Big 12 rewind, Nov. 8

NEBRASKA

Beat Oklahoma 10-3, at Kansas on Saturday

The Cornhuskers saw Oklahoma’s defense and raised. Nebraska’s touchdown came on a 1-yard drive thanks to an interception return and its field goal came after another pick. Nebraska’s program isn’t back where it used to be. Remember less than a month ago the Huskers lost eight turnovers in falling at home to Iowa State. But if the Huskers continue to grow they’ll look back at the Oklahoma victory as a turning point moment. Nebraska becomes this week’s North favorite because it faces Kansas State at home on Nov. 21.

KANSAS STATE

Beat Kansas 17-10, Missouri at home on Saturday

The game followed the same pattern as the Colorado victory. K-State struck first with a field goal. The visitor answered with a touchdown and by halftime the Wildcats had taken the lead and control. Daniel Thomas gets better every week and proved Saturday he’s capable of dominating game. Circle Nov. 21. That’s when the Wildcats visit Nebraska for what’s looking like the division championship game.

KANSAS

Lost at Kansas State 17-10, Nebraska at home on Saturday

The woes continue, especially for Todd Reesing. The most productive quarterback in school history continued his error-prone ways. The first lost fumble brought groans from Kansas fans. The second had to bring anger. How could the senior make the same mistake in a matter of minutes?

MISSOURI

Lost at Baylor 42-30, at Kansas State on Saturday

What was that? Given the programs’ recent history this ranks among the worst losses, if not the worst, of the Gary Pinkel era. A week after reestablishing itself at Colorado, Missouri laid an egg and all but ended its division title chase. Pinkel, as is his custom after a loss, assumed responsibility. But what does that mean? The defense was terrible and it’s why Mizzou has lost three straight at home for the first time since 2004.

COLORADO

Beat Texas A&M 35-34, at Oklahoma on Saturday

Just when that last shovel of dirt is about to be thrown…Colorado showed its resiliency once again and stayed alive in the North Division race. Sure, it’s a long shot, but it’s a better shot than Kansas or Missouri today. Tyler Hansen was terrific at quarterback, guiding the Buffs back from a 10-point deficit.

OKLAHOMA

Lost at Nebraska 10-3, Texas A&M at home on Saturday

The Sooners must have set some kind of record for running 87 plays and not scoring a touchdown. Or how about 10 of 16 possessions advancing into Nebraska territory and coming up with only a field goal? It was that kind of frustrating night for the Sooners, who are now removed from any BCS bowl opportunity at four losses. Win out, and the Cotton Bowl is the likely destination.

BAYLOR

Won 42-30 at Missouri, Texas at home on Saturday

Art Briles should get some coach of the year consideration for not having the Bears chuck the season after the Robert Griffin injury. This was a fantastic victory for the program, led by freshman quarterback Nick Florence. He riddled the Tigers secondary for a school record 427 yards and helped the Bears end a 13-game losing streak in Big 12 road games.

OKLAHOMA STATE

Won 34-8 at Iowa State, Texas Tech at home on Saturday

The Cowboys didn’t let Texas beat them twice, and pounded the ball against a team that’s had trouble against the run all season. The Cyclones could do nothing with Keith Totson, who went for 206. Kendall Hunter got his first extensive playing time in nearly two months and looked sharp. The Cowboys remain in contention for a BCS bowl, but it will take winning out.

IOWA STATE

Lost 34-8 to Oklahoma State, Colorado at home on Saturday

The Cyclones’ offense hasn’t been force all season but a mere 242 yards and eight first downs against a team that had played some leaky defense this season. Iowa State collected 54 rushing yards, and it’s now been two lousy performances since the Nebraska victory. Two chances remain to become bowl eligible and the better one figures to be Saturday when Colorado visits.

TEXAS

Beat Central Florida 35-3, at Baylor on Saturday

The Jordan Shipley show. He had 273 receiving yards, setting a school record. Texas came out sluggish, not unexpected against a non-conference opponent in November. But the Longhorns shouldn’t lose any ground in the rankings and all systems are go for a strong finish. So, Texas fans, Kansas State or Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game?

TEXAS A&M

Lost at Colorado 35-34, at Oklahoma on Saturday

Big 12 teams that could become bowl eligible with a victory on Saturday went 1-5. What is it with this conference? The Aggies played aggressive defense with eight sacks, but at times they were too aggressive, allowing Buffs to get free in the secondary.

TEXAS TECH

Did not play, at Oklahoma State on Saturday