Oklahoma Sooners: Steele Jantz
Film review: OU 35, Iowa State 20 
November, 4, 2012
11/04/12
2:45
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma got back on track with its 35-20 victory over Iowa State on Saturday. Landry Jones' trust in his receivers was clear as the Sooners quarterback threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions. Here's a closer look at some of the key plays in the win as OU strives to keep its BCS hopes alive.
Sterling Shepard’s 20-yard touchdown reception
This was a key play for the Sooners for several reasons.
Looking to force the Sooners to settle for a field goal, the Cyclones rushed three defenders and dropped eight into coverage. Jones made a great read to find the one-on-one matchup and gave Shepard a chance to make the play with a great throw into tight coverage.
Shepard, a freshman receiver, did a terrific job attacking the ball when it was in the air. He’s been a bright spot throughout the season with his competitive nature and playmaking ability. He should be a part of the foundation of OU’s offense for the remainder of his career.
Third-down, red-zone stop after Jones’ first interception
With the Cyclones looking to tie the score at seven on third-and-10 at OU’s 15-yard line, the Sooners rushed four defenders. It was a terrific omen for the game as defensive tackle Casey Walker and defensive end David King each won their one-on-one battles to get pressure on Cyclones quarterback Steele Jantz.
Jantz dumped the ball off to ISU receiver Jarvis West, who was well covered by OU nickelback Gabe Lynn, for a six-yard gain. Cyclone kicker Edwin Arceo kicked a 27-yard field goal on fourth down.
The play and how the Sooners defended it was a good example of the entire game for OU's defense. The Sooners finished with three sacks, didn’t need to blitz to get pressure on Jantz and covered well throughout the game.
Third-down stop after Jones' second interception
Frankly, both ISU possessions after Jones interceptions were highlight moments for Mike Stoops' defense. In both scenarios, OU responded well to being thrown back onto the field and both times OU forced third-and-10 plays, a sign they had performed well on the first two downs.
ISU was facing third-and-10 at OU’s 33-yard line and the Sooners again rushed four defensive linemen. And, again, Walker put pressure on Jantz with a terrific move at the line of scrimmage to get immediate pressure on the Cyclones quarterback. He forced Jantz to throw high to receiver Chris Young,who was blanketed by cornerback Demontre Hurst on the play.
The way the Sooners shut down both drives and didn’t allow the turnovers to turn into touchdowns kept the momentum from completely switching to the Cyclones’ side.
Justin Brown’s 40-yard reception
The offense stepped on the field with 1:04 left in the first half, then showed absolutely no urgency after Brennan Clay’s five-yard run on first down. On the next play, the Sooners running back gained nine yards and ran out of bounds to stop the clock with 26 seconds left. Both plays were run out of OU’s three-back formation.
At that point, OU’s approach changed.
On the third play of the drive, the Sooners were in their four-receiver formation and Jones found Brown for 40 yards. Brown was the lone receiver on the right side of the formation and the Iowa State secondary shaded toward the three receivers on the left, giving Brown a one-on-one opportunity. The senior used superior ball skills to make the reception. Jones found receiver Kenny Stills on the next play for a 21-yard touchdown.
It’s a terrific sign for Brown moving forward because the play showed how much Jones trusted him to make a play. After throwing interceptions on back-to-back possessions, Jones was willing to risk another one while giving Brown a chance to make the play.
Just that quickly the interceptions -- and the momentum the Cyclones gained from them-- were forgotten.
Clay’s third-down conversion after ISU scored its first touchdown
Facing a third-and-1 at the ISU 32-yard line, OU didn’t go to the Belldozer. Instead, the Sooners had two running backs and three receivers in the formation. Solid blocks from tackle Tyrus Thompson and fullback Trey Millard secured the hole, then Clay ran over Cyclones safety Jacques Washington, who met him in the hole, right at the first-down marker.
Clay scored on an 18-yard touchdown run two plays later.
