Big Twelve Review: Sooners out-classed by Buckeyes; Cowboys pass past Pittsburgh; Texas disappoints in California

Ohio State Routs OU while Oklahoma State wins over ACC’s Pittsburg while Texas cannot stop the Cal Bears passing game 

Ohio State beats Oklahoma 45-24 in Norman-The Buckeyes are a contender for the National Title this year, next year, and for the foreseeable future. Speed on defense, a stout offensive line, a solid mistake free quarterback, and an exceptional wide receiver was too much for the Sooners Saturday night.  The largest sports crowd in Oklahoma state history, a shade under 88,000, watched the rout, after an hour and one half minute delay for weather. The Urban Meyer coached Bucks, the youngest Division One team in the country, played some serious football with showcasing the best collective athletes on any football team just north of Tuscaloosa.

OU was beaten on the field and in the coaching box, as the Sooner offense was lacking in getting their best player, Joe Mixon, the ball on a consistent basis, while Defensive Coordinator Mike Stoops had no answers in getting his defenders to stop the effective Ohio State running and passing game.   I might add the Ohio State’s BEST DAMN BAND IN THE LAND was every bit as fine as any in the country. It was fabulous during their halftime performance in dotting the I in scrip Ohio.

On a personal note, and as a college football fan, I totally enjoyed watching a great team play.   The Buckeyes reminded me of  many former Sooner teams that were so much better than even the good teams they would play. OU is actually a good football team and will win most of the games to play this year.  Yet, Ohio State was that much better Saturday, smacking the Sooners into their second loss in three games.  OU was on the receiving end of some Bucknut haymakers Saturday. The almost two hour delay and the $125 face value ticket price was well worth it.  (Sooner fans, the bar has been set and it is up to the football coaches and administration to get with it to make OU football like it was when the Sooners were not just playing the best teams but beating them.  The ball is in President David Boren and Coach Bob Stoops field of play.  Time to get with it.  Another Ohio State thumping is just a short year away.

Oklahoma State proved that they can be a very good passing team if the opponent’s pass defense is terrible. The Pokes 42-35 win in Stillwater showcased Mason Rudolph and James Washington as the best pass catch combination in the Big Twelve.  If you can’t stop the pass you are in for a long day when you play O-State.  Pittsburgh is not a bad team and the win was every bit as good for the conference as the Texas upset of Notre Dame in the first week of the season. The Panthers and Irish are very close in more ways than just talent.  A solid win for the Big Twelve.

Baylor played a sluggish first half against a bad Rice Owl team and finished them off with a better second half performance, winning 38-10 in Waco.  Baylor should be showing more than they have in their first three games against suspect opponents and I think they will come out next week and play much better against the Cowboys in another home contest.  More on this key matchup later in the week.

Memphis was too much for Kansas as the Jayhawks lose a road game 43-7.  Kansas was not good as usual.

TCU was all over Iowa State in conference action 41-20 in Fort Worth.  Iowa State was not good as usual. TCU did what they needed to do to win. Not an impressive win for the Frogs.

Kansas State had an easy win over a weak Florida Atlantic team.  The Wildcats named the score 63-7 in the Little Apple.

Texas Tech win at home over Louisiana  Tech 58-45.  Same story on defense for the Red Raiders. That defense might break records this year in Lubbock, and not the good ones.

California proved that Texas might have some issues on defense as the Bears take the home win at 50-43. Every loss for Coach Strong is a major setback and brings the coach closer to being fired sometime this season.  Not a good game for the Horns.

Big Twelve Weekly Ranking

1. West Virginia

2. Oklahoma State

3. Oklahoma

4. TCU

5. Baylor

6. Texas

7. Kansas State

8. Texas Tech

9. Iowa State

10. Kansas

Right now the top eight teams have the potential to win any given Saturday in the Conference. Even Tech with that point a minute defense can not be counted out. They will score on everyone in the league and if you turn it over and don’t match the scoring machine of Mahomes you can get beat.

Feature photo: OSU defenders stop Pitt runner in game action. Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports