294 yards is certainly better than what we gave up at Texas Tech, it's still far too much. As Pan mentioned on the phone today, we are getting killed by the short-to-intermediate passing game. Our linebackers and safeties need to step up soon, or combinations like Kerry Meier/Dez Briscoe and Blaine Gabbert/Danario Alexander are going to torch us.

Hit the jump for much, much more.

What it means and where we're going...

While I'm loathe to proclaim any loss a moral victory, this one comes pretty close to fitting the bill. For three quarters yesterday, our offense moved the ball and put points on the board and our defense played well enough to keep us in the game against an offense that's much more talented than those we'll face the rest of the way.

Now, the road lays before us, and we know what is required. Next Saturday, KU comes to town for an 11:30 a.m. kickoff. If you can make it, get tickets before it sells out. We need all the purple in that stadium we can get. Show up early. Make a ton of noise. We have a real chance to win this game, and winning it will do two things that should do any K-State fan's heart good. First of all, it guarantees we'll be, at worst, 4-4 in the conference, and sets us up for a chance to go 5-3 with games against MU and Nebraska remaining. Second, it will once and for all dismbowel the "history awaits" season proclaimed by KU, causing much wailing and gnashing of teeth downriver from us. I don't need to remind any of you that KU has won three in a row against us, and broke our nearly 20-year winning streak in Manhattan two years ago. I guarantee you Bill Snyder and these players don't need to be reminded of that.

Opponent Roundup

UMass lost to Maine, 19-9, and is now 4-4 (2-3 CAA).

Louisiana lost, 21-17 (OT), to Florida International, falling to 4-4 (2-2 Sun Belt). I may cause myself bodily injury if this ends up being the game that keeps us from going to a bowl.

UCLA's miserable conference season continued with a 26-19 loss to Oregon State. The Bruins haven't won since playing us and are now 3-5 (0-5 Pac-10).

Nobody cares about how Tennessee Tech did.

See below for reviews of conference opponents.

Big 12 Roundup

Nebraska 20, Baylor 10

True freshman Cody Green got the start at QB for Nebraska, but not much changed for the Husker offense. Against a Baylor team that had been destroyed by OU and OSU and beaten easily by Iowa State, NU managed only 20 points and 273 total yards. In fact, if not for six -- yes, six -- interceptions by the Husker defense, this may have been an even closer game. Once again, the book has been written on Nebraska. Don't beat yourself by turning the ball over, and hope you break a big play or two against their suspect secondary (assuming you can give your QB time to throw).

Nebraska faces a probable loss at home next week to OU before the pivotal stretch run against KU, K-State and Colorado. It will be interesting to see if they acquit themselves as well against OU as the Cats did Saturday.

Next up: Nebraska vs. Oklahoma, Baylor at Missouri

For more: Corn Nation

Missouri 36, Colorado 17

The Tigers jumped ahead 33-3 at halftime and coasted home for an easy win. I only got to see bits and pieces of this one, but Blaine Gabbert's ankle didn't appear to affect his performance, although he still looked a little gimpy out there. In possibly scarier news, Mizzou's defense appears to have awoken, holding CU below 200 yards total offense. Now, maybe there's a grain of salt there because it's CU, but if not, then MU may well be capable of running off the four more wins they need to have a shot at the North.

Next up: Missouri vs. Baylor, Colorado vs. Texas A&M

For more: Rock M Nation, The Ralphie Report

Texas Tech 42, KU 21

While this game may not have been the rout the final score seems to indicate, KU still has some serious issues. The beaks' vaunted offense managed only 258 yards against a defense that gave up 500+ to Texas A&M a week before. Further, we now know that Todd Reesing is, in fact, playing hurt, and I'm going out on a limb to predict that groin won't be 100 percent by November 7.

Next up: KU at K-State, Texas Tech is idle

For more: Double T Nation, Rock Chalk Talk

Texas A&M 35, Iowa State 10

Didn't see it, didn't read about it, don't really care. ISU is a much better team this year, and has a realistic shot at a bowl, but they didn't show much in this one.

Next up: Iowa State vs. Oklahoma, Texas A&M at Colorado

For more: I Am The 12th Man, Clone Chronicles

Texas 41, Oklahoma State 14

It turns out the Red River Shootout was the game of the year in the Big 12. While this one was supposed to fill that bill, the Cowboys laid down easier than a cheap hooker and Texas had its way (sorry, that was probably uncalled-for). Texas appears to be ratcheting up its play as the stretch run looms.

Next up: Texas vs. Central Florida, Oklahoma State at Iowa State

For more: Burnt Orange Nation

Open Game Thread: K-State vs. Oklahoma

TB — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:33:02 -0000

Who: K-State at Oklahoma

When: October 31, 2009 | 6:00 p.m.

