A Tale of Two Teams

I guess that title could apply to a whole bunch of teams out there, but I'm referring to Okie State and Texas....we'll get to that in a second.

Quick Reactions from Last Weekend...

• And how about those Longhorns. In the interest of full disclosure, that Mountaineer team sure did look flat after that TCU game, but that's why you play the games. This defense continues to play at such a consistently high level which is great. They have continuously shut down big-time offenses this year. Very pleased with that. And offensively, thank God for our second quarter scoring barrage because yet again they came out VERY flat in the 3rd quarter. All in all a great confidence-building win for this team. And a great way to go into the last quarter of the season. 
• I admit I've been very up and very down on Swoopes this year (who hasn't??), but I'm pretty convinced that this kid simply isn't going to develop into a significantly better play caller. Until we're able to get another quarterback in there to really learn the offense and take over we are going to struggle offensively. I was calling for Herd early, but I really like that he's likely going to keep that redshirt on this year - plus with some newcomers coming in, we'll have REAL competition at the QB position. Swoopes is a good athlete and we could do a hell of a lot worse, but I don't think we're too far from his ceiling. 
• That whole third quarter phenomenon is really concerning to me. I mean, every game...
• Big win by the aggies and really a good bounce back game. Aggie fan may not admit to this, but Sumlin REEEEAAAALLLY needed that game. 
• I don't want to take anything away from the Aggies because they came out ON FIRE and laid it to Auburn early, but those last 2 turnovers were shocking. Those were unforced errors - those fumbles had nothing to do with Aggie defense. But that's why we play the games and the Aggies capitalized. 
• Thanks for playing Notre Dame, if you'll step off the stage over here, Susan will show you to your consolation bowl. Can't lose that game like that. 
• That was an exciting game in Baton Rouge last Saturday, but these teams are still rebuilding/loading and it showed. Quarterback play was pretty poor by both teams. And let's be honest - LSU pissed that game away in the last 50 seconds. Once Bama tied it up at the end, I think everyone watching new LSU was done. 

A Tale of THESE Two Teams....
Oklahoma State is a on 3-game losing streak as they head into the toughest part of their schedule...and none have been close. Their opponents in that stretch were TCU, W. Virginia, and Kansas State - the best of the best in the conference. After Texas they get Baylor and Oklahoma. What does this tell you? This is their best chance to pick up that sixth win and become bowl eligible.

Texas is riding a 2-game winning streak heading into Stillwater - with their biggest win of the season coming last week against the Mountaineers. After this game, Texas gets TCU on Thanksgiving night. What does this tell you? This is their best chance to pick up that sixth win and become bowl eligible.

While on paper these are mediocre teams playing for a meaningless bowl (which is all true), in the trenches, this is the most important game for both of these teams. Some would call this a must-win for both of these teams. Stillwater is a tough place to play and it's going to be really, really cold. These fans don't give two shits about rankings or bowls right now - they just care about getting back in the win column....AND of course, beating Texas. That's worth a lot and makes this game a tough one to call. These two teams are two very different trajectories though. And while Okie State is coming off of a bye week with time to regroup, Texas is also coming off the momentum of that big win. And honestly, I'll take that. I think the Texas defense helps keep this Cowboy team in check while the Texas running game will help control things offensively. I'm seeing a very close, pretty ugly dog fight here.

Texas - 26
Oklahoma State - 24

Other Thoughts on This Weekend...

• As much as I'd like to see Minnesota upset Ohio State, I just don't see it. 
• Based on what I've seen this season, I really don't think Alabama should be able to hang with MSU. But, I'm sure Saban will have something up his sleeve and I think it's a good game. But give me Bulldogs all the way. 
• Chances Dan Mullen bolts for Florida at season's end: 55%
• I have nothing logical to back this up with, but I think Tech makes this game very, VERY close against OU this afternoon.
• I get the sense that Georgia is going get way more "up" for this game than Auburn - the Tigers have some confidence/mental issues going on here. They need to really step up their defense - a healthy and rested Todd Gurley is going to be a real test. I think Georgia wins this one by double digits. 
• Very interesting game in College Station. I have no idea what to think about Missouri. Based on what I saw last week I have to give the Aggies the advantage here. If they can replicate that, they'll blow Mizzou out of the stadium. 
• Once. Just this once I will root for Miami. I think everything about FSU is dirty. And I think they are the weakest of the four teams (I don't care which other 3 you put in there). Just this once. 
• If you're looking for an NFL game to watch this weekend - check out the Sunday nighter with Tom Brady and Patriots visiting Indianapolis. 

That's what I got. Enjoy the weekend.