Clay’s conversion was critical because it was a swift and immediate answer after the Cyclones scored. The Sooners also sent a message with the drive, essentially running the ball down ISU’s throat with Clay recording 18-, 12- and eight-yard runs on the drive. Clay had five carries for 41 yards on the drive. His physical run for a first down on this play mirrored the entire drive, which was built upon physical domination by the Sooners offense.
This drive was also showed that OU can take a tough, physical running approach within its current offense system. The Sooners just need to show they can do it against anyone, anytime they want to. That hasn’t been the case this season, particularly in their losses to Kansas State and Notre Dame.
Sterling Shepard’s 20-yard touchdown reception
This was a key play for the Sooners for several reasons.
- OU had already seen two lengthy drives end without points.
- It was a third-down conversion deep in ISU territory.
- It allowed them to play with a lead despite not finishing those first two drives.
Looking to force the Sooners to settle for a field goal, the Cyclones rushed three defenders and dropped eight into coverage. Jones made a great read to find the one-on-one matchup and gave Shepard a chance to make the play with a great throw into tight coverage.
Shepard, a freshman receiver, did a terrific job attacking the ball when it was in the air. He’s been a bright spot throughout the season with his competitive nature and playmaking ability. He should be a part of the foundation of OU’s offense for the remainder of his career.
Third-down, red-zone stop after Jones’ first interception
With the Cyclones looking to tie the score at seven on third-and-10 at OU’s 15-yard line, the Sooners rushed four defenders. It was a terrific omen for the game as defensive tackle Casey Walker and defensive end David King each won their one-on-one battles to get pressure on Cyclones quarterback Steele Jantz.
Jantz dumped the ball off to ISU receiver Jarvis West, who was well covered by OU nickelback Gabe Lynn, for a six-yard gain. Cyclone kicker Edwin Arceo kicked a 27-yard field goal on fourth down.
The play and how the Sooners defended it was a good example of the entire game for OU's defense. The Sooners finished with three sacks, didn’t need to blitz to get pressure on Jantz and covered well throughout the game.
Third-down stop after Jones' second interception
Frankly, both ISU possessions after Jones interceptions were highlight moments for Mike Stoops' defense. In both scenarios, OU responded well to being thrown back onto the field and both times OU forced third-and-10 plays, a sign they had performed well on the first two downs.
ISU was facing third-and-10 at OU’s 33-yard line and the Sooners again rushed four defensive linemen. And, again, Walker put pressure on Jantz with a terrific move at the line of scrimmage to get immediate pressure on the Cyclones quarterback. He forced Jantz to throw high to receiver Chris Young,who was blanketed by cornerback Demontre Hurst on the play.
The way the Sooners shut down both drives and didn’t allow the turnovers to turn into touchdowns kept the momentum from completely switching to the Cyclones’ side.
Justin Brown’s 40-yard reception
The offense stepped on the field with 1:04 left in the first half, then showed absolutely no urgency after Brennan Clay’s five-yard run on first down. On the next play, the Sooners running back gained nine yards and ran out of bounds to stop the clock with 26 seconds left. Both plays were run out of OU’s three-back formation.
At that point, OU’s approach changed.
On the third play of the drive, the Sooners were in their four-receiver formation and Jones found Brown for 40 yards. Brown was the lone receiver on the right side of the formation and the Iowa State secondary shaded toward the three receivers on the left, giving Brown a one-on-one opportunity. The senior used superior ball skills to make the reception. Jones found receiver Kenny Stills on the next play for a 21-yard touchdown.
It’s a terrific sign for Brown moving forward because the play showed how much Jones trusted him to make a play. After throwing interceptions on back-to-back possessions, Jones was willing to risk another one while giving Brown a chance to make the play.
Just that quickly the interceptions -- and the momentum the Cyclones gained from them-- were forgotten.