Where: Norman, Okla. | Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (82,112)

Media: 1350 KMAN | FSN

Your Big 12 North-leading Kansas State Wildcats travel to Norman today to take on Oklahoma. With a late kickoff, feel free to use this thread to discuss other Big 12 action today. At 11:30 a.m. CDT, Nebraska takes on Baylor in Waco, as the Huskers desperately try to get something to go right for them on offense. Shortly thereafter, Missouri and Colorado square off in snowy Boulder, with Missouri still seeking its first conference win. This afternoon, Iowa State travels to College Station to face Texas A&M, and a win would immediately vault the Cyclones into serious discussion regarding who will win the North. Also down in Texas today, the team down the river travels to the South Plains to meet Texas Tech. The night action includes our game and the big showdown in Stillwater, with Texas taking on Oklahoma State.

Go Cats!

Nebraska Commit Andrew Rodriguez Chosen for Army All-America Bowl

TB — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:46:53 -0000

By now, y'all are probably really getting sick of the K-State fan coming over here and talking about your recruits, but I had to share this one with you. Nebraska OL commit Andrew Rodriguez, from my hometown of Aurora, Nebraska, was chosen to play in the Army All-America Bowl in San Antonio. I strongly suggest you watch the first video on that link, where A-Rod puts on his All-America jersey and addresses the Aurora High School crowd. He's a great kid, he's come a long way, and he hasn't forgotten the people that helped him get there. I hope for the best for this guy at Nebraska.

Five Questions: Crimson and Cream Machine

TB — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:48:07 -0000

While Oklahoma is not having a typical Oklahoma season, they're still a formidable opponent, especially in Norman. Here today is ccmachine from the SB Nation blog Crimson and Cream Machine, to answer a few questions about the Sooners for us.

Oklahoma hasn't had a season like this since 2005. What's the mood among the faithful right now?

ccmachine: I think that most level headed OU fans are understanding towards the situation at OU right now. We quickly watched this team move from championship contender to a program that’s rebuilding and there’s some frustration that goes with injuries. The thing is though, you can’t blame injuries on coaching or poor play on the field. It is what it is and we have to deal with it.

In 2005 OU lost three of their first five games but then went on to win 6 of their last seven games with that lone loss being at Texas Tech in controversial fashion. The experience that those youngsters gained that season propelled the Sooners on to three consecutive Big 12 championships from 2006-09. Here’s to hoping that history repeats itself!

What did a win over a ranked team -- even if it was horribly overranked KU -- signify for this OU team?

ccmachine: The first thing it did was snap a four game losing streak to ranked teams. Then it gave Oklahoma a quality win on the road which in turn gave this team some much needed confidence. Landry Jones found a new target in Adron Tennell who had his best game (receptions wise) with 6 catches. Oklahoma’s defense also turned in another solid outing by shutting down what could be the most potent offense in the North proving that last week’s stellar performance against Texas wasn’t a fluke.

The understudy has been called upon to take the star's place in the Oklahoma! musical this year. Is Landry Jones the future at quarterback, or is he just a stopgap until either a recruit or a redshirt are ready to step in next year?

ccmachine: Oklahoma has another quarterback on campus in Drew Allen who actually pushed Jones in camp for the #2 spot. However, with Bradford on the shelf for the remainder of the season the coaches are going to keep the redshirt on Allen unless something catastrophic happens and the Sooners lose another quarterback. Highly touted quarterback Blake Bell from Wichita, KS will be on campus next year could make things very interesting but at this point I would say that the job is Landry’s to lose.

This is completely out of left field, but I'm going to ask it anyway, given that there was some unrest among Sooners fans after the 3-3 start. Bob Stoops is, from a championships perspective, far and away the most accomplished coach in the Big 12. Is there any way he leaves Norman other than of his own accord?

ccmachine: Bob Stoops will write his own ending in Norman. Only the most unrealistic fans would call for him to step down after what the team has experienced this year. It’s amazing how quickly some people forget 6 conference championships and a national title in 11 seasons. Seriously, who could they get to come and do a better job? Urban Meyer and Pete Carroll are pretty secure and would have no interest in coming to Norman. If you get rid of Stoops you’ve got to have someone better and those guys (you could literally name them on one hand) aren’t available.

What is a realistic goal for OU this season? What would you consider a success, given that winning a national title and (probably) winning the conference title are out of the picture?

ccmachine: I still think that OU has a shot at 10 wins when you include the bowl game. We’ve discussed on our site that this team is building to make a Big 12 title run next year but that doesn’t mean that this season is a wash. In light of not winning another Big 12 Championship I think that making it to one of the more prestigious of the non-BCS bowls (Cotton/Holiday) would be an acceptable measure of success.

SB Nation Big 12 Roundtable -- Big 12 North Roulette Edition

TB — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:02:31 -0000

via cdn0.sbnation.com

Another weekend, another crazy batch of results in the Big 12. Our answers to the most pressing questions of the day are below.

This question was posed by Rock Chalk Talk's Denverjhawk in Rock M Nation's Live Thread on Saturday: Could a Big 12 North all-star team compete with and/or beat Texas?

TB: Yes, they could compete with UT, but sadly, I can't say with certainty they would win. I really miss 1996-2003.

Panjandrum: Honestly? Yes. It's not a silly question, per se, but to think that one team in this conference is THAT much better than an entire division is silly. Texas is not a complete team themselves; they struggle running the football, and that will come back to bite them.

