Oklahoma State vs TCU Preview: Battle of Unbeatens Headlines Weekly Big 12 Roundup
Last Two Undefeated Teams in Big 12 Set to Square Off
Can Surprising Kansas Finally End Losing Streak Against Oklahoma?
There has not been a conference more full of surprises than the Big 12 conference. Just last week three of the four games were decided by 10 points or less and the lone exception was the stunning 49-0 win by Texas over preseason Big 12 favorite Oklahoma. For the second weekend in a row, there is a showdown of undefeated teams. Texas Christian, fresh off handing Kansas its first loss of the season, will look to do the same against Oklahoma State. Naturally, the Oklahoma State vs TCU preview headlines the weekly Big 12 roundup.
The Jayhawks will have to shake off the loss to TCU when they travel to meet an Oklahoma team eager to atone for one of the most lopsided defeats in program history. It is one of the more intriguing games on this week’s NCAA football schedule.
Oklahoma State is the lone Big 12 team ranked in the top 10 in both national polls. The Cowboys remained at No. 7 in the American Football Coaches Association poll, while they dropped a spot to No. 8 in the Associated Press rankings. TCU jumped four spots to 13th in the AP poll and moved up from 18th to 15th in the coaches’ poll. Kansas State and Kansas are in the top 20 in both polls.The NCAAF scheduling football gods have given us a fantastic year, and each week gets better and better.
Oklahoma State (+250) and Texas Christian (+275) have the best odds to win the Big 12 title followed by Kansas State (+425) and Baylor (+650).
Game of the Week
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Texas Christian Horned Frogs
Date & Time:
Line: Texas Christian -4
Yet another challenge for the TCU Horned Frogs who have defeated preseason Big 12 favorite Oklahoma and previously undefeated Kansas in the last two weeks. Now lets take a look at the Oklahoma State vs TCU preview.
TCU (5-0, 2-0 in the Big 12) is third nationally with an average of 530 yards per game. The improvement in the run game has been remarkable with the Horned Frogs going from 4.98 yards per rush a season ago to 6.61 so far in 2022 despite the transfer of leading rusher Zach Evans.
Kendre Miller has stepped into the lead back role with no hesitation. Quarterback Max Duggan not only has 14 touchdown passes and just one interception, but is also the second-leading rusher.
A key for TCU will be how the Horned Frogs hold up against an Oklahoma Sate defense that is tied for second nationally with 51 tackles for loss. Mason Cobb, Tyler Lacy and Brock Martin all have at least six TFLs.
On offense, Spencer Sanders had his issues against ranked teams in 2021 with nine of his 12 interceptions coming in the four games against ranked opponents for the Cowboys (5-0, 2-0).
TCU has won the last two home games against the Cowboys and will be looking to atone for last year’s debacle when Oklahoma State scored 63 points.
When looking at the Oklahoma State vs TCU preview, four of the last five games in the series have gone over the college football odds total.
Other Games to Watch
Baylor Bears vs West Virginia Mountaineers
Date & Time:
Line: Baylor -3.5
With the surprising starts by TCU and Kansas to go with some early stumbled from Oklahoma and Texas, defending Big 12 champion Baylor has been flying a bit under after losses to Brigham Young and Oklahoma State.
The Baylor Bears (3-2, 1-1) are favored on the road against an improved West Virginia team that is led by former Georgia quarterback J.T. Daniels. Baylor answers with Blake Shapen. The Bears do miss bruising running back Abram Smith.
The top receivers on both teams couldn’t be more different. West Virginia’s Bryce Ford-Wheaton averages just 11.8 yards on 35 receptions. Baylor’s Monaray Baldwin averages 21.8 yards per catch but has only come down with 12 receptions.
It might come as a surprise to some who bet online to realize that West Virginia (2-3, 0-2) has won four of the last six games against Baylor. The Mountaineers have covered in three of the last four meetings.
Iowa State Cyclones vs Texas Longhorns
Date & Time:
Line: Texas -16.5
So much for the underachieving Longhorns at Texas completely obliterated an Oklahoma team that was expected to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff field.
Getting quarterback Quinn Ewers back after he missed the last three games was crucial. Ewers threw four touchdown passes against Oklahoma. It could be a tougher test for Ewers and the Texas offense facing an Iowa State team that leads the Big 12 in passing defense, allowing 186.5 yards per game. Texas isn’t far behind at 212 yards allowed in the first six games.
Three of the 10 players in the Big 12 with at least two interceptions are set to play in this game. Texas’ secondary is led by D’Shawn Jamison and Jahdae Barron while versatile Iowa State linebacker Colby Reeder also has a pair of interceptions.
Iowa State (3-3, 0-3) has won three games in a row against the Longhorns (4-2, 2-1) after dropping 13 of the previous 15 contests.
Kansas Jayhawks vs Oklahoma Sooners
Date & Time:
Line: Oklahoma -7
This game should speak volumes about both teams.
Perennial Big 12 doormat Kansas Jayhawks has been one of the biggest surprises in college football and the Jayhawks could easily be heading into this game undefeated.
There are concerns about the status of Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels. However, Jason Bean came off the bench to throw four TD passes last week. The biggest loss for the Kansas offense if Daniels is out or even limited is his running ability as he is the Jayhawks’ second-leading rusher behind Devin Neal.
Oklahoma Sooners’ defense has some serious issues as no Big 12 team allows more rushing yards, total yards or yards per play than the Sooners.
Speaking of defense, keep an eye on Lonnie Phelps of Kansas who is tied for the conference lead with 8.5 tackles for loss.
Kansas (5-1, 2-1) is looking for its first win against Oklahoma (3-3, 0-3) since 1997. The Jayhawks have covered against the college football betting lines in four of the last five matchups. Check back right here for the latest Big 12 football odds, stats, and news.
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