Well the mighty BCS has spoken. The first BCS poll was released this week and made a couple of this weekend’s game a huge deal for the Big 12. Games that wouldn’t normally be put on the national radar are now in the college football spotlight for the weekend. And if you haven’t been paying attention, I am talking about #1 Oklahoma at #11 Missouri and #16 Nebraska at #14 Oklahoma State.
With both of the home teams playing their homecoming game this weekend, I don’t think either had expected the game to be so high profile. Oklahoma State has a chance to hang in the South race if they can pull off a “W” against the Huskers, although the rest of their schedule is by no means getting easier after this weekend.
After Nebraska, they play three top 25 teams. Oklahoma State does have the weapons to stay in the running at this point. As Jay said in his recent article about Oklahoma State, they have the tools on offense to get the job done. They are 6-0 and ranked. They control their own destiny from here. Winning this weekend is a big step towards finishing and actually being a contender.
Nebraska is coming off the devastating loss to Texas and has a lot to prove in getting back in the fight for the best in the North. Both teams need big defensive plays to win. In the end, I think Oklahoma State is going to have an unhappy Homecoming finish with a loss to Nebraska. But it will be close.
That brings us to Oklahoma and Mizzou. The ESPN GameDay crew will be in town making it their game of the week. Since the days of Chase Daniel, this matchup has been a trash talking rivalry every year they have played. There is almost always someone from either side who decides to bash the other in the press beforehand. We haven’t heard much at all this time around.
With Missouri being the “Show Me State”, I think they need to show me some more before I am a believer. They have played a less than impressive schedule this season. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert has had impressive numbers, but this is their first real test. Oklahoma is the most complete team they have played to date. And with Nebraska looming next weekend, the Tigers are looking at a rough stretch the next couple weeks.
As for Oklahoma, I am going to repeat what I have been saying all year. Defense, defense, and more defense. Did I mention defense? The Sooners need to stay tight and the secondary needs to step up again like they did last weekend against Iowa State. The Sooner offense just needs to keep the momentum up. With Broyles and Murray as the go to guys, I don’t think this will be an issue. I think the Sooners will take over and beat the Tigers Saturday.
With a big football weekend outside of the Big 12 too, I think my TV remote’s “last channel” button will be getting a work out this weekend. Happy Saturday!