I get why someone would ask this question, but truthfully, the answer is simple. The North all-star team would probably roll UT.

BracketCat: To properly answer this question, I need to see what such a team actually would look like. Here's my best stab at a two-deep:

WR X: Jared Perry (MU) / Scotty McKnight (CU)
LT: Nick Stringer (KSU) / Tanner Hawkinson (KU)
LG: Alex Alvarez (ISU) / Keith Williams (NU)
C: Jeremiah Hatch (KU) / Wade Weibert (KSU)
RG: Ricky Henry (NU) / Kurtis Gregory (MU)
RT: Dan Hoch (MU) / Ryan Miller (CU)
TE: Riar Geer (CU) / Jeron Mastrud (KSU)
QB: Todd Reesing (KU) / Blaine Gabbert (MU) (if healthy)
RB: Alexander Robinson (ISU) / Daniel Thomas (KSU)
WR H: Kerry Meier (KU) / Danario Alexander (MU)
WR Z: Dezmon Briscoe (KU) / Brandon Banks (KSU)

LDE: Jeffrey Fitzgerald (KSU) / Barry Turner (NU)
DT: Ndamukong Suh (NU) / Curtis Cunningham (CU)
NT: Jared Crick (NU) / Daniel Calvin (KSU)
RDE: Jake Laptad (KU) / Aldon Smith (MU)
SLB: Sean Fisher (NU) / John Houlik (KSU)
MLB: Jesse Smith (ISU) / Will Ebner (MU)
WLB: Sean Weatherspoon (MU) / Phillip Dillard (NU)
LCB: Cha'pelle Brown (CU) / Joshua Moore (KSU)
FS: David Sims (ISU) / Tysyn Hartman (KSU)
SS: Darrell Stuckey (KU) / Emmanuel Lamur (KSU)
RCB: Chris Harris (KU) / Carl Gettis (MU)

PK: Alex Henery (NU) / Jacob Branstetter (KU)
P: Matt DiLallo (CU) / Mike Brandtner (ISU)
PR: Daymond Patterson (KU)
KR: Brandon Banks (KSU) / Kendial Lawrence (MU)

Head Coach: Bill Snyder (KSU)
Associate Head Coach: Paul Rhoads (ISU)
Offensive Co-Coordinators: Ed Warinner (KU) / David Yost (MU)
Defensive Co-Coordinators: Vic Koenning (KSU) / Carl Pelini (NU)

Two things stand out to me when looking at this list:

1) It quickly becomes clear why Kansas and Kansas State basically will be playing for the Big 12 North title next week.

2) This team could give Texas trouble. It might not win, but Reesing throwing to his and Missouri's receivers would be a major threat. The big weakness is the offensive line. I'm not sure there are enough standouts to hold off the likes of Sergio Kindle.

But ohmygod, that defense. Fitz, Laptad and Suh teeing off on McCoy, while Jesse Smith and 'Spoon prowl the middle, and half a dozen NFL prospects man the defensive backfield? Yeah, that could make a statement. And Banks at returner would be the X-factor offsetting Jordan Shipley's contributions for the Horns.

Hell, Bill Snyder could win a national title with this roster.

Forget ACC Roulette. For our intents and purposes, the Big 12 North is now the most entertaining battle of supremacy in mediocrity. Handicap what happens with the division from here.

TB: K-State needs only one more win to get into a possible tiebreaker, and two more wins would probably win the division outright. Two home games against division opponents remain. Odds: 10-1

Nebraska is 1-2, so it needs to win three out of five if we assume a 4-4 tiebreaker, or four out of five if we assume 5-3 wins it. Still has a home game with Oklahoma and road trips to Colorado and KU. Oh, and no confidence right now. Odds: 12-1

KU is 1-2 and, with road trips to Lubbock and Austin remaining, has zero margin for error. Throw in a trip to Manhattan and playing Missouri in Kansas City, and this is looking more like history <s>a</s>waits. Odds: 15-1

Missouri is 0-3 but by far has its easiest games left. Still, they need to win out to get to 5-3, and that's a tall task for a team with a hobbled quarterback and a defense that's pointing fingers right now. Odds: 15-1

While Iowa State is 2-2, they needed every bit of eight Nebraska turnovers to get there, and who knows how long they'll be without Austen Arnaud and Alexander Robinson. Without those guys, it looks like a bleak picture for ISU, although it's entirely possible they get bowl eligible as they only need one more win. Odds: 30-1

Colorado is 1-2, but has a coach who is hell-bent on playing his son at quarterback. Also, can't win on the road. Will be a threat at home, but they're the least likely team to take the division, in my opinion. Odds: 50-1

Now, do you see why I'm not an oddsmaker?

Panjandrum: If the magic number is five, I will try and handicap how likely it is that each team gets to five wins:

KSU: KSU has two more home games against North teams (KU/MU) and two road games (OU/NU). I still think NU beats KSU in Lincoln, but I'm going to favor KSU against KU and MU in Manhattan at this point. Neither of those teams look good on the road, and KSU has played well enough at home to win.

