Sooners and Mountaineers in big game; Oklahoma State/TCU prediction; Alabama still Number One

As mentioned last week, the Big Twelve football race might come down to three games and that is just what is happening in the league.  This Saturday night in Morgantown the Oklahoma Sooners make their visit to the east coast to play a very good and capable West Virginia team.  With a chance of snow in the weather forecast and a falling temperature in the low 30’s,  the nation will get to see two of the three best in the conference battle for first place.  With a star studded offense led by Heisman Trophy hopefuls Baker Mayfield at quarterback and DeDe Westbrook at the split end positon, Oklahoma will test the Mountaineer secondary.  Joe Mixon and Samaji Perine will push the ground game for OU with their ever improving offensive line leading the way.  For the home team, Dana Holgorgen’s consistent run game on offense will have to produce to chew up clock and keep the Sooners from added possessions and opportunities for scores.  The difference will again could be which team runs the ball, does not turn it over, and makes the big plays in special teams.  OU holds the stars on the field but West Virginia has not lost when playing a perfect game.  Turn it over and OU wins.  This one is a toss-up.  I have respect for the home field, but my other significant indicator is the team with the “stars” on the field.  I cannot pick the home team here but any score would not surprise me.  Oklahoma 38 and West Virginia 34.

Oklahoma State goes to Fort Worth and wlll try to keep pace in the conference in a roster kickoff.  OSU is the better team but TCU will get their shots to beat the Cowboys in this one.  I like the Frogs as the Pokes will not find a way to win in this one.  With that, Mason Rudolph and his core of pass catchers will find the big play and we will be in for a typical high scoring affair.  TCU 46 and Oklahoma State 45.

Baylor and Kansas State will meet in Waco for another roster start (11 am).  Picking the Bears here as the home team will get enough running game to defeat the Wildcats.  Baylor 28 and Kansas State 23.

Kansas will lose again, this time against the Longhorns of Texas.  The game will not be close.  Texas 42 and Kansas 14.

Notes from last week:  Thank God I did not see the video replay in the stadium when Baylor quarterback Seth Russell’s ankle was broken and dislocated. I had my head turned to make a comment to my son (sitting next to me in Section 2) on a rare “complete” tackle on the Baylor signal caller when I heard the moans of the fans on the replay.  I still have not watched the replay the game and really do not what to see the injury.  It was brutal.  As for the game, the Sooners did a nice job shutting the door on the Bears offense and Mike Stoops has his defenders getting much better.

As for the Cowboys win over Texas Tech, they found a way to win with the missed extra point.  Oklahoma State still has a chance to take the conference by winning the next two road games.

National Game of the Week:  Washington State at Colorado.  Buffs win 34 to 32

Last Week’s Big Twelve predictions:  3-1  Season 44-12

Big Twelve rankings

1. Oklahoma

2. Oklahoma State

3. West Virginia

4. TCU

5. Baylor

6. Texas

7. Texas Tech

8. Kansas State

9. Iowa State

10. Kansas

Fredsports Extra Top 25

1. Alabama

2. Ohio Stat

3. Clemson

4. Louisville

5. Michigan

6. Wisconsin

7. Washington

8. West Virginia

9. Oklahoma

10. Penn State

11. Oklahoma State

12. Utah

13. Colorado

14. Western Michigan

15. Washington State

16. Boise State

17. Florida

18. USC

19. Florida State

20. Auburn

21. LSU

22. Navy

23. Nebraska

24. Troy

25. San Diego State

Final Four:  Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, Louisville

Championship Game:  Alabama over Ohio State

Feature Photo of Skyler Howard found at:  http://www.hngn.com/articles/55473/20141229/texas-a-m-vs-west-virginia-live-stream-radio-broadcast-liberty.htm