No. 17 TCU: 38 at No. 19 Kansas: 31
Not long ago, TCU and Kansas were afterthoughts in the Big 12. However, times have clearly changed with College Gameday visiting and attracting a national audience to watch the Jayhawks and Horned Frogs fight for their undefeated seasons. As for the game itself, both offenses took time to find their footing early. Kendre Miller found the endzone with just over three minutes to play in the second quarter, putting TCU up by ten on an impressive 99-yard drive. Unfortunately, the superstar for Kansas this season, Jalon Daniels, had to come out of the game after landing on his shoulder, but backup Jason Bean did not miss a beat. Bean’s impressive outing gave the Jayhawks life in the second half as he found Mason Fairchild to tie up the game on his first drive as the starter. In total, the backup quarterback threw four touchdowns, including a spectacular throw to Quentin Skinner.
While Bean put the Jayhawks in a position to win, TCU’s quarterback was the game’s real star. Max Duggan threw three touchdown passes himself, all coming in the second half. However, the play that stands out was Duggan’s pass to Taye Barber in the back of the endzone to put TCU up by a touchdown.
Overall, the second half produced a highlight reel of spectacular catches. While there was a questionable holding call at the end of the game, TCU did just enough to keep their undefeated season alive.
Up next for No. 19 Kansas: at Oklahoma
Up next for No. 13 TCU: vs. No. 8 Oklahoma State
No. 20 Kansas State: 10 at Iowa State: 9
Coming into this week, Kansas State led the Big 12 with two impressive conference wins and a chance to improve to 5-1 on the season. While the Wildcats did overcome a middle-of-the-pack Iowa State team, their victory was not as flashy as the previous two weeks. The play of the game came with 12 minutes to play in the first quarter as Adrian Martinez connected with Phillip Brooks III for an 81-yard touchdown.
While Iowa State did answer with two field goals, an incredible punch out by Anthony Johnson kept the Cyclones in the game.
Each team tacked on the field goal in the second half, but the rest of the matchup was full of missed opportunities on big plays, 3rd down stops, and sacks. Kansas State narrowly escapes a raucous environment in Ames, Iowa, and moves up three spots in the AP poll.
Up Next for No. 17 Kansas State: BYE
Up Next for Iowa State: at No. 22 Texas
Texas: 49 at Oklahoma: 0
In a down year for Texas and Oklahoma, fans did not know what to expect when these bluebloods clashed on Saturday. The main storyline before the game was the much-anticipated return of Quinn Ewers, who did not disappoint. The former five-star quarterback effortlessly manipulated the Sooners’ defense, finding the endzone early and often. Bijan Robinson continued his fantastic season and found the endzone first for Texas. The running back then took a backseat to Ewers, who threw a touchdown pass to Xavier Worthy.
Keilan Robinson also found the endzone, showing off his elusiveness and speed.
Unfortunately for Oklahoma, with Dillion Gabriel still sidelined due to a concussion, the offense had trouble moving the ball down the field. Even on the rare occasions when they did, the Sooners failed to finish drives. In the end, Texas’ impressive performance over its rival elevates them into the top 25.
Up Next for No. 22 Texas: vs. Iowa State
Up Next for Oklahoma: vs. No. 19 Kansas
No. 7 Oklahoma State: 41 at Texas Tech: 31
The highest-rated and possibly the most talented team in the Big 12 hosted an underrated and determined Texas Tech squad Saturday. Early in the contest, it seemed as if Texas Tech could upset the Cowboys at home as they found the endzone on their first possession. However, Spencer Sanders had other plans as he threw a touchdown to Bryson Green for the Cowboys’ first score of the game.
Sanders again found the endzone on the ensuing drive, but the Red Raiders came alive before halftime, scoring another 17 points, led by redshirt freshman Behren Morton. While Texas Tech did carry its momentum into the third quarter, its offense stalled, allowing Oklahoma State to come back. The game’s defining play was Dominic Richardson’s 7-yard run to give the Cowboys a 10-point lead with three minutes to play.
Ultimately, Oklahoma State and Spencer Sanders escape a Texas Tech team that will fight until the final whistle.
Up Next for Oklahoma State: at No. 13 TCU
Up Next for Texas Tech: BYE