Since KSU only needs to win two of their next four to get to five wins, they seem the most likely at this point.

Odds: 30%

Nebraska: I don't like discounting a team with a really good defense, but unless they get their offense right, i don't think they can win four of five to get to the title game. A team with no confidence and a shaky QB situation is a bad, bad combo (just ask KSU about one month ago), but maybe the defense can carry them through.

Odds: 20%

Missouri: Missouri has to run the table to get to five wins. However, that's a little more manageable now that they have NU, UT, and OSU off of the table. We'll see how they fare against teams more on their level. But, the real question is what their 'level' is without a healthy Gabbert.

Odds: 20%

Iowa State: The Clones are a real feel good story right now, but they shouldn't have gotten out of Lincoln with a win. They need three wins, and with road games in College Station and Columbia, and a home game with Oklahoma State, I would say the chances of getting to five wins are pretty slim.

Odds: 15%

Kansas: KU needs four wins, and they have the most brutal schedule left of any of the North teams. They have three true road games (Texas Tech, Texas, Kansas State), one neutral site game (Missouri), and one home game (Nebraska). There is no way in Hell that they're winning four games. Truthfully, KU fans better hope they win one more to get bowl eligible with that schedule.

Odds: 10%

Colorado: I'm not even going to do an analysis. Colorado is the worst football team I've watched KSU play this year (with the exception of the FCS teams). Yes, I thought Louisiana was better. They have no hope of winning the North or going to a bowl game, and Dan Hawkins should be fired because I can't stomach watching football that's that bad ever again.

Odds: 5%

BracketCat: Oh, man, I don't know jack about gambling. I'll defer to TB on this one.

Is Oklahoma back on track after taking care of business against Kansas? Their national aspirations are obviously done, but can we expect to see a fairly dominant Sooner team down the stretch?

TB: I'll say that they showed they won't mail the season in. Also, they showed that it wasn't a fluke that they lost close games to (relatively) good teams in the non-con and the RRS. When it's all said and done, they'll be second or third in the South, meaning they'll be second or third in the conference overall. Not what Oklahoma is used to, but with an all-new offensive line and the injury bug biting at every skill position, not bad.

Panjandrum: Oklahoma is like a lot of the other teams in this conference; they're incomplete. Defensively, they're very, very good. Offensively, they struggle. I don't know if they're 'back on track' as much as exposed as a 'good but not great' team.

BracketCat: No, because KU sucks. Don't get me wrong -- Oklahoma is better than people have been giving them credit for, but the offense still is pretty painful to watch. Ironically, the Sooners remind me a lot of some of the classic TCU teams, including the one that beat them in Norman. Lots of defense, unimaginative offense. It's ironic because I think TCU would beat OU this year nine times out of 10.

Texas A&M, Texas Tech, and Kansas State managed to completely shred the transitive property. What did the games between these schools tell us about these teams?

TB: They showed us each team's floor and each team's ceiling. K-State is only as bad as it played in Lubbock on its worst night, and is only as good as it played against Texas A&M on its best. Ditto A&M and Texas Tech. I understand the punditry's desire to use logic as an explanation for every result, but sometimes everything just goes horribly wrong in a game played by 18-22 year olds.

Panjandrum: Honestly, I think this says more about A&M than it does about any other team. I think they have a lot of weapons, but Mike Sherman is a mouth-breathing moron that can only gameplan a victory by blind luck.

BracketCat: They told me that comparative scoring is worthless and predicting game outcomes is all about understanding matchups. Texas Tech beat Kansas State because Tech's system is a terrible matchup for any team that has trouble scoring points. K-State beat Texas A&M because A&M hadn't yet played outside the state of Texas and was starting a gazillion freshman and sophomores.

A&M beat Tech because Tech always has had a problem with A) defending mobile quarterbacks once they get going, B) getting into a rhythm if the other team's running game is controlling the line of scrimmage, and C) turning it over repeatedly and losing at home to coaching geniuses like Dan Hawkins and Mike Sherman. See? Matchups.

Did Texas find its mojo in Missouri, and does Oklahoma State have enough to take the Horns down in Stillwater this week?

TB: Texas definitely needed a game where it got out to the races and put up big numbers and points. I still think OSU does have what it takes. It's going to be one of those special nights that, if the home team wins, its fans will never forget. The stadium will be packed, the bright national spotlight will be shining, and the inside track to a division championship and, for Texas, a national championship, is at stake. On paper, Texas looks better, but not overpoweringly better, and perhaps not enough to overcome the fired-up team they'll face Saturday.

Panjandrum: I think Texas is the best team in the conference, so beating a crippled Missouri team wasn't a surprise. Oklahoma State is a talented team that could possibly pull off an upset, but it's going to take a monumental effort from Zac Robinson if that's going to happen. No Dez Bryant or Kendall Hunter makes it that much more difficult.

