Big 12 Week 6 Preview
Sep 7, 2013; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears running back Lache Seastrunk (25) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Buffalo Bulls at Floyd Casey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Big 12: Week 6 Preview
Game of the Week
TCU vs. Oklahoma (6 p.m. CT FOX)
Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Okla.
The Sooners are in the middle of a three-game run that opened with Notre Dame last week. This week, the Sooners face TCU, one Saturday before taking on Texas in the Red River Rivalry. When schedules were released, this game jumped out as one to watch for the race for the Big 12 title.
Since, TCU has fallen off a bit due to its lack of offensive production, but after a big win over SMU last week, Trevone Boykin may have shown that the team can score points with him at quarterback.
Sep 28, 2013; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) runs against Southern Methodist Mustangs linebacker Jonathan Yenga (2) during the game at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
On the other side of the ball, Oklahoma is looking to make the Horned Frogs one dimensional by taking away the three-headed attack that TCU features in the running game. If the Sooners can limit the run, the last year has shown that Boykin struggles getting the passing game going.
Blake Bell is also up against his own daunting test in a tough TCU secondary. Bell may have an extra advantage this year though, as All-American defensive lineman Devonte Fields is off to a slow start with an injury to his foot. Jason Verrett is also nursing an injury to his shoulder, but should be at 100 percent come Saturday evening.
The Rest of the Field
Texas Tech vs. Kansas (11 a.m. FS1)
Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kan.
Kansas is facing a tough task in its conference opener, hosting Texas Tech.
A point of interest is where Kansas’ improved defensive play shows up against the Red Raiders’ offense. Baker Mayfield has thrown four interceptions in his last two outings and is looking to bounce back after leading the Red Raiders to a marque win, 20-10 over TCU two weeks ago.
For the Jayhawks to have any chance, Jake Heaps will need to improve in the passing game. Heaps has completed just 54 percent of his attempts this season.
Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State (2:30 p.m. ABC)
Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Okla.
A clash of the conference’s last two champions offers plenty of intrigue in Stillwater.
Oklahoma State was shocked against West Virginia last week, as its typically potent offense was shut down. The Cowboys are left seeking answers.
Kansas State will need to stay two-dimensional on offense to have a chance against the Cowboys. The Wildcats went down early against Texas and had to resort to the passing game way too early to have a chance.
West Virginia vs. Baylor (7 p.m. FS1)
Floyd Casey Stadium, Waco, Texas
This has potential to be a surprise standout matchup. West Virginia showed that it has some fight left last week against Oklahoma State, and the Mountaineers provide the first real test for undefeated Baylor.
Baylor has been the hot commodity of the Big 12 so far in 2013. Lache Seastrunk leads the conference with 139 rushing yards per game, putting up six touchdowns in three games and 417 yards of offense overall. He and Bears quarterback Bryce Petty power the nation’s most productive scoring offense.
Clint Trickett is making his second start at quarterback for the Mountaineers. Trickett threw for 309 yards in the upset win, and could be the answer to WVU’s biggest question: who will replace Geno Smith from an offense that scored 70 points against Baylor a season ago.