HCS Mailbag: OSU and Iowa State Rest of Season, Can Houston Beat An Established Big 12 Team
Welcome to the HCS Big 12 Football mailbag. This mailbag is for all you football junkies out there who root for a Big 12 school, and not only have questions about your team but other teams in the conference as well. So, join me, grab a cold brew or your favorite drink, and relax as I answer all your Big 12 questions. I want to thank each one of you who submitted a question this week and for tonight’s drink of choice? You’ll just have to see for yourself. Cheers!
@Particular_Drew says: The angry 8 seem to be pretty interchangeable 3-10 in the BXII right now (except maybe Baylor). How do those 8 pan out in the final standings? Which teams ascend? Which fall? Same question for the struggling newcomers. Do any of those 4 crack the top half of the league?
Duke: I know you called them the hateful eight but since this conference has 14 teams now, I am just going to group everyone not named Texas or Oklahoma. In that group, I would say Kansas, Kansas State, and West Virginia are probably the three best teams. As for the teams falling off a cliff right now, I would say that Baylor, Houston, Cincinnati, TCU, and UCF fall into that category. To me, the only newcomer to have a chance to crack the top half of the conference is BYU.
@C_Boeckman asks: Iowa State prediction rest of the year? I think they have a good shot at getting a bowl game.
Duke: Iowa State is currently sitting at 3-3 with six games left against Cincinnati, Baylor, Kansas, BYU, Texas, and Kansas State. I don’t see a scenario where Iowa State beats Texas or Kansas State so that means they would have to win three games between Cincinnati, Baylor, Kansas, and BYU. Can they do it? Yes. I see the Cyclones getting to 6-6 and making a bowl game.
@Beenjamn_Gee asks: What are the odds that UH loses every conference game to the established Big 12 schools?
Duke: There is definitely a good chance that happens. Looking at Houston’s remaining schedule, their best chances to get a win are against Cincinnati or UCF. Maybe they have a chance against Baylor, but I doubt it. Even as bad as the Bears are right now, I am not sure if there is any team worse than the Houston Cougars. Also, their game against West Virginia on Thursday night is going to be interesting since Dana Holgorsen used to be the coach there.
@Gopokes02 asks: What are your thoughts on what Oklahoma State’s record looks like at the end of the year?
Duke: Oklahoma State still has plenty of games left on their schedule and right now they are sitting at 3-2 after their big win against Kansas State. In the next seven weeks, they will play Kansas, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Oklahoma, UCF, Houston, and BYU. Call me crazy, but I could see the Cowboys going 6-6 or 7-5. With them finally sticking with one quarterback (Alan Bowman), I feel a lot better about this team.
@BearcatMta asks: Why is a program in the middle of Iowa called the Cyclones with a bird as a mascot?
Duke: I had to look this one up, but apparently Cy the mascot 9 (the bird) was born in 1954. Since a cyclone was difficult to put into costume form, they decided to use a bird as a mascot. And that was today’s history lesson. You’re welcome.
@TedFlintKansas says: Compare Skyline Chili to a Big 12 team. Since I’m going to Cincinnati this weekend.
Duke: If you are asking me to compare Skyline Chili to a Big 12 team the obvious answer here would be Cincinnati, right? I really couldn’t compare it to anyone else because I have never had Skyline Chili before. If you get a chance to try it, let me know how it is!