BracketCat: In short, yes and yes. Texas got its act together just in time, because Oklahoma State has the running game to keep Colt McCoy off the field for long stretches of time. That said, I still think Texas will find a way to win this one. They just seem to have a hex over the Cowboys in Stillwater, even when they get down by multiple touchdowns as has happened many times in the past decade.

Power Poll! Who wins on a neutral field?

TB:

1. Texas -- Big tilt in Stillwater will decide this team's championship aspirations.
2. Oklahoma State -- Quietly, Mike Gundy's crew is going about its business without its biggest stars, but the big test is Saturday.
3. Oklahoma -- Maybe not a national title contender this year, but still vastly superior to any North foe.
4. Texas Tech -- I'd like to drop the Pirates after that debacle in Lubbock, and I'm admonishing the Tech fans for chanting "No more Potts!" Way to throw one of your own under the bus. But back to the question: Who do you move ahead of these guys?
5. K-State -- On this day, in this place, I have to rank them here. The next four weeks will either solidify or decimate that opinion.
6. Nebraska -- Through it all, they still have that defense. Eight giveaways and ISU only scored nine points? If they ever get their offense figured out and get healthy, they'll be back as the favorite to win the North.
7. KU -- Any rational person knew they would probably lose to OU, but they didn't put up much of a fight and Todd Reesing doesn't look like himself right now. Can make amends with a win in Lubbock, but let's just say I'm not counting on that.
8. Missouri -- It's pretty simple right now. If Blaine Gabbert gets healthy, they're a contender in the North again. If he doesn't, they're not.
9. Iowa State -- I can hear the gasp to my northeast as Cyclone fans wonder how I can rank them this low at 2-2. Maybe it's a little unfair, but while you can't take that Nebraska win away from them, they needed every single one of NU's eight turnovers to win. On average, that's not going to happen very often.
10. Texas A&M -- This probably seems all wrong until you remember that some were ranking the Aggies 13th last week. Very nice win over Tech, and we're probably still putting too much stock into the big loss at K-State, but I'm not sure who I can bump.
11. Colorado -- Momentum from the KU win vanished in Manhattan. Buffs need to regroup.
12. Baylor -- Yeah.

Panjandrum:

1. Texas
2. Oklahoma State
3. Oklahoma
4. Texas Tech
5. Nebraska
6. K-State
7. Missouri
8. Kansas
9. Texas A&M
10. Iowa State
11. Colorado
12. Baylor

BracketCat: Man, this gets harder every week.

1. Texas -- Finally playing like the most powerful team in the Big 12, and just in time.
2. Oklahoma -- Defense alone makes them the second-best team in the conference.
3. Oklahoma State -- After this week, both Oklahoma schools should have the same Big 12 record.
T4. Nebraska -- Despite an embarrassing two-week stretch, I still think this is the most talented defense in the North. Combined with a sort-of-favorable schedule, it should be enough.
T4. Texas Tech -- You gave up 50+ to Mike Sherman? WTF? Sorry, that negates even the head-to-head tiebreaker.
T6. Kansas -- Let's just call this the muddied middle. It should sort itself out in the next three weeks.
T6. Iowa State -- Ditto. I'm making allowances for injuries here.
T6. Missouri -- Not as bad as their record, but not as good as the hype.
T6. Kansas State - Still not sure we're not a product of our schedule a little bit. Again, will know a lot more in three weeks.
10. Texas A&M -- Big win gets you out of the basement... for a while.
11. Baylor -- Despite meeting my 12th-place criteria with an ugly blowout loss at home, I still think the Bears would beat the Buffs on a neutral field.
12. Colorado -- Oops. Guess you actually do suck after all. You just sucked a little less than KU on one particular Saturday.

This. Is. Fucking. Awesome.

TB — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:22:22 -0000

This. Is. Fucking. Awesome.

Why Opposing Fans Shouldn't Count K-State Out of the Big 12 North Race Juuuust Yet

TB — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:48:33 -0000

If you're a true Wildcat fan, you read the headline of this post and did a double take. "What's that? Why would anyone count us out?! We lead the Big 12 North, by a full game -- actually, more like 1.5, because we own the tiebreaker over second-place Iowa State -- at the halfway point of the conference season!" Take a deep breath after that ultra-long run-on sentence you just yelled and read on.

Here's the reason for the caveat. First, I take everything I see this season advisedly. A team with losses to Louisiana and UCLA can't take anything for granted. It's conceivable that we go winless from here on out and fade to afterthought status.

On the other hand, we do lead the division race with only four games to play. What's more, the teams considered our strongest challengers are 1-2, 1-2 and 0-3 respectively. That's not intended to discount ISU, but they're being written off even more strongly than we are. I'm telling you, nearly everyone has weighed in with an opinion on this, and they all have come to the conclusion that either Nebraska, KU or Missouri are still going to take this thing. While not guaranteeing anything, those who write this K-State team off do so at their own risk.

Click the jump to see how K-State can shock the world and take the division.

