I find it difficult to believe the Big 12 North is anything more than an average division — at best — after this weekend’s slate of football games.
For more on this idea, plus my reaction on Texas beating Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, check out the latest edition of ConferenceChatterTV:
Back to the North. Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri all went home with losses on Saturday.
In fact, this division is so messed up that the updated standings look like this:
Kansas State will play host to Colorado next week in a game that will have implications on first place in the North.
Two weeks ago, K-State and Colorado looked like two of the worst teams in any BCS conference.
The Buffaloes and the Wildcats vying for first place in the North is like the Chiefs and Raiders facing each other more than halfway through the NFL season for first place in the AFC West. Just doesn’t feel right.
Week 7 of the college football season was easily the most surprising week in the Big 12. The only question: What was the most surprising development?
I present to you this week’s list of nominees:
1. Colorado 34, Kansas 30
Before this weekend, Colorado looked like the worst team in the North, while Kansas was undefeated and looking at 6-0 with Oklahoma coming to town. A quarterback change later and the Buffaloes saved their season and knocked the Jayhawks out of first place.
2. Kansas State 62, Texas A&M 14
This is my choice. What in the name of Bill Snyder got into K-State? Two weeks ago, the Wildcats lost by 52 points at Texas Tech. A week later, they obliterate A&M by 48? This isn’t adding up.
http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/blogs/entry_img/2009/Oct/18/Texas_A_M_Kansas_St_Football-5_.jpg
K-State running back Daniel Thomas
To put this craziness into perspective, let’s break it down. K-State has faced five FBS opponents this season (Louisiana-Lafayette, UCLA, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Texas A&M).
K-State’s sack total in four FBS games against Lafayette, UCLA, ISU and Tech: 2
K-State sack total vs. A&M: 6
K-State’s rushing TDs in four previous FBS games: 4
K-State’s rushing TDs vs. A&M: 6
K-State’s turnovers in four previous FBS games: 8
K-State’s turnovers vs. A&M: 0
Interceptions thrown by A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson all season, before Manhattan: 0
Interceptions thrown by Johnson at K-State: 3
And A&M was favored.
3. Texas Tech 31, Nebraska 10
In their first conference home game of the season, the Huskers looked rather anemic on offense. Their receivers dropped passes and the dreaded two-quarterback system (Zac Lee, Cody Green) was put into effect. The two-quarterback system is a sign of a team that lacks an offensive identity.
http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/blogs/entry_img/2009/Oct/18/Nebraska_Texas_Tech_Football-4.jpg
Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee throws against Tech
Just a week ago, Nebraska mounted a memorable 27-point, fourth quarter comeback against Missouri. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini awarded the Blackshirts to his defense. After this weekend, the Huskers look about as average as the rest of the North.
Texas Tech’s victory put into perspective the superiority of the South division. Yeah, I know, K-State’s victory over A&M. But come on. Nebraska, at home, with all the hype back and a No. 15 ranking, losing to Tech, maybe the third-best team in the South? And Nebraska didn’t just lose. Anyone who watched that game knew Tech pummeled Nebraska. It makes the North look bad.
4. Sam Bradford injured again in UT’s 16-13 win over OU
http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/blogs/entry_img/2009/Oct/18/Oklahoma_Texas___colocutout.jpg
I had a feeling the Red River rivalry would lack the offensive firepower from last year’s 45-35 UT victory. As an observer, though, I was stoked to see Colt McCoy vs. Sam Bradford one more time. A week ago, Bradford threw 49 passes against Baylor. I thought he was healthy. He only lasted one possession against Texas before he re-injured his throwing shoulder. I’d be surprised to see Bradford play for Oklahoma the rest of the season.
Onto the awards from the bizarre week 7 that was:
Player of the week: Tyler Hansen, Colorado
The Buffaloes needed a spark on offense after benching the ineffective Cody Hawkins. Hansen, who accounted for 209 yards and two scores, gave them the boost of energy they lacked. Hansen is more mobile than Hawkins and can extend plays when pressure arrives in the backfield. He looked a whole lot like an earlier version of Todd Reesing. Hansen saved Colorado’s season. Had the Buffs lost, they would have been 0-2 in the conference and 1-5 overall. Being 1-1 and 2-4 is a lot different.
Sleeper alert: Hubert Anyiam, Oklahoma State
http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/blogs/entry_img/2009/Oct/18/Missouri_Oklahoma_St_Football.jpg
Anyiam, filling in the No. 1 wide receiver role for the ineligible Dez Bryant, has caught a touchdown in his last two games. Saturday against Missouri, Anyiam broke out with 10 catches, 119 yards and a score.
Here’s the latest Sorrentino Scale to close this entry. The number in parentheses is what the team was ranked last week.
That should be all for now, friends. As always, discuss.
