- No. 11 Oklahoma State vs. TCU
- Saturday – 11 a.m. – FS1
Saturday is slated with games carrying Big 12 title implications.
Oklahoma State survived Texas Tech after the Red Raiders shanked a potential game-tying extra point in Stillwater last Saturday. Junior quarterback Mason Rudolph, who ranks fifth nationally in passing yards and has 24 passing touchdowns to his name on the season, leads the Cowboys to Fort Worth.
TCU has backtracked from 2015, with a 5-4 record. The Horned Frogs will look to avenge last year’s defeat in Stillwater with the help of junior running back Kyle Hicks. Hicks saved TCU from a losing record with 195 total yards and five touchdowns in a 62-22 upset demolition over Baylor two weeks ago.
- No. 22 Washington State vs. No. 10 Colorado
- Saturday – 2:30 p.m. – (Station TBD)
For years, Washington State and Colorado were the cellar dwellers of the Pac-12. But in 2016, Mike Leach and Mike MacIntyre meet with their teams atop of the conference divisions.
Washington State has torched opponents with its air-raid offense. The nation’s second-leading passer, junior quarterback Luke Falk, commands the high-octane offense.
Defensively, the Buffaloes counter Falk with senior outside linebacker Jimmie Gilbert. Gilbert has been a force as a pass rusher, blitzing his way to nine sacks and two forced fumbles in 2016.
Points should be abundant in this potential Pac-12 title game.
- No. 9 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 West Virginia
- Saturday – 7 p.m. – ABC
The Big 12 still lacks a championship game, but the two top-15 foes know that Saturday’s winner will likely win the Big 12 title at the end of the season. Oklahoma has run the table in conference play, humiliating Baylor by three touchdowns last week.
Junior quarterback Baker Mayfield served as a model of accuracy, completing 80 percent of his passes for 300 yards in the victory. His potent offense faces the Big 12’s strongest defense in a West Virginia unit that is allowing only 20.6 points per game. West Virginia escaped Texas on the road last Saturday, but may need more than 24 points to take down “Big Game Bob” Stoops’ Sooners in Morgantown.
- No. 13 USC vs. UCLA
- Saturday – 9:30 p.m. – ESPN
The teams’ have nearly opposite records, but the battle for the Victory Bell remains a must-watch each year.
USC won 2015’s showdown in Los Angeles, preceded by three-consecutive UCLA victories. But the Trojans are ranked and rolling this year, winning six-straight under freshman quarterback Sam Darnold.
USC spoiled Washington’s perfect season in week 11, on the coattails of two Adoree’ Jackson interceptions. The junior cornerback is one of the nation’s top playmakers and is a dangerous threat on defense and special teams.
UCLA on the other hand, is fighting for bowl eligibility. Injuries and a difficult schedule have regressed the Bruins to a 4-6 season. But in rivalry games, records are often tossed aside once pride, history and a trophy are on the line.