Given the starts of the other teams in the North, it is entirely possible that 4-4 gets into a tiebreaker for this thing. Here are the remaining schedules for all six North teams:

K-State (3-1): @Oklahoma, KU, Missouri, @Nebraska

Iowa State (2-2): @Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Colorado, @Missouri

KU (1-2): @Texas Tech, @K-State, Nebraska, Missouri (in KC)

Nebraska (1-2): @Baylor, Oklahoma, @KU, K-State, @Colorado

Colorado (1-2): Missouri, Texas A&M, @Iowa State, @Oklahoma State, Nebraska

Missouri (0-3): @Colorado, Baylor, @K-State, Iowa State, KU (in KC)

We'll start at home with K-State. As a coworker spent 20 minutes discussing with me today, K-State has the inside track right now, because you can't subtract wins, and K-State already has three of them. The other posts linked above note that K-State's last four are much more difficult than their first four, but are they really? The Oklahoma game is comparable to the Texas Tech game, one that we've written off from the get-go. Obviously, OU looks more beatable now than before the season, but it would still be a monumental shock to win in Norman. However, the KU and Mizzou games, at home, look eminently winnable. Every time KU fixes one leak, another one springs up, and their ace in the hole -- Todd Reesing -- hasn't had the same magic during conference games. Mizzou is playing a quarterback who has one good leg. I know Mizzou fans want to believe Blaine Gabbert is just going to heal up, but as long as he has to push off that leg to throw, run around on it, and have defenders fall on it, he simply is not going to get better. Finally, while I highly doubt we can score more than 14 points on Nebraska, that might just be enough. Our defense is playing much better, and with Roy Helu obviously hurting and the receivers dropping (passes) like it's hot, the Husker offense isn't that scary right now. Granted, it's in Lincoln, but I'm not ready to write it off like I was earlier. The salient point: We only need one more win for 4-4, which looks more and more like it may get into a tiebreaker. With home games against suddenly beatable KU and Mizzou squads, that's entirely possible. Two wins almost wraps it up.

Interestingly, every game we play against North teams from here on out is basically an elimination game for the opponent. If we beat KU, any hopes they could have of winning the division will die on the turf at Bill's House (how sweet that would be). Beating Mizzou would hand the Tigers (at least) their fourth conference loss, and without the tiebreaker over us, they would be basically done. Who knows what Nebraska will do from here on out, but with games remaining against Oklahoma and at KU, there's a very good chance they'll have at least three conference losses by the time we play them. A win in Lincoln, while still not probable, would be the nail in the Huskers' coffin.

Iowa State is the real wildcard in all of this. They have games remaining against a bipolar Texas A&M team, a terrible road team in Colorado, and at Missouri. I'll go ahead and write off the Oklahoma State game, meaning they have to win two of the first three to have a chance. That's a possibility.

As for KU, I think we all know what the beaks face. They have suffered two losses and have road games against Texas Tech and Texas remaining. Tech doesn't look like an unstoppable juggernaut anymore, but KU has lost consecutive games to Colorado and to Oklahoma in a blowout. If we assume they lose both games against the South, they must run the table to have a chance, although if they do so, they are likely headed to Dallas, because they would own North tiebreakers over everyone except CU. But if Reesing keeps throwing the ball to the other team at the rate he has been, games against K-State, Nebraska, and Mizzou are tossups. I don't like any teams chances of winning three tossup games.

What about Mizzou? The Tigers have had clearly the most difficult schedule through three games, and it shows. I can't fault them for the OSU and UT games, and for three quarters they had Nebraska on the ropes. We'll learn a lot about Mizzou in the coming weeks. If they can beat Colorado and Baylor, we'll know they're still a contender. If they lose either of those games, their chances will be pretty much dead before they even get to Manhattan.

I'm going to omit an extended discussion of CU's chances, because frankly I think they need to send Dan and Cody Hawkins packing to have a chance. Plus, they can't win on the road, which almost guarantees two more losses.

So, after all that, why does K-State still have a chance? As my colleague, BracketCat, noted today on the Postgame Reaction post, K-State is improving week-to-week, just like every single team Bill Snyder has ever coached. And it's more important than just getting better. Yes, they are getting better, even though the competition continues to get (marginally) more difficult. But even more importantly, they are gaining confidence every single week. They've gone from the team that squeaked by UMass, lost to Louisiana and UCLA, and got destroyed by Texas Tech, to the team that beat Iowa State, blew out A&M and whipped Colorado. It's only a semi-valid point today, near the end of October, that this team lost in early September to Louisiana and UCLA. You remember the line in college basketball that, by the time March Madness rolls around, the freshmen are basically sophomores? It holds with this team that is picking up Snyder's system. Anyone who has watched this team all year long knows it has improved steadily over the first eight weeks of the season.

Perhaps more importantly, while K-State is improving and gaining confidence, every other contender, save Iowa State, is facing serious issues. Murphy's Law is attacking KU. Missouri's quarterback is hurt and isn't getting healthy. Nebraska can't do anything right on offense. Colorado has a coach who thinks Cody Hawkins may be better than Tyler Hansen.