Clay’s third-down conversion after ISU scored its first touchdown
Facing a third-and-1 at the ISU 32-yard line, OU didn’t go to the Belldozer. Instead, the Sooners had two running backs and three receivers in the formation. Solid blocks from tackle Tyrus Thompson and fullback Trey Millard secured the hole, then Clay ran over Cyclones safety Jacques Washington, who met him in the hole, right at the first-down marker.
Clay scored on an 18-yard touchdown run two plays later.
Clay’s conversion was critical because it was a swift and immediate answer after the Cyclones scored. The Sooners also sent a message with the drive, essentially running the ball down ISU’s throat with Clay recording 18-, 12- and eight-yard runs on the drive. Clay had five carries for 41 yards on the drive. His physical run for a first down on this play mirrored the entire drive, which was built upon physical domination by the Sooners offense.
This drive was also showed that OU can take a tough, physical running approach within its current offense system. The Sooners just need to show they can do it against anyone, anytime they want to. That hasn’t been the case this season, particularly in their losses to Kansas State and Notre Dame.
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Scouting Iowa State: Accounting for Klein
October, 30, 2012
10/30/12
3:30
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma travels to Ames, Iowa, on Saturday to take on Iowa State at 11 a.m. CT at Jack Trice Stadium. Cyclones quarterback Steele Jantz had his best game of the season in ISU’s 35-21 win over Baylor on Oct. 27. SoonerNation takes a look at the Cyclones' win over the Bears and came away with three things the Sooners will need to be aware of this weekend.
1. Will the good Jantz or bad Jantz show up?
The ISU quarterback enters the game with loads of confidence, coming off a 381-yard, five-touchdown performance against Baylor, his best game of the season. When he’s playing like he did against the Bears, he presents problems.
1. Will the good Jantz or bad Jantz show up?
The ISU quarterback enters the game with loads of confidence, coming off a 381-yard, five-touchdown performance against Baylor, his best game of the season. When he’s playing like he did against the Bears, he presents problems.
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We'll be walking through the top 10 players at each position in the Big 12 before the season, but we'll start with the most important, especially in this league.
Let's do this:
1. Geno Smith, West Virginia: Smith put up huge numbers (4,385 yards, 31 TD, 7 INT, 65.8 completion percentage) and did so efficiently last season. Both of his top two targets are back and the adjustment to Big 12 defenses shouldn't be too difficult.
2. Landry Jones, Oklahoma: Jones and Smith will go head-to-head all season for honors as the Big 12's top passer. Who comes out on top is anyone's guess, but Jones regressed last season, and his receivers let him down after Ryan Broyles' season ended with a knee injury. He'll try to bounce back with just one reliable target (Kenny Stills) to start the season. The rest of the receiving corps is loaded with potential, but very inexperienced.
3. Collin Klein, Kansas State: Clearly, I'm taking more than just passing acumen into account here. Klein is the Big 12's No. 2 returning rusher, and also threw for just under 2,000 yards last season, adding 13 passing touchdowns to the 27 he scored rushing. We'll see how much better he is as a passer this fall.
4. Seth Doege, Texas Tech: I refuse to hang last year's failures on Doege's shoulders. Absolutely not. He played well, at least as well as he could. The running game struggled and offered almost no support after Eric Stephens' injury. The defense was a disaster and there were injuries all over the place. Doege still went for more than 4,000 yards, 28 scores and just 10 picks. Don't be surprised if Doege throws his hat in the ring as the Big 12's best passer by season's end.
5. Casey Pachall, TCU: Pachall didn't have eye-popping numbers, but only because TCU rode on the shoulders of its trio of running backs. Still, Pachall's numbers are going to be better this year, and he's got great targets in Josh Boyce, Skye Dawson and Brandon Carter, not to mention youngster LaDarius Brown.
6. Nick Florence, Baylor: I like Florence to have a big year with really good receivers, but he's got too much to prove for now. He looked good in spot duty for RG3 against Texas Tech last season, but his senior season will look much, much different than his inconsistent freshman year all the way back in 2009.
