Welcome to Tuesday Takes, where I give you five takes from the Big 12. It was a jam-packed week full of action, but here were several things that caught my attention from this past weekend.
Kansas State Won’t Finish in the Top Five
Prior to the season starting, I was high on the Wildcats. In fact, I had them playing in Arlington this season. But after watching their first three games of the season, I don’t even think they will be in the Big 12 title conversation.
The defense has been shaky at best, but perhaps the biggest issue I have with them is offensively. Avery Johnson hasn’t been bad, but it seems like he isn’t on the same page as his receivers. Plus, the lack of a classic Kansas State rushing attack is concerning, to say the least. It makes me think that this team has never recovered from the Iowa State loss in Ireland because they look like a shell of what I thought they would be. Instead of playing up to their standards, they have been playing down to their competition over the last two games.
Sawyer Roberston Will Win Big 12 Player of the Year
I raved about Iowa State’s Rocco Becht last week, but after seeing Sawyer Roberston’s first two games, it’s hard to imagine a world where he doesn’t win Big 12 offensive player of the year. Through two games, Roberston has thrown for over 850 yards, 7 touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
What makes his stat line even more impressive is the competition he has faced. Baylor has played Auburn and SMU, and you can make an argument that the Bears have played the two toughest non-conference games so far this season. As long as Robertson is on the field, Baylor has a chance to beat anyone they play.
West Virginia Won’t Win a Big 12 Game
This past weekend, West Virginia had two devastating losses. One was to Ohio, and the other was losing star running back Jahiem White. He was the focal point of their offense, and without him, they are going to struggle to move the football because they don’t have many playmakers. When I look at their schedule, I have a tough time seeing a win. Their best shot will be against UCF and Houston, but both of those games will be on the road.
Arizona State Will Be Fine
Losing to Mississippi State wasn’t ideal, but I am not ready to jump off the Arizona State bandwagon just yet. Saturday was just an odd day for the Sun Devils. The defense gave up two back-breaking plays, and Sam Leavitt played his worst game in an Arizona State uniform. Despite that, the Sun Devils still had a chance to win that game even after playing poorly early on. I know the loss looks bad, but I still like the makeup of this team, and I know they can learn from Saturday and bounce back.
This Will be Mike Gundy’s Final Season
After getting beaten by sixty-plus points against Oregon, it made me think a lot about the future of Oklahoma State football. Last season, the Cowboys went 3-9 and were winless in Big 12 play. It was by far the worst season under Mike Gundy, and this year doesn’t look much better.
Perhaps my biggest issue with this team since the start of last season has been the lack of effort across the board. For whatever reason, this program feels lifeless, and there’s no light at the end of the dark tunnel.
Gundy has been the man in Stillwater for over 20 seasons now, but eventually, all things come to an end. Even the great Bill Snyder had to walk away from Kansas State. Unless a miracle happens this year, it’s hard to imagine a world where Mike Gundy is the head coach at Oklahoma State in 2026.