And, most importantly, this team has two home games against division contenders down the stretch, and it is coached by Bill Snyder. Yes, the man lovingly referred to as Old Balls by rival fans has an edge, both intellectually and psychologically, on each coach he faces the rest of the way. OK, so Bob Stoops' tremendous talent differential will likely overcome that this weekend. But Snyder has never lost to Mark Mangino in Manhattan, has never lost to Gary Pinkel anywhere, and made Bo Pelini so mad in 2003 that Pelini chased him down and called him an asshole.

It may not happen. But it's more possible than others think.

Postgame Reaction: Colorado

TB — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:44:54 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

Follow this man to the Big 12 North lead! (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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Maybe?

As the seconds ticked away yesterday afternoon at Bill's House, that was the thought that started to creep into my head. Despite my cynical and hasty prediction -- and everyone else's, I may add -- two weeks ago that we were out of the North Division race, none other than your Kansas State Wildcats stand, alone, atop the standings halfway through the conference season.

That said, it's a little early to make travel plans for Dallas just yet, although you can rest assured I will be at Jerry's House should we somehow emerge from the tangle. It's too early because this team is not the dominating juggernaut that could handle games against the likes of OU, KU, Mizzou and Nebraska like it did back in the early 2000s, but there are reasons to hope this fine Sunday afternoon. While the schedule likely does get a little more difficult in the final four-game stretch, how much more difficult is it really? Oklahoma has been written off as a loss since the beginning of the season, and as long as we don't play another "Tech" game down there, I'll be OK. Then we have home games against KU and MU. Does anybody really fear KU at this point? They are entirely capable of beating K-State, I admit, but it's not a foregone conclusion like it was before the year. And Mizzou is playing with a one-legged quarterback. I know an injury is supposed to heal over time, but that's only if it's rested and protected. As long as Blaine Gabbert keeps playing, he's going to have to run, push off it to throw, and have defenders fall on it. That's not going to be conducive to healing. Then, of course, the finale is a trip to Lincoln to face Nebraska. Despite losing at home to ISU yesterday -- who suddenly doesn't look like such a slouch, either -- I'm not ready to count the Huskers out, but in keeping with the theme thus far, they're eminently more beatable now than they looked, say, two or three weeks ago.

Anyway, that's a topic that we shall expand upon this week. For now, let's turn our attention to yesterday's game.

What I liked...

...taking the early momentum. This team needs confidence early each and every game, and it got it yesterday. The first drive stalled and resulted in only a field goal, but it was points on the board and solid ball movement.

...the reformation of Josh Cherry. It's like the light has switched on for this kid. Granted, he's probably not going to bang home many 50-yarders, but as long as he can put it through the uprights from 25-35 consistently, he'll be doing his job.

...big Daniel Thomas chewing up yards. Twenty carries resulted in 145 rushing yards, easily the best offensive performance of the day.

...a stout defensive performance after Colorado's first-drive touchdown. After the first drive, I was worried, thinking back to last year's defensive implosions. I should have known better with this coaching staff. Time and time again, the defense answered the bell yesterday, stifling the Buffs even when the offense wasn't holding up its end of the bargain.

What I didn't like...

...doing nothing on offense in the second half. In defense of Grant Gregory and the offensive unit, it was a lot windier yesterday than it probably seemed on TV. The flags at the top of the stadium were constantly flapping hard toward the North, meaning any drive headed toward the south end zone was an adventure. Still, we're going to play on a lot of windy days, and we still have to find a way to move the ball. I'd like to lay some of the blame for the second half stall on the coaching staff, because it seemed like we just wanted to get the hell out of Dodge with the victory, but they gave the offense chances to open it up and they resulted in mistakes.

...giving Tyler Hansen hours to throw the ball, then not making tackles when the protection finaly broke down. It was nice to pick up four more sacks, but we could have had at least two more. Our defensive secondary did an oustanding job blanketing the field, forcing Hansen to hold the ball a long time. He proved to be a slippery sonofabitch back there, although the defensive line got better at finishing plays as the game went along.

...not protecting Grant Gregory very well. Very rarely could Gregory drop back, survey the field, check down a receiver or two, and then deliver the ball. Most of the time, before he could even read his first receiver on anything other than a very quick pass, he had a defendar already in his face. Our passing game has to improve against the four teams in our stretch run, and it starts up front.

Click the jump for more!

What it means and where we're going...

As mentioned, it means we stand in sole possession of the division lead halfway through our conference slate. Feels nice to say that. Of course, they don't hand out trophies for leading the division after four games, so improvement needs to continue down the stretch.

Next week, we travel to Norman, Okla., to face the Oklahoma Sooners. As you're all aware, the Sooners are 4-3 on this year, although they're eight points away from being 7-0, and all three losses came against varyingly competent teams (BYU --> Miami --> Texas). Last week, against undoubtedly their weakest competition of the year, they hammered KU in Lawrence. I know confidence is running at an all-time high around these parts, but winning in Norman will be the tallest task this team has faced this year.

Previous Opponent Roundup

Massachusetts lost, 34-12, to Richmond yesterday in sloppy game (weather and otherwise). Apparently, UMass was trying to imitate Nebraska, as it turned the ball over seven times.