7. Wes Lunt, Oklahoma State: The Big 12's only freshman quarterback is a true freshman, and Lunt earned this spot by beating out some really tough competition in J.W. Walsh and Colton Chelf this spring. Amazing stuff, and his coaches know good quarterbacks. Zac Robinson and Brandon Weeden have established quite the QB tradition in Stillwater. Here's guessing Lunt continues it.
8. Dayne Crist, Kansas: Crist's college career hasn't been what he imagined after coming to Notre Dame as one of the most highly recruited signal-calling prospects in his class, but he's got a chance to start something special at Kansas in his senior year, reunited with former coach Charlie Weis. Crist won't have the weapons some of the other guys on this list have, but he gives KU a big, big upgrade at the position.
9. Steele Jantz/Jared Barnett, Iowa State: These two have to cut down the turnovers, but they've both shown the ability to be playmakers. There's no guessing who wins this legitimate battle in the fall, but coach Paul Rhoads isn't afraid to bench either one if the turnovers don't stop.
10. David Ash/Case McCoy, Texas: Mack Brown insists it's still a contest. My jaw will be on the floor if Ash doesn't trot out on the field for the first game of the season. Ash has some potential and promising targets in Mike Davis and Jaxon Shipley, but he hasn't shown the big-play ability of Jantz or Barnett. Expect Ash to move up this list by season's end, but for now, it's all just potential.
Let's do this:
1. Geno Smith, West Virginia: Smith put up huge numbers (4,385 yards, 31 TD, 7 INT, 65.8 completion percentage) and did so efficiently last season. Both of his top two targets are back and the adjustment to Big 12 defenses shouldn't be too difficult.
2. Landry Jones, Oklahoma: Jones and Smith will go head-to-head all season for honors as the Big 12's top passer. Who comes out on top is anyone's guess, but Jones regressed last season, and his receivers let him down after Ryan Broyles' season ended with a knee injury. He'll try to bounce back with just one reliable target (Kenny Stills) to start the season. The rest of the receiving corps is loaded with potential, but very inexperienced.
3. Collin Klein, Kansas State: Clearly, I'm taking more than just passing acumen into account here. Klein is the Big 12's No. 2 returning rusher, and also threw for just under 2,000 yards last season, adding 13 passing touchdowns to the 27 he scored rushing. We'll see how much better he is as a passer this fall.
[+] Enlarge
Otto Kitsinger III/Getty ImagesTCU's Casey Pachall could be poised for a big year with a stable of talented receivers.
Otto Kitsinger III/Getty ImagesTCU's Casey Pachall could be poised for a big year with a stable of talented receivers.5. Casey Pachall, TCU: Pachall didn't have eye-popping numbers, but only because TCU rode on the shoulders of its trio of running backs. Still, Pachall's numbers are going to be better this year, and he's got great targets in Josh Boyce, Skye Dawson and Brandon Carter, not to mention youngster LaDarius Brown.
6. Nick Florence, Baylor: I like Florence to have a big year with really good receivers, but he's got too much to prove for now. He looked good in spot duty for RG3 against Texas Tech last season, but his senior season will look much, much different than his inconsistent freshman year all the way back in 2009.
7. Wes Lunt, Oklahoma State: The Big 12's only freshman quarterback is a true freshman, and Lunt earned this spot by beating out some really tough competition in J.W. Walsh and Colton Chelf this spring. Amazing stuff, and his coaches know good quarterbacks. Zac Robinson and Brandon Weeden have established quite the QB tradition in Stillwater. Here's guessing Lunt continues it.
8. Dayne Crist, Kansas: Crist's college career hasn't been what he imagined after coming to Notre Dame as one of the most highly recruited signal-calling prospects in his class, but he's got a chance to start something special at Kansas in his senior year, reunited with former coach Charlie Weis. Crist won't have the weapons some of the other guys on this list have, but he gives KU a big, big upgrade at the position.
