Sooners Will Nip Pokes?

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State do Bedlam Saturday night in Norman in an ABC televised game at 6:30.  One team, the Sooners, need the win more than the other, for no other reason than to try to salvage a god awful season that have the Big Red at 5 wins and 5 loses at kickoff.  The win would put OU in a bowl game, something that the Cowboys have already secured, as they have seven wins on the season. With that, the Pokes still have a slim chance to make the Big 12 conference title game against TCU, but they do not control their destiny.  Winning out for OSU and losing out for KSU and the Cowboys have a chance.  That is a very long shot.

Both teams have issues with defense.  OSU is not good at stopping the run.  And they give up big plays in the passing game.  But they do overcome much of their bad play with halftime adjustments and do produce turnovers.  OU does run the  ball with consistency with Eric Gray leading a strong rushing game. OU is weak in both rush and pass defense, so a healthy Spence Sanders for the Pokes is key.  If Sanders plays a complete game, OSU can score and keep up with the Sooners.  If he is hurt or limited, OU should take this one.  If OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel hits his receivers and they do not have drops, OU again should be good enough to pull out the win.  I have OU in a close win, 41 to 38.  But for this game, nothing is for sure.

TCU goes to Baylor to play the most important game in school history.  Yes, this game is that important to the Toads.  They are three wins from going to the playoffs and yes mother, these spitting frogs have a team that can win out.  But can they?  With this game, I will go with the number four team in the country and take TCU in a 31 to 23 win.  It will not be a cakewalk in Waco and yes daddy, Baylor does have the coaching, players, and home field to win this game.  But I cannot and will not think it will happen.

Kansas State wraps up their nod for Big 12 title game in Morgantown against the Mountaineers.  With the incentive of going to Arlington by winning this very important game, the Wildcats will prove they are the better team.  KSU 45 and West Virginia 24.

Kansas would love to do it again with the University of Texas (Austin).  And here is my upset for the week.  Texas loses again and the Horns are back to losing on the road.  I have Kansas 34 and Texas 31.  The folks in Austin will not be happy.

Iowa State has had a disastrous season and it will continue as the Red Raiders burn down Ames.  Iowa State will not be able to score enough in this one.  Texas Tech wins 36 to 27.

Rankings of the Big 12

1.  TCU

2.  Kansas State

3.  Oklahoma State

4.  Texas Tech

5.  Kansas

6.  Texas

7.  Oklahoma

8.  Baylor

9.  West Virginia

10.  Iowa State

Title Game:  TCU vs Kansas State

My National Rankings

1.  Georgia

2.  Tennessee

3.  TCU

4.  Ohio State

5.  Michigan

6.  LSU

7.  USC

8.  Alabama

9.  North Carolina

10. Clemson

National  predictions

Georgia 43 at Kentucky 17

Ole Miss 32 at Arkansas 21

Minnesota 17 and Iowa 14

Michigan 24 and Illinois 20

Wisconsin 40 at Nebraska 17

USC 38 at UCLA 36

Oregon 31 and Utah 28

Arizona 21 and Washington State 18

Oregon State 25 at Arizona State 22

California 30 and Stanford 24

Louisville 33 and NC State 21

Pittsburgh 28 and Duke 21

Liberty 29 and Virginia Tech 21

Tulsa 28 and S. Florida 24

Tulane 25 and SMU 24

Last week:  17-5