Thursday’s game

Kansas State at Kansas (+3) - After getting demolished by Nebraska last Thursday, Kansas State looks for a little consistency this week against Kansas. The quarterback position remains shaky, as Carson Coffman had a bad night against a good defense and was replaced briefly. He’ll be on a short leash this week should he struggle against a defense that can be beat. But as Daniel Thomas goes, so goes Kansas State. The Jayhawks are just too inexperienced right now to compete in conference, and this game will expose that. Take the Wildcats and lay the points.

Saturday’s games

Texas at Nebraska (-9.5) - Taylor Martinez faces his first true defensive test this week. The Longhorns may have problems on offense, but their defense has been fairly good this year, the game against UCLA notwithstanding. But the performance in the UCLA game could actually be the problem, as they gave up 264 yards rushing. On the other side of the ball, if the Nebraska defense could shut down Jake Locker, they can shut down Garrett Gilbert. I misjudged the quality of Nebraska last week, but there wll be no such mistake this week. The Cornhuskers stay undefeated and do it convincingly. Lay the points.

Oklahoma State at Texas Tech (-3) - This game should provide some fireworks, as some extremely potent offenses face off against some questionable defenses. The story of the game might be on special teams. Will Texas Tech fall for the onside kick return for a third week in a row? Not likely, but the Cowboys might be willing to try. It won’t really matter if they do or not, as they have enough to beat the Red Raiders without resorting to trickery. Take the points and Oklahoma State for the straight up win.

Baylor at Colorado (+1) - At this point in time, it’s safe to say Robert Griffin III is fully recovered from his ACL injury. His play has Baylor thinking about the possibility of a decent bowl game. That took a hit against Texas Tech last week, but isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Colorado has played well at home this season, but they are having quarterback issues and are suffering from injuries to key defensive players. The best player on the field Saturday will be Griffin, however, who should lead the Bears to a needed road win. Give the point.

Iowa State at Oklahoma (-24) - This game might just be unfair. Oklahoma has had a week off, while Iowa State is still probably in shock from the beating Utah delivered, including 31 points scored in the second quarter alone. The Cyclones are also hoping running back Alexander Robinson, who is nursing an injury, will be able to play. He might be their only hope to keep this close. On second thought, there is no hope. Gladly lay the points.

Big XII Game of the Week

Missouri at Texas A&M (-3.5) - Texas A&M is sorely in need of a victory after two straight close losses, defined by an insane amount of turnovers. Quarterback Jerrod Johnson has thrown nine interceptions in the last three games. Nine! That propensity for turnovers could spell trouble against a Tigers defense only allowing 11 points a game and coming off a shutout of Colorado. My gut feeling is Johnson has another rough day protecting the football.

Tigers quarterback Blaine Gabbert should play after suffering a hip injury against Colorado. The Tigers better not be caught looking ahead as dates with Nebraska and Oklahoma loom. If Gabbert shows no ill effects of the injury, Missouri will remain undefeated. Take the points.

Record

Last Week

Straight Up: 5-1; Against the Spread: 4-2

Overall

Straight Up: 29-4; Against the Spread: 14-17