9. Steele Jantz/Jared Barnett, Iowa State: These two have to cut down the turnovers, but they've both shown the ability to be playmakers. There's no guessing who wins this legitimate battle in the fall, but coach Paul Rhoads isn't afraid to bench either one if the turnovers don't stop.
10. David Ash/Case McCoy, Texas: Mack Brown insists it's still a contest. My jaw will be on the floor if Ash doesn't trot out on the field for the first game of the season. Ash has some potential and promising targets in Mike Davis and Jaxon Shipley, but he hasn't shown the big-play ability of Jantz or Barnett. Expect Ash to move up this list by season's end, but for now, it's all just potential.
Big 12 position rankings: Quarterback
January, 25, 2012
1/25/12
11:27
AM CT
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Today, we'll kick off a look at the postseason rankings for each position in the Big 12. Here's a look back on where our first position, quarterback, stood in the preseason.
Quarterbacks' rushing talents are factored into these rankings. As such, it's tough to figure out how to weigh that vs. passing acumen. Ultimately, teams ranked 4-7 were really, really close.
In these position rankings, we take into account backups, though that impact is minimal at the quarterback spot.
1. Baylor
If your quarterback wins the Heisman, you're not finishing below No. 1 on this list. Robert Griffin IIIlit up defenses and broke the NCAA record for passing efficiency, even though Wisconsin's Russell Wilson did the same this year, and finished higher than RG3. Even when RG3 suffered concussion-like symptoms against Texas Tech, backup Nick Florencecame in and burned Texas Tech's defense in a 66-42 win. Griffin finished with as many touchdowns as Brandon Weeden (37), but threw as few interceptions as Collin Klein (6), despite throwing the ball 121 more times than Klein.
2. Oklahoma State
Brandon Weeden is a solid second place in this ranking, and backup Colton Chelflooked good in lots of mop-up duty, too. Weeden was the star, putting together an All-Big 12 caliber season, though Griffin's otherworldly performance in 2011 knocked him off his first-team perch from 2010. He led the league with 4,727 yards and 37 touchdowns. He also had the second-most pass attempts in the league, with 564.
3. Oklahoma
Landry Jones got some help late in the season when Blake Bell's BellDozer racked up a team-high 13 touchdowns. Jones wasn't outstanding late in the season after Ryan Broyles' knee injury, but his receivers didn't help him much, either. The dropsies seemed to infect everybody after Broyles' college career ended. Jones finished with 4,463 yards passing, second most in the Big 12. He also added 29 touchdowns but must improve on his 15 interceptions, a regression back to freshman-year Jones.
Quarterbacks' rushing talents are factored into these rankings. As such, it's tough to figure out how to weigh that vs. passing acumen. Ultimately, teams ranked 4-7 were really, really close.
In these position rankings, we take into account backups, though that impact is minimal at the quarterback spot.
1. Baylor
If your quarterback wins the Heisman, you're not finishing below No. 1 on this list. Robert Griffin IIIlit up defenses and broke the NCAA record for passing efficiency, even though Wisconsin's Russell Wilson did the same this year, and finished higher than RG3. Even when RG3 suffered concussion-like symptoms against Texas Tech, backup Nick Florencecame in and burned Texas Tech's defense in a 66-42 win. Griffin finished with as many touchdowns as Brandon Weeden (37), but threw as few interceptions as Collin Klein (6), despite throwing the ball 121 more times than Klein.
2. Oklahoma State
Brandon Weeden is a solid second place in this ranking, and backup Colton Chelflooked good in lots of mop-up duty, too. Weeden was the star, putting together an All-Big 12 caliber season, though Griffin's otherworldly performance in 2011 knocked him off his first-team perch from 2010. He led the league with 4,727 yards and 37 touchdowns. He also had the second-most pass attempts in the league, with 564.
3. Oklahoma
Landry Jones got some help late in the season when Blake Bell's BellDozer racked up a team-high 13 touchdowns. Jones wasn't outstanding late in the season after Ryan Broyles' knee injury, but his receivers didn't help him much, either. The dropsies seemed to infect everybody after Broyles' college career ended. Jones finished with 4,463 yards passing, second most in the Big 12. He also added 29 touchdowns but must improve on his 15 interceptions, a regression back to freshman-year Jones.
