After a wild Week 5, Week 6 brings another loaded slate for the Big 12, with several important conference matchups and only one nonconference game on the schedule. From Iowa State heading to Provo to Kansas State hosting Houston, we’re about to learn a lot more about several teams across the conference. Some programs are trying to establish themselves as legitimate Big 12 contenders, while others are already fighting to avoid falling behind in the conference race.
Can BYU’s Offense Get Back on Track?
While escaping Fort Worth with a win was all that mattered, it was still surprising to see BYU’s offense struggle the way it did. Prior to last weekend, the Cougars had been moving the ball effectively, although the weather certainly played a role in the offensive shortcomings.
We already know BYU has one of the conference’s top defenses, but when the offense is clicking, the Cougars become one of the toughest teams in the country to beat. Even with LJ Martin not available, getting the ground game rolling again will be critical. Iowa State has had issues tackling this season, and BYU loves to establish the run. Can the Cougars take advantage and get their offense back on schedule?
How Explosive Can Oklahoma State Be?
I have little doubt Oklahoma State takes care of business against UCF on Saturday. The bigger question is just how many points the Cowboys can put on the board.
Drew Mestemaker has been outstanding throwing the football, while Caleb Hawkins continues to provide balance in the running game. Oklahoma State’s offense has proven it can score against just about anybody.
That said, UCF’s defense presents a much different challenge than what the Cowboys saw against West Virginia a few weeks ago. The Knights will try to throw different looks at Oklahoma State, but will it be enough to slow down one of the most productive offenses in the conference?
Will West Virginia Show Any Defensive Improvement?
As impressive as West Virginia’s rushing attack has been, it’s impossible to ignore the struggles on the other side of the ball.
The Mountaineers currently rank near the bottom of the conference in nearly every major defensive category, including rushing defense, pass defense and total defense. Statistically, they have been one of the worst defensive teams in both the Big 12 and the country.
What’s especially surprising is seeing a Rich Rodriguez-coached team struggle so badly with discipline and execution on defense. Defensive coordinator Zac Alley said changes were coming and that the scheme would be simplified.
This weekend brings a major test against Noah Fifita and Arizona. If the Mountaineers are truly making progress, this is the kind of game where it should start to show.
Which Team Stays in the Big 12 Title Race?
I’ve had this game circled for weeks, although I envisioned it looking a little different by the time it arrived.
A few weeks ago, I thought both Kansas State and Texas Tech would still be undefeated. I certainly didn’t expect Kansas State’s loss to Cincinnati, and while Texas Tech was favored against Houston, I picked the Cougars to pull off the upset.
Now both teams enter this matchup with an early conference loss and little room for error.
Connor Weigman and Avery Johnson are two of the most talented and athletic quarterbacks in the conference, and both defenses have proven capable of making key plays.
The question is simple: who stays in the hunt and who falls behind? A second conference loss this early in the season could be devastating to either team’s championship hopes. The winner remains firmly in the mix. The loser faces an uphill climb.
Can Kansas Keep This Competitive?
There’s really no need to sugarcoat this one.
Utah is the better team from top to bottom, and there’s a reason the Utes are more than a two-touchdown favorite at home. The biggest question isn’t who wins. It’s whether Kansas can make a game of it.
The Jayhawks’ defense has struggled all season, and outside of games against overmatched opponents, the offense has been inconsistent as well. Utah has the talent, depth and physicality advantage across the board.
If Kansas wants to have a chance, it must avoid early mistakes and find a way to stay within striking distance entering the fourth quarter. Otherwise, this could get out of hand quickly.
