Oklahoma makes quick work of West Virginia
Oklahoma continued its undefeated conference streak by winning 56-28 against West Virginia in snowy Morgantown, WV. The Sooners scored 34 unanswered points in the first half and safely held the lead for the rest of the game.
However, West Virginia attempted a furious comeback in the second, scoring three quick touchdowns, but two Oklahoma scores ensured Sooner victory.
Both teams’ running games flourished in the hostile weather. Oklahoma running backs Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon gained 160 and 147 yards, respectively, while West Virginia running back Justin Crawford rushed for 331 yards. Oklahoma is now 9-2 (8-0 conference) while West Virginia is 8-2 (5-2 conference).
Iowa State stuns Texas Tech in blowout
One of the biggest surprises of the week was Iowa State’s dominant 66-10 victory over Texas Tech. The Cyclones played their most complete game of the year, committing no turnovers, throwing only five incompletions, and limiting the normally explosive Tech offense to 306 yards while gaining 608 yards.
The Red Raiders, for their part, struggled to get a run game going while quarterback Patrick Mahomes II’s accuracy took a hit.
With the loss, Texas Tech (4-7, 2-6 conference) is no longer bowl eligible, while Iowa State improved to 3-8 (2-6 conference) after its second straight win.
Oklahoma State, Kansas State cruise to easy wins
An expected close matchup between Oklahoma State and TCU, was anything but. The Cowboys enjoyed a 31-6 win on the strength of their rushing game — freshman running back Justice Hill had 154 yards while senior running back Chris Carson had 146 yards — while TCU struggled offensively behind quarterback Kenny Hill. The win is Oklahoma State’s seventh in a row, while TCU is still looking to gain bowl eligibility.
The Kansas State-Baylor game was close at the beginning, but the Wildcats pulled ahead to a 42-21 win in the second half.
Baylor was unable to stop Kansas State running back Alex Barnes, who scored four touchdowns and rushed for 129 yards, and the Bear’s freshman quarterback, Zach Smith, looked his age in the loss. Kansas State gained bowl eligibility with the win, while Baylor suffered its fourth loss in as many games.
Bedlam highlights upcoming Big 12 schedule
With both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State winning their games on Saturday “Bedlam” — their rivalry matchup in December — will decide the Big 12 conference champion for the second year in a row. In addition to being conference champion, the winner also has an outside chance of making the college football playoffs.
Also in the last two weeks, TCU and Texas will still be looking to gain bowl eligibility, while Baylor, Kansas State and West Virginia will be playing to determine their bowl placement.