With the season over, it's time to take a look at the Big 12 in 2012. For now, that means assuming a few things. And we all know what assuming does.
It makes us all look like geniuses.
So, for the purpose of this, I'll assume a few predictions. First, I'll assume Robert Griffin III is heading for the NFL. I'll also assume Mike Stoops lands back at Oklahoma.
That said, it's time to project what this league looks like in 2012.
And, before we start, let me make this clear: The Big 12 from 1-6 is absolutely wide open. Last year, the league only had three legitimate title contenders: Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State. This year, every one of the top six teams (and maybe seven, if RG3 returns) can win the Big 12 in a realistic scenario. The difference between Nos. 2 and 6 is minuscule and could change a ton by the end of spring practice.
And for the curious: I would have Missouri behind Kansas State on this list, and I'd have Texas A&M right behind Texas.
1. Oklahoma: The Sooners moved into the familiar role of favorite after Landry Jones announced he'd return in 2012, but not nearly as heavy a favorite as they were in 2011. Injuries hurt Oklahoma late this season, and replacing Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Frank Alexander, along with linebacker Travis Lewis and corner Jamell Fleming won't be easy. Receivers Kenny Stills and Jaz Reynolds have to play big for the Sooners to get the win.
2. Kansas State: The big question mark for this team is can it take care of business and not get stuck in close games in 2012? The Wildcats were 8-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less this season. They can't count on duplicating that in 2012. They should be better, and return most of the big pieces from this season's 10-win team, most importantly quarterback Collin Klein and linebacker Arthur Brown. Next season is the time to prove it.
3. West Virginia: Who else is excited to see Geno Smith, Dana Holgorsen and the Mountaineer Express show up in Big 12 country next season? Like I wrote last week, giving up 33 points and still winning by five touchdowns is the Big 12 way of life. The Mountaineers broke Baylor's week-old bowl scoring record with 70 points, and bring back most of a good Big East champion team in 2012. The transition won't be easy, but they've got a chance to make a big splash in their inaugural year. The Big 12 and West Virginia are both convinced that the Mountaineers will join the Big 12 in 2012 and are planning as if it will happen, though pending lawsuits with the Big East mean it's still unofficial.
It makes us all look like geniuses.
So, for the purpose of this, I'll assume a few predictions. First, I'll assume Robert Griffin III is heading for the NFL. I'll also assume Mike Stoops lands back at Oklahoma.
That said, it's time to project what this league looks like in 2012.
And, before we start, let me make this clear: The Big 12 from 1-6 is absolutely wide open. Last year, the league only had three legitimate title contenders: Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State. This year, every one of the top six teams (and maybe seven, if RG3 returns) can win the Big 12 in a realistic scenario. The difference between Nos. 2 and 6 is minuscule and could change a ton by the end of spring practice.
And for the curious: I would have Missouri behind Kansas State on this list, and I'd have Texas A&M right behind Texas.
1. Oklahoma: The Sooners moved into the familiar role of favorite after Landry Jones announced he'd return in 2012, but not nearly as heavy a favorite as they were in 2011. Injuries hurt Oklahoma late this season, and replacing Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Frank Alexander, along with linebacker Travis Lewis and corner Jamell Fleming won't be easy. Receivers Kenny Stills and Jaz Reynolds have to play big for the Sooners to get the win.
2. Kansas State: The big question mark for this team is can it take care of business and not get stuck in close games in 2012? The Wildcats were 8-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less this season. They can't count on duplicating that in 2012. They should be better, and return most of the big pieces from this season's 10-win team, most importantly quarterback Collin Klein and linebacker Arthur Brown. Next season is the time to prove it.
