Big 12: Week 3 Preview
Dec 1, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Case McCoy (6) is sacked by Kansas State Wildcats defensive back Randall Evans (15) during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Kansas State won 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Big 12: Week 3 Preview
One game is under the belt as Texas Tech took care of No. 24 on Thursday night, the lone matchup of conference opponents on the slate for Week 3 action. The marque game left on the schedule for this week’s action includes an enticing game between Texas and Ole Miss, perhaps a survival game for the Longhorns coaching staff.
The Schedule:
Georgia State vs. West Virginia (11 a.m. – Mountaineer Network)
Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, W. Va.
The Mountaineers (1-1) defense continue to show improvement last week despite a Big 12 loss to the Sooners. This week, WVU will take on Sun Belt opponent Georgia State (0-2). The Panthers first year in Division I feature losses at home against Samford and Chattanooga and will likely include a third on the road trip to Morgantown.
Tulsa vs. No. 14 Oklahoma (11 a.m. – ABC)
Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Okla.
Oklahoma’s defense took care of West Virginia in Week 2 but the offense lacked the punch needed to compete later in the season. With Trevor Knight out this week, senior Blake Bell is making his first-career start at quarterback and is seeking his first passing touchdown of his career. This is as good of an opportunity as he will get to do so in his career.
Iowa vs. Iowa State (5 p.m. – FS1)
Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, Iowa
An in-state rivalry heats up between two teams looking to build momentum before heading into conference play. Both teams are starting quarterbacks who have yet to start a game in their career with Jake Rudock, a sophomore from Iowa, faces off against sophomore Sam Richardson from Iowa State. This may be an ugly game when it comes to offensive play, but rivalries like this one usually feature a good ending.
Massachusetts vs. Kansas State (6 p.m. K-StateHD.tv)
Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, Kan.
The slate for the Wildcats thus far has been games against North Dakota State, which KSU lost, a game against Louisiana-Lafayette and now a game against Massachusetts. Such a schedule wouldn’t bring many season ticket holders to be happy about games to watch on the field, and even unhappier that Kansas State enters 1-1.
Kansas vs. Rice (6:30 p.m., CBSSN)
Rice Stadium, Houston, Texas
The Jayhawks opened the season with a win against South Dakota at home in Week 2 and travel to Houston for a matchup against Rice (0-1). It is tough to see what Rice will bring to the contest after a 52-31 at Texas A&M to begin its year, Rice’s offense will likely be able to move up and down the field on Kansas, but will Kansas be able to do the same against a defense that is suspect.
Lamar vs. No. 12 Oklahoma State (6:30 p.m. FSN)
Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Okla.
Oklahoma State enters 2-0 with wins against Mississippi State and UTSA to begin the season and host Southland Conference (FBS) opponent Lamar. The Cardinals (1-1) defeated Panhandle State 75-0 in its opener and lost to LA Tech 24-17 on the road last week. Oklahoma State will need to continue to spread the ball around in order to avoid any upset potential at the hands of the Cardinals.
No. 25 Ole Miss vs. Texas (7 p.m. LHN)
Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas
Dec 1, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Case McCoy (6) drops back to pass during a 42-24 loss to the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Ole Miss enters Austin with a 2-0 record and are facing a team in turmoil. The Longhorns sacked defensive coordinator Manny Diaz after an embarrassing loss at BYU last week. Texas is suspect to the run and Ole Miss will be looking to capitalize on the situation. On the offensive side, Case McCoy will be in for the injured David Ash.