Nov 7, 2015; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) looks to pass the ball against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Big 12
Baylor at Oklahoma – True freshman quarterback Jarrett Stidham came in last week and threw for 419 yards in his first start of the season as the Bears shaded Kansas State, 31-24, in Manhattan. The Sooners kept rolling behind a 372-yard performance from quarterback Baker Mayfield. This is another Big 12 shootout, but the Sooners seem to have fixed their psyche after the loss to Texas. Baylor won 41-12 last year, so revenge is on OU’s mind.
SOONERS 48, BEARS 37.
Oklahoma State at Iowa State – The Cyclones are a formidable opponent at home, so the Cowboys can’t rest at 9-0 as they have risen to No. 5 in the nation. The Cowboys are in position to possibly win the Big 12 after their thorough 49-29 whipping of TCU in Stillwater. The Pokes forced Trevone Boykin into four interceptions as 21 points came off those picks. Too much speed and too much at stake for OSU.
COWBOYS 41, CYCLONES 17.
Kansas at TCU – It’s a good weekend to see the Jayhawks on the schedule and at home if you are TCU. The Horned Frogs outgained OSU by nearly 100 yards as Boykin threw for 445. It was the turnovers that stymied their national title bid. Kansas has been the Big 12 doormat all season and Boykin and Company should bring their game with a vengeance.
HORNED FROGS 65, JAYHAWKS 16.
Texas at West Virginia – It’s hard to believe that there have been rumbles about Charlie Strong’s job in Austin as he is in only his second year and is trying to recruit and build a program. Dana Holgorsen seems to be on the ledge, needlessly, in Morgantown as well. D’Onta Foreman comes off a 157 yards on 12 carries as he had a 93-yard run that sparked the 59-20 win over Kansas. WVU outlasted Texas Tech and needs this win to get in position for bowl eligibility.
LONGHORNS 27, MOUNTAINEERS 24.
PAC-12
Oregon at Stanford – The Ducks look like they have gotten their game together just in time to play their physical nemesis in the Stanford Cardinal. Christian McCaffrey continues to be the focal point of David Shaw’s offense. He even threw a touchdown pass in last week’s 42-10 win over Colorado. Vernon Adams threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns for Oregon, while Royce Freeman continued his role with 182 rushing yards. The key is for Oregon to put up a physical mantra early.
CARDINAL 38, DUCKS 24.
Utah at Arizona – The Utes kept rolling with another strong game from Devontae Booker as he ran for 150 yards on 34 carries in a 34-23 win over Washington. Arizona has trouble stopping the run and the Utes could gash Arizona early as the Wildcats allow 173 yards per game on the ground. USC ran for 229 against the Wildcats defense on Saturday.
UTES 40, WILDCATS 27.
Washington State at UCLA – The Cougars are bowl eligible for the second time under Mike Leach after quarterback Luke Falk burned Arizona State for 496 passing yards over the weekend. This game could be a shootout with Josh Rosen’s consistency at quarterback after his 333 yards through the air in a UCLA shutout of Oregon State, 41-0. Paul Perkins could be the difference as he gives the Bruins the most legitimate running attack.
BRUINS 31, COUGARS 27.
USC at Colorado – The Trojans are rolling as Clay Helton is making a case to be a serious contender for the USC head coaching job. Ronald Jones had 177 yards on 19 carries as the Trojans took over Arizona, 38-30, after a slow start. Jones has become the go-to guy in the Trojans’ deep backfield, complementing Cody Kessler in the passing game. This is in Boulder, but the talent is a mismatch.
TROJANS 45, BUFFALOES 17.