Louisiana took one on the chin at home, losing 51-29 to Florida Atlantic. The Ragin' Cajuns are now 4-3, 2-1 in Sun Belt play.

UCLA lost to Arizona, 27-13. The loss drops the Bruins below .500 (3-4), and they remain winless in Pac-10 play.

Nobody cares about Tennessee Tech.

See below for recaps of Iowa State, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M.

Big 12 Conference Roundup

Iowa State 9, Nebraska 7

No, that's not a misprint. Without Austen Arnaud or Alexander Robinson, the Cyclones strode out of Lincoln with a victory yesterday. While I can't fault the Nebraska defense -- it's incredible that they only allowed nine points when the offense had eight turnovers -- the Nebraska offense is ghastly right now. Roy Helu is hurt, Zac Lee has no confidence with 1.8 million red-clad football geniuses calling for Cody Green to play, and the receivers can't catch the ball. That's a really bad combination.

This game really throws the North into chaos, as it establishes Iowa State, at 2-2, as a potential division contender. Nebraska falls to 1-2, and has looked like dog dung in its most of its conference action this year. Think about it: three bad quarters against Missouri, four bad quarters against Texas Tech, and at least three bad quarters yesterday. If not for a fourth-quarter Mizzou meltdown in Columbia, the 'skerz would be 0-3 and Bo Pelini would really be on the run up north. Nebraska gets a chance to calm the waters this weekend as they travel to Waco to face hapless Baylor, while Iowa State travels to College Station to face bipolar Texas A&M.

For more: Clone Chronicles, Corn Nation

Oklahoma 35, KU 13

The outcome of this game was never really in doubt. Todd Reesing threw three interceptions in the first 20 minutes of the game en route to a 14-0 OU lead. Credit to KU's defense for making a bit of a stand in the second quarter to hold the halftime deficit to 21-6, but Oklahoma slammed the door on any visions of a comeback that may have been dancing in KU's head with a quick touchdown to start the second half.

This game did two things, in my mind. First, it served notice that Oklahoma will not mail the season in, and that while they may have lost some games early, they will not lose games to marginal conference competition. Second, it put another dagger in the History Awaits campaign. Now, barring the wackiest of tiebreakers, we can write KU out of the division race if it loses to bipolar Texas Tech in Lubbock next week. As we all know, Oklahoma returns home to face K-State in Norman on Halloween.

For more: Crimson and Cream Machine, Rock Chalk Talk

Oklahoma State 34, Baylor 7

Ho-hum, the Cowboys traveled to Waco and dispatched punchless Baylor with ease, not allowing a score until a meaningless touchdown with seven minutes to go. There's not much to say about this one, as OSU dominated in every phase of the game. Zac Robinson was outstanding, completing 23 of 27 passes for 250 yards and three TDs, with no INTs.

Perhaps the most meaningless game of the day, this one did nothing to change any perception of either division race. It does set up a big showdown in Stillwater next weekend, as the Pokes "welcome" Texas for a showdown of teams who are undefeated in conference play. Meanwhile, Baylor gets to play the role of the bounceback girl for Nebraska.

Texas A&M 52, Texas Tech 30

In the "What the fuck?!" moment of the day, the Aggies turned the tables on every notion of common sense by beating Texas Tech in Lubbock. Strike that, not only did A&M beat Tech, they pretty much dominated. Both teams rolled up yards by the dozen, but only A&M could conver that to points. With Sticks Sheffield hurt, Tech reverted to Taylor Potts, who responded by throwing for 400+ yards and two costly interceptions. Meanwhile, the Texas Tech defense that had looked so stout against Big 12 competition thus far mysteriously disappeared, allowing 34 first downs, 559 total yards, and 322 rushing yards (not a misprint). Remember, this was an A&M team that was held to negative rushing yards last week by K-State.

While this game did nothing to change much in the South division race -- it's pretty clearly UT and Oklahoma State at this point -- it provided Texas A&M partisans with some much needed bragging rights in this rivalry. It prevented Tech from notching a fourth-straight triumph in the series, and was probably pretty satisfying for Mike Sherman after the war of words he and Mike Leach engaged in last season.

For more: I Am The 12th Man, Double T Nation

Texas 41, Missouri 7

Again, there's not much to say about this one. Texas led by three scores before the first quarter ended, and Missouri put up nothing resembling a fight. Maybe the other half of the Unholy Alliance can help me out with this one, but I have no idea how long it's been since Mizzou was held below 200 total yards for a game. Colt McCoy did pretty much anything he wanted, Blaine Gabbert still looks like a circus sideshow limping around on one leg, and the Mizzou just generally looked like it was stuck in second gear last night while Texas was blasting down the Autobahn at 100+ mph.

Hard to say what this one means for either division race. The result was expected, although Mizzou's utter ineptness may not have been. While Texas is a huge step up in class from anyone in the North, it's clear that Mizzou needs Gabbert to get healthy and needs its defense to come together (they showed Carl Gettis yelling at and then walking away from one of his assistant coaches on TV last night) to have any shot down the stretch.

For more: Burnt Orange Nation, Rock M Nation