Big 12 Light

Midterms are challenging, projects are hard work, and now finals are bearing down. All the work can be overwhelming. I surely succumbed to the pressure and went MIA for a few weeks, as have some Big 12 teams. But now I’m back. Just in time for the last week of regular play, and with all the rivalry games, it’ll be a great week.

North

Colorado at No. 15 Nebraska
The Buffs have lost six games and a head coach, but Colorado is on an upswing with two wins against Iowa State and Kansas State. Nebraska suffered a crushing loss in College Station, amassing 16 penalties and -145 yards. Bo Pelini’s sideline antics didn’t help either. If the Cornhuskers can put aside the distractions and if Taylor Martinez avoids injury and stays in the game, Nebraska will clinch the Big 12 North title.

No. 14 Missouri vs. Kansas
While the Tigers are certainly preparing for Saturday, Missouri is intensely interested in a Friday game too. Nebraska’s. If the Cornhuskers lose to Colorado, all Missouri has to do is win against the Jayhawks to steal the Big 12 North title out from under Nebraska’s nose. Kansas won’t put up too much of a fight for Gabbert and Co. so their fate truly lies in Colorado’s hands.

Kansas State at North Texas
The Wildcats end on an easy note against North Texas, and although they have had a mediocre season, this should be an effortless win. Kansas State won bowl eligibility by beating Texas, and right now CBSSports.com predicts the Wildcats will go to the Pinstripe Bowl in New York. And unfortunately, no matter how many points Kansas State hangs on North Texas this weekend, the Wildcats won’t climb any higher.

South

No. 13 Oklahoma at No. 9 Oklahoma State
Most years, the Cowboys play underdog, attempting to spoil the Sooners’ Thanksgiving weekend, but not this time. If Oklahoma manages an upset on Saturday, the Sooners will claw their way back to the top of the Big 12 South. But it won’t be easy, for either team. These two quarterbacks are neck-and-neck. OU’s Landry Jones has completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,479 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. OSU’s Brandon Weedon has completed 68 percent of his passes for 3, 780 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Expect an air attack of this game, with each team averaging over 300 yards per game. In a rivalry game like this, the win could go either way.

No. 17 Texas A&M at Texas
The Aggies are coming off an ugly win against Nebraska and kept up their winning streak since the quarterback swap weeks ago. Texas stopped their downhill slide with a win against Florida Atlantic. Facing the Aggies tomorrow is the Longhorn’s last chance to make bowl eligibility and avoid a losing season. That might light enough of a fire underneath the Texas team to keep the game close, but the Aggies have the momentum and the advantage in this matchup.

Growing up in Texas, this game was the event of the season, especially since it coincided with an overload of turkey and gravy. And this year, I have no time for a Thanksgiving coma. I’ll be in Austin at DKR Memorial Stadium to watch the Longhorns face the Aggies. Check back tomorrow for live blogging during the game!

Houston at Texas Tech
The Red Raiders may be ending with a non-conference game, but this one won’t be a cakewalk. The Cougars will bring the competition to Lubbock and a team similar to Tech. Both rely on a heavy passing game, averaging roughly 320 yards per game, which is bolstered by a decent ground game, averaging more than 140 yards per game as well. Houston will keep it close in the first half, but Tech will pull ahead in the third quarter and hang onto the lead.