Kerry Meier returns at quarterback today for Kansas University, which ought to signal the end of the conservative offensive game plan. Oklahoma State’s defensive is vulnerable, its offense somewhat explosive, which means it’s going to require a lot of scoring for the Jayhawks to get their first Big 12 victory of the season.
The best path to success this weekend is to let Meier throw it downfield, even if that means he risks throwing interceptions. On the topic of risks, it’s also time for Mark Mangino to cross his fingers and allow Brian Murph to be the full-time punt returner. He has trouble catching punts, and defenders have trouble tackling him once he takes off.
This week’s Big 12 picks:
Kansas 31, Oklahoma State 28: Is there more to the story of why Jake Sharp hasn’t been used lately at running back than Jon Cornish’s having outstanding endurance? Maybe. KU is capable of calling a pass play on any down in any situation, so it’s imperative to have a running back who can pass-block well. That’s not something many true freshmen running backs arrive knowing how to do at the Big 12 level.
Oklahoma 42, Iowa State 21: The Cyclones can’t stop the run, can’t stop the pass and don’t force turnovers. They allow 28.7 points and 378.2 yards per game. The Sooners will enjoy healing from last week’s five-turnover loss to Texas.
Nebraska 31, Kansas State 17: Josh Freeman throws a beautiful ball, and Leon Patton is wicked fast, but it’s asking too much to expect them to be able to stay a step ahead of the scouting reports and produce big numbers every week.
Texas A&M 28, Missouri 27: Jorvorskie Lane, the Aggies’ tank of a running back, leads the nation with 13 rushing touchdowns. The Aggies do a better job of protecting the football than Texas Tech (five turnovers) did last week against Missouri, and they have a good shot at ending the fourth-longest winning streak in the nation (seven games, ranking behind only Ohio State, West Virginia and Florida).
Texas Tech 28, Colorado 20: The Buffs won’t go winless in Dan Hawkins’ first season. Or will they? Hugh Charles is a talented running back, and quarterback Bernard Jackson is a dangerous runner as well. Jackson, though, has completed under 50 percent of his passes, has thrown just one touchdown pass and five interceptions.
Texas 31, Baylor 10: Of all the opponents to have to face when trying to extend a three-game Big 12 winning streak. The Bears will just have to take their medicine and move on to a home game against Kansas, which likely will be the underdog.