I don't know what it is about Big XII football that lends itself to blowouts of this kind, but we do seem to get a lot of them. There have been three UCFC games this year that I thought might be really close: Baylor v. Oklahoma; Baylor v. Texas Tech; and Oklahoma St. v. Baylor. All three had moments of drama in the first half, but all three turned into blowouts in the second half. Big XII football reminds me of arm-wrestling; once one team gets the momentum, it is extremely difficult for the other team to turn things around.
For over a year, the momentum was all with the Baylor Bears, who put on one of the greatest runs in UCFC history. Let's review their many triumphs once more:
11/17/12: Baylor 54, Kansas St. 24
11/24/12: Baylor 52, Texas Tech 45 (OT)
12/01/12: Baylor 41, Oklahoma St. 34
12/27/12: Baylor 49, UCLA 26 (Holiday Bowl)
08/31/13: Baylor 69, Wofford 3
09/07/13: Baylor 70, Buffalo 13
09/21/13: Baylor 70, Louisiana-Monroe 7
10/05/13: Baylor 73, W. Virginia 42
10/12/13: Baylor 35, Kansas St. 25
10/19/13: Baylor 71, Iowa St. 7
10/26/13: Baylor 59, Kansas 14
11/07/13: Baylor 41, Oklahoma 12
11/16/13: Baylor 63, Texas Tech 34
That is a remarkable run for any team. But for a program like Baylor, which has so often labored in the shadow of bigger schools with larger fan bases, it is something to be cherished and honored. I am very sorry for the Baylor fans that they have lost the UCFC after such a long run, and that they probably will not win the Big XII title or have a chance to play for the National Championship. I am very sorry that they lost so badly tonight, when they were playing on national television. I think it is unfair that many casual fans will only remember this defeat, and not their great run of victories. I do believe, however, that in future years, Baylor fans will have wonderful memories of this season. I will remember seeing Bryce Petty carve up one team after another as if he were playing a video game. I will remember their hard-fought victory in Manhattan, Kan., and their great blowout over Oklahoma, and all the beautiful touchdowns that I saw them score. And I hope they win the rest of their games, and get the national attention they deserve.
Baylor loses the UCFC after defending it twelve times in a row. Their all-time record in UCFC play falls to 27-19-3.
As for the new champions, they deserve a great deal of credit. No one has come close to controlling Baylor the way Oklahoma State did tonight. And while the Cowboys certainly got some help from Baylor's injuries, a volcanic home crowd, and the cold weather, they were much the better team on both sides of the ball. Oklahoma State has been improving all year, and they came together with a great effort tonight. They are very worthy holders of the UCFC.
The Cowboys move to 3-10 in UCFC games, and they take the title for the first time since 2008. They will keep it for at least two weeks, because they don't play again until December 7, when they will host the Oklahoma Sooners. If the Cowboys win that game, they will be the Big XII Champions. We will be watching.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Oklahoma St. 28 - 3 Baylor (10:10 left in 3d Quarter)
This game, which promised so much drama when it began, has now turned into a party for Oklahoma State. Taking over on their own 20, the Cowboys quickly race 80 yards down the field, using flea flickers and hurling long passes all over the place. All year, Baylor's defense has been like a distant radio station that fades in and out, and the Bears have looked absolutely helpless on Oklahoma State's two possessions in this half. Clint Chelf is now 14-17 for 321 yards and 2 touchdowns -- and on this drive Chelf actually caught a pass for a 48-yard gain. The drive was capped off by another short run from Kye Staley, who dashed in from one yard to pretty much put this game away.
Unless something extraordinary happens, we won't have much more to say on this game -- we usually stop the live-blogging once someone opens up a 21-point margin. But I will wonder if things would have been different had Bryce Petty not stumbled and fell when he had a chance to give Baylor an early 7-0 lead.
Oklahoma St. 21 - 3 Baylor (11:55 left in the 3d Quarter)
Baylor, trying desperately to stay in the game, quickly zipped down to the Oklahoma St. 20, where their drive stalled. Facing 4th and 4, they eschewed a field goal that would have made the score 21-6, and instead went with a sort of wishbone-option pitchout that never had any chance of making the first down. Oklahoma State takes over on downs, and unless something truly extraordinary happens, these pages will soon be orange and black.
