Week 8 in the Big 12 Conference is a huge week that pits four of its six BCS ranked teams squaring off against each other.  This weekend’s matchups should go a long ways in giving us a solid preview of who will end up playing in this year’s Big 12 Championship game.

Let’s get to it…

No.1 Oklahoma @ No.11 Missouri:

The marquee matchup this week in the Big 12 pits two undefeated teams with possible National Title implications on the line.

Whoever comes out on top in this matchup will take a huge step towards a Big 12 Championship game entry, as well as sustaining their still strong National Title hopes.

The line is a paltry 2.5 to 3 points in this matchup that pits two strong offenses with what may be the two best QB’s in the league.  Blaine Gabbert is still nursing some sore ribs and is a bit of a concern if he is to get banged around a bit by the Sooners pass rushing demon in Jeremy Beal.

Missouri does get back all-everything DE Aldon Smith for this game, and he could play a vital role in this game as he can get pressure on Jones as well as provide solid support in Missouri’s attempts to shut down the electrifying DeMarco Murray.

While Missouri has had little success against the Sooners in the past, this Missouri team is much different in years past as they have a defense that can match up with the Sooners defense blow for blow.  The aforementioned Aldon Smith is one of the Big 12’s best defensive players, and the emergence of Carl Gettis and Kevin Rutland as solid CB’s has elevated the Missouri defense as the No. 2 ranked scoring defense in the entire country.

With everybody and their dog calling for Oklahoma as the virtual “lock” of the week, I’ll run the other way and play the other side with the Tigers as they keep their dream season alive and improve their record to 7-0.

Missouri 31  Oklahoma 27

 

No. 16 Nebraska @ No. 14 Oklahoma State:

I’ve already previewed this matchup and have sported my homer glasses in supporting my Huskers in a comfortable win.

You can find that preview right here.

Nebraska 37  Oklahoma State 24

 

Iowa State @ No. 19 Texas:

Texas got a huge win over the Huskers last week and look to have righted the ship after a rough start to the season that included a humbling defeat at the hands of a very average UCLA team.

Iowa State got a huge win over Texas Tech three weeks ago but have since responded with two dreadful showings against Utah and Oklahoma.  Obviously the schedule doesn’t get much easier this week as they take on the improving Longhorns in Austin.

For a struggling Iowa State team, this isn’t exactly the medicine they need as they try to recover from two very back-to-back losses.  Look for that trend to continue as the staunch Texas defense should have a field day with the hapless Cyclone offense.

Texas 44  Iowa State 13

 

No. 22 Kansas State @ Baylor:

This is fairly shocking line in that Baylor is favored by a solid 6.5 points in this contest. 

Kansas State comes into this game with a solid 5-1 record, but the only team with a pulse that they have played this year (Nebraska), handed them their lunch 48-13 in Manhattan.

Baylor now stands at a solid 5-2 and are in a tie for third in the Big 12 South.  Looking ahead at Baylor’s future schedule, this is a must win if they are to lock up a bowl bid this season since one of their victories was over FCS opponent Sam Houston State.  That means that Baylor will not only need to beat Kansas State on Saturday, but also take down one of the following to end their season:  @ Texas, @ Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Oklahoma.

Look for the exhilarating talents of Robert Griffin to be on display in this one as the pedestrian Kansas State defense will struggle to keep up with the Baylor offensive speed and explosiveness.  On the other side of the ball, Daniel Thomas should find some good going against a rather average Baylor defense.

Look for a lot of points, and a solid Baylor victory.

Baylor 38  Kansas State 27

 

Texas A&M @ Kansas:

The promising season for the Texas A&M Aggies has hit a brick wall with three straight defeats against Oklahoma State, Arkansas and Missouri.

However, if there is a team in the Big 12 to get healthy against, you can’t find a more “giving” opponent than the inept Kansas Jayhawks.

After Kansas’ huge win over Georgia Tech back in Week 2, the Jayhawks have been manhandled by Southern Miss, Baylor and Kansas State.  In their two Big 12 losses, the ‘Hawks have been outscored by an average score of 57-7.

Things won’t get any better for the Fighting Turner Gills as the Aggies should take out some frustration on the hapless Jayhawks.

Texas A&M  48  Kansas 22

 

Texas Tech @ Colorado:

Interesting matchup between two teams in dire need of a victory to keep their marches toward a bowl bid alive.

Colorado suffered a tough defeat at home to Baylor just last week, while the Red Raiders had a rather uninspiring performance in a 17 point loss to Oklahoma State.

A tough game to handicap that should be full of momentum swings and lead changes throughout the contest.  In the end, I’ll side with the better coach and overall more talented team from Texas Tech.

Texas Tech 31  Colorado 28

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