3. West Virginia: Who else is excited to see Geno Smith, Dana Holgorsen and the Mountaineer Express show up in Big 12 country next season? Like I wrote last week, giving up 33 points and still winning by five touchdowns is the Big 12 way of life. The Mountaineers broke Baylor's week-old bowl scoring record with 70 points, and bring back most of a good Big East champion team in 2012. The transition won't be easy, but they've got a chance to make a big splash in their inaugural year. The Big 12 and West Virginia are both convinced that the Mountaineers will join the Big 12 in 2012 and are planning as if it will happen, though pending lawsuits with the Big East mean it's still unofficial.
I failed to record a perfect week of picks all last season. This year, I've already had two, thanks to a perfect 5-0 week last week. I also went 10-0 in Week 3.
Needless to say, I'm pretty excited about this development. I'll be in College Station, Texas, for a third time this season to see the Aggies and Bears tangle in the Litigation Bowl.
On to the picks!
Last week: 5-0 (1.000)
Overall: 31-9 (.775)
No. 21 Texas A&M 41, No. 20 Baylor 38: This is my Pick of the Week. I'll have a video later Thursday explaining it.
Missouri 37, Iowa State 27: Missouri gets back over the hump and back into the win column for the first time in a month against an Iowa State defense that has struggled with dynamic offenses. James Franklin outdoes Steele Jantz in a dual-threat battle and the Tigers earn a much-needed win.
No. 6 Oklahoma State 41, Texas 27: Simply put, Texas doesn't have enough offense to hang and Oklahoma State is going to throw a ton of points on the board against everybody. Brandon Weeden tops 400 yards through the air.
No. 17 Kansas State 30, Texas Tech 27: I'm a believer in the K-State defense, and without Eric Stephens, Texas Tech will look lost a bit. The Wildcats will take advantage, and Bill Snyder's run and one of his best coaching jobs continues.
No. 3 Oklahoma 59, Kansas 17: Ugh. Turner Gill may turn it around at some point, but his Jayhawks won't be taking any steps forward this weekend. Oklahoma's not done scoring defensive touchdowns.
Needless to say, I'm pretty excited about this development. I'll be in College Station, Texas, for a third time this season to see the Aggies and Bears tangle in the Litigation Bowl.
On to the picks!
Last week: 5-0 (1.000)
Overall: 31-9 (.775)
No. 21 Texas A&M 41, No. 20 Baylor 38: This is my Pick of the Week. I'll have a video later Thursday explaining it.
Missouri 37, Iowa State 27: Missouri gets back over the hump and back into the win column for the first time in a month against an Iowa State defense that has struggled with dynamic offenses. James Franklin outdoes Steele Jantz in a dual-threat battle and the Tigers earn a much-needed win.
No. 6 Oklahoma State 41, Texas 27: Simply put, Texas doesn't have enough offense to hang and Oklahoma State is going to throw a ton of points on the board against everybody. Brandon Weeden tops 400 yards through the air.
No. 17 Kansas State 30, Texas Tech 27: I'm a believer in the K-State defense, and without Eric Stephens, Texas Tech will look lost a bit. The Wildcats will take advantage, and Bill Snyder's run and one of his best coaching jobs continues.
No. 3 Oklahoma 59, Kansas 17: Ugh. Turner Gill may turn it around at some point, but his Jayhawks won't be taking any steps forward this weekend. Oklahoma's not done scoring defensive touchdowns.
ABOUT SOONER NATION
Jake Trotter
Jake Trotter joined ESPN.com in 2011 after four years with The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman, covering OU and Big 12 football. He's a graduate of Washington and Lee (Va.) University and lives in Oklahoma City with his wife. Email him at trotterjake@gmail.com.
Brandon Chatmon
Brandon Chatmon joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending eight years with The Oklahoman, covering Oklahoma State University, high schools and recruiting. Chatmon lives in Norman, Okla. Email him at bchatmonespn@gmail.com.
Bob Przybylo
Bob Przybylo joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years with The Oklahoman, covering high schools and recruiting. Przybylo lives in Oklahoma City. Email him at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.