I turned off the Baylor Sports Network. It was too sad to keep listening.
I turned off the Baylor Sports Network. It was too sad to keep listening.
Oklahoma St. 21 - 3 Baylor (13:23 left in 3d Quarter)
Oklahoma State took the opening kickoff, and soon faced a 3d and 3 from its own 44. Baylor's defense, desperate to get the ball back, crowded the line. But Clint Chelf lobbed a deep pass to Tracy Moore, who battled with a Baylor defender for the ball at the Baylor 30. Moore came down with the ball, the Baylor defender hit the ground, and Moore trotted in for a touchdown. It was a huge, huge, play -- and like almost all the huge plays in this game, it was made by Oklahoma State.
Baylor is now in an almost hopeless position. They need to score a lot of points very quickly.
Baylor is now in an almost hopeless position. They need to score a lot of points very quickly.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 3 Baylor (Halftime)
Oklahoma State takes a knee, and we're headed for the locker rooms.
The Baylor color commentator said that the Bears are lucky not to be further behind, and I see his point. Oklahoma State had 276 yards in the first half, to only 174 for Baylor. But Baylor still has a chance to hold the UCFC -- if they can get their offense going.
The Baylor color commentator said that the Bears are lucky not to be further behind, and I see his point. Oklahoma State had 276 yards in the first half, to only 174 for Baylor. But Baylor still has a chance to hold the UCFC -- if they can get their offense going.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 3 Baylor (13 seconds left in 2d Quarter)
Oklahoma State called two time outs in an effort to freeze the Baylor kicker, but Aaron Jones of Crowley H.S. in Crowley, Tex. boots a 29-yard field goal to put the Bears on the board.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 0 Baylor (16 seconds left in 2d Quarter)
Oklahoma State's defense digs in, and Baylor now faces a 4th and 2 at the Oklahoma State 12. Baylor calls time out to decide whether to kick a field goal or go for the first down. The radio guys want them to kick.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 0 Baylor (45 seconds left in 2d Quarter)
On first and 10 from his own 17, Petty hits Clay Fuller of Smithson Valley H.S. in Bulverde, Tex. with a long pass, and he dashes all the way down to the Oklahoma State 30. Linwood then scoots 10 yards for a first down at the Cowboy 20. At this point Oklahoma State calls time.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 0 Baylor (1:16 left in 2d Quarter)
Baylor's defense, which has been on the field almost the whole game, holds again. The Cowboys punt to the Baylor 17. Baylor will get one more chance to do something before the half.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 0 Baylor (2:56 left in 2d Quarter)
Baylor desperately needs to get something going, but Oklahoma State appears to have their offense completely figured out. The Bears are overwhelmed on three straight plays, and they are forced to punt. Oklahoma State takes over on its own 35 -- if they can get another score before the half, they can put Baylor in a very deep hole.
Oklahoma St. 14 - 0 Baylor (4:20 left in 2d Quarter)
Well, I urged the Bears to go for it on 4th down.
Oklahoma State takes over at its own 20 and goes 80 yards in only five plays for its second touchdown of the game. Clint Chelf, the Cowboys' quarterback from Enid H.S. in Enid, Okla., is 11-11 for 232 yards so far. (Baylor's Petty is only 9-16 for 59 yards). Chelf's 11th completion was a 12-yard pass to Charlie Moore from Union H.S. in Tulsa, Okla., and Moore trotted into the end zone to give Oklahoma State a two-touchdown lead.
The crowd in Stillwater is going absolutely nuts, and I don't blame them. From what I've seen so far, I would be stunned if Baylor can pull out this game.
Oklahoma State takes over at its own 20 and goes 80 yards in only five plays for its second touchdown of the game. Clint Chelf, the Cowboys' quarterback from Enid H.S. in Enid, Okla., is 11-11 for 232 yards so far. (Baylor's Petty is only 9-16 for 59 yards). Chelf's 11th completion was a 12-yard pass to Charlie Moore from Union H.S. in Tulsa, Okla., and Moore trotted into the end zone to give Oklahoma State a two-touchdown lead.
The crowd in Stillwater is going absolutely nuts, and I don't blame them. From what I've seen so far, I would be stunned if Baylor can pull out this game.
Oklahoma St. 7 - 0 Baylor (6:28 left in 2d Quarter)
Baylor finally got a drive going, but it stalled at the Oklahoma State 42. On 4th and 5, I would have gone for the first down, but the Bears punt. Oklahoma State will take over at its own 20.
Oklahoma St. 7 - 0 Baylor (8:47 left in the 2d Quarter)
Baylor's offense is struggling, but Baylor's defense forces another punt by Kip Smith of Legacy H.S. in Broomfield, Colo. This one goes into the end zone, so the Bears will start at their own 20.
Oklahoma St. 7 - 0 Baylor (11 minutes left in 2d Quarter)
Once again, Baylor cannot get a first down and is forced to punt. Oklahoma State will take over on its own 36.
To be fair, it should be noted that Baylor is without two of its best offensive weapons. Tevin Reese, the outstanding wide receiver from Temple H.S. in Temple, Tex.; and Lache Seastrunk, the excellent running back (who is also from Temple H.S. in Temple, Tex.) are both hurt. They are greatly missed, as Baylor's offense thus far has been a mere shadow of its usual self. The Bears are lucky not to be further behind, but their luck can't hold forever.
To be fair, it should be noted that Baylor is without two of its best offensive weapons. Tevin Reese, the outstanding wide receiver from Temple H.S. in Temple, Tex.; and Lache Seastrunk, the excellent running back (who is also from Temple H.S. in Temple, Tex.) are both hurt. They are greatly missed, as Baylor's offense thus far has been a mere shadow of its usual self. The Bears are lucky not to be further behind, but their luck can't hold forever.
Oklahoma St. 7 - 0 Baylor (12:17 left in 2d Quarter)
Oklahoma State was moving down the field with relative ease, and faced a 4th and 1 at the Baylor 45. They were planning to go for it, and keep their drive alive, but they were whistled for an illegal substitution. So the Cowboys had to punt, and Baylor will take over at its own 12. Can they finally get their offense going?
Oklahoma St. 7 - 0 Baylor (end of 1st Quarter)
Oklahoma State faces a 4th and 1 at its own 44.
That quarter did not go well for the Bears. Oklahoma State had 156 total yards, while Baylor had only 72. Bryce Petty, the Baylor quarterback, was 5-9 for only 25 yards. That will not be good enough to hold the Big Gold Trophy.
That quarter did not go well for the Bears. Oklahoma State had 156 total yards, while Baylor had only 72. Bryce Petty, the Baylor quarterback, was 5-9 for only 25 yards. That will not be good enough to hold the Big Gold Trophy.
Oklahoma St. 7 - 0 Baylor (1:17 left in 1st Quarter)
Baylor goes three-and-out for only the eighth time all season, as the Oklahoma State defense is flying all over the place. Spenser Roth of Knoxville Catholic H.S. in Knoxville, Tenn. gets off a great punt -- driving the ball all the way to the Oklahoma State 29. But the Cowboys just went 99 yards for a touchdown, so they won't be too intimidated by the prospect of needing to go 71 for another.
Oklahoma St. 7 - 0 Baylor (3:07 left in 1st Quarter)
And Oklahoma State makes Baylor pay big-time for its fumble. In just a few plays, Oklahoma State zips 99 yards down the field for the first score of the game. The Cowboys take the lead on a two-yard run by Kye Staley of Guthrie H.S. in Guthrie, Okla. Ben Grogan of Martin H.S. in Arlington, Tex. tacks on the extra point, and Oklahoma State has a 7-0 lead.
This is the third game in a row where Baylor has fallen behind in the first half. But tonight they are on the road in a very hostile environment.
This is the third game in a row where Baylor has fallen behind in the first half. But tonight they are on the road in a very hostile environment.
Oklahoma St. 0 - 0 Baylor (6:35 left in 1st Quarter)
Two huge mistakes by Baylor. Bryce Petty, Baylor's excellent quarterback from Midlothian H.S. in Midlothian, Tex., was in the clear and running in for an easy touchdown when he suddenly STUMBLED AND FELL at the Oklahoma State 1 yard line. That didn't seem to be such a big deal, but two plays later, Shock Linwood of Linden-Kildare H.S. in Linden, Tex. tried a plunge into the end zone -- and did that silly play where the runner reaches out with the ball. Oklahoma State slapped the ball out of his hands and grabbed it. So Baylor blows a golden chance to take the lead, and Oklahoma State takes over at its own one yard line.
Oklahoma St. 0 - 0 Baylor (8:08 left in 1st Quarter)
Oklahoma State was running the ball down the field, and they had what appeared to be an easy 3d and 1 at their own 47. But then they tried a weird screen pass where the receiver caught the ball several yards behind the line of scrimmage, and he couldn't make the first down. On fourth down, they decided to go for it, and went back to their running game -- but Baylor was in a run blitz and stopped them cold. So the Bears will be taking over at the Ok St. 47.
Oklahoma St. 0 - 0 Baylor (12:29 left in 1st Quarter)
The Bears took the opening kickoff, moved to midfield, couldn't get any further, and punted to the Ok St. 14.
Oklahoma St. 0 - 0 Baylor (15 minutes left in 1st Quarter)
I'm tuned in to the Baylor Sports Network (which is excellent) and ABC-TV (which is OK).
It's 35 degrees and falling in Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., which is crammed full of folks wearing orange and black. Huge day for both Baylor and Ok State, who have rarely gotten this much attention for their football programs.
Baylor is averaging 61.2 points per game, and over 680 yards per game. On the other hand, the Baylor Sports Network tells us that the Bears haven't beaten a ranked team on the road since 1991.
The Baylor Sports Network tells us that this is the 300th consecutive game called by Baylor play-by-play man John Morris. Morris is a native of Danville, Ky., who grew up listening to the legendary Cawood Ledford, and he is very, very good.
Uniform watch:
Baylor: black helmets with gold BU logo, white jerseys with green numerals and gold shoulders, black pants, black socks, and black shoes.
Oklahoma St: white helmets with black and orange OSU logo, black jerseys with orange numerals, white pants, black socks and black shoes.
For a Big XII game in 2013, these uniforms aren't nearly as annoying as they could be.
It's 35 degrees and falling in Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., which is crammed full of folks wearing orange and black. Huge day for both Baylor and Ok State, who have rarely gotten this much attention for their football programs.
Baylor is averaging 61.2 points per game, and over 680 yards per game. On the other hand, the Baylor Sports Network tells us that the Bears haven't beaten a ranked team on the road since 1991.
The Baylor Sports Network tells us that this is the 300th consecutive game called by Baylor play-by-play man John Morris. Morris is a native of Danville, Ky., who grew up listening to the legendary Cawood Ledford, and he is very, very good.
Uniform watch:
Baylor: black helmets with gold BU logo, white jerseys with green numerals and gold shoulders, black pants, black socks, and black shoes.
Oklahoma St: white helmets with black and orange OSU logo, black jerseys with orange numerals, white pants, black socks and black shoes.
For a Big XII game in 2013, these uniforms aren't nearly as annoying as they could be.
Oklahoma St. v. Baylor
On January 10, 2011, Auburn and Oregon met in a UCFC game that was also a game for the 2010 National Championship. Early in 2011 season, Auburn lost the UCFC to Clemson, and since then the UCFC has rarely featured two highly-rated teams. But today's game features two teams with a combined record of 18-1. Oklahoma and Texas are usually the two big guns in the Big XII, but this year Baylor has beaten Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State has beaten Texas. As a result, these two teams are at the top of the Big XII standings:
(3) Baylor: 6-0, 9-0
(11) Oklahoma St: 6-1, 9-1
Texas: 6-1, 7-3
Oklahoma: 5-2, 8-2
Kansas St: 4-3, 6-4
Texas Tech: 4-4, 7-4
Texas Christian: 2-6, 4-7
W. Virginia: 2-6, 4-7
Kansas: 1-6, 3-7
Iowa St: 0-7, 1-9
It is 349 miles up I-35 from Baylor's home in Waco, Tex. to Stillwater, Okla. -- home of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. But for most of its history, Baylor was in the old Southwest Conference, while Oklahoma State was in the old Big 8. So the teams didn't play regularly until 1996. Oklahoma State leads the all-time series 18-13, but the Cowboys have beaