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Tamer's Twelve: Bears fall behind in Big 12 pack

Nov. 3, 2009

By Kevin Tamer
Sports writer

1. Texas:

Colt McCoy didn't have to have a stellar game for the Longhorns to blow out Oklahoma State. The offense was held to a rare 275 total yards, but the defense showed its ability to put points on the board as Curtis Brown and Earl Thomas both had interceptions for touchdowns. Texas will step out of Big 12 play next week as they take on the University of Central Florida.

2. Oklahoma:

Landry Jones proved his ability to be the Sooners' full-time quarterback, as he threw for four touchdowns and 294 yards in a win against Kansas State. Demarco Murray didn't miss a beat, as he scored three touchdowns in his return from nursing an ankle injury last week. Oklahoma will travel to Lincoln to challenge a Nebraska team fighting for a spot in the Big 12 Championship.

3. Oklahoma State:

The Cowboys' defense was able to slow down Texas, but Zac Robinson and the offense were unable to find a rhythm. Robinson didn't look like the Big 12's top-rated passer, as he went 15-28 with a career-high four interceptions. Next up is an Iowa State team capable of producing an upset.

4. Texas Tech:

With questions still surrounding the quarterback situation, the Red Raiders looked to their running game to carry the offense. Baron Batch ran for 123 yards and four touchdowns as Tech pounded Kansas 42-21. The Red Raiders will take advantage of a week off to get ready for a tough game at Oklahoma State.

5. Kansas State:

Brandon Banks' fourth quarter 98-yard kick off return put the Wildcats within five points of the Sooners, but the defense couldn't get a stop as it gave up six touchdowns in the game. The Wildcats remain at the top of the Big 12 North and look to take advantage of a struggling Kansas team next week.

6. Nebraska:

After turning the ball over eight times last week, Nebraska turned to freshman quarterback Cody Green to take control of the offense. The Cornhuskers got some help from their special teams as Justin Blatchford returned a blocked punt for a touchdown and Green led the offense to points on his first three scoring drives as Nebraska beat Baylor 20-10.

7. Texas A&M:

Jerrod Johnson threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns as the Aggies beat Iowa State 35-10. The Aggies defense was able to hold the Big 12's leading rusher, Alexander Robinson, to 76 yards on 20 carries and were able to pick off Jerome Tiller twice. The Aggies will look to keep this success rolling as they take on Colorado next week.

8. Kansas:

Todd Reesing and the Jayhawks offense continued to struggle as they committed three turnovers in their third consecutive conference loss. Kansas had the lead going into the fourth quarter, but the defense was unable to stop the Tech running game and a special teams blunder led to four unanswered touchdowns.

9. Iowa State:

The Cyclones were unable to keep their momentum from last week's upset over Nebraska rolling against Texas A&M. The defense's inability to stop Jerrod Johnson and the Aggies from putting up 501 total yards of offense led to a 35-10 loss. Things won't get any easier as they take on a hungry Oklahoma State team looking for redemption.

10. Missouri:

Missouri's offense produced 400 total yards and Blaine Gabbert found Danario Alexander for two touchdowns, as the Tigers rolled over Colorado 36-17 to get their first conference win of the season. Missouri's defense accumulated eight sacks and forced four turnovers while holding the Buffaloes to only 176 yards of offense.

11. Colorado:

The Buffaloes allowed the Tigers to score 33 points before getting any production from their offense. Colorado gained only 55 total yards in the first half and had minus-14 rushing yards for the entire game. If the Buffaloes are to turn this season around, they must develop a running game and protect the quarterback.

12. Baylor:

Nick Florence and the Bears' offense continued to struggle after failing to find the end zone and turning the ball over three times. Cliff Odom's 45-yard interception return for a touchdown created some momentum for the Bears, but Ben Parks' 24-yard field goal miss killed all hope for a comeback. In order to become bowl eligible, the Bears must find a way to win three of their remaining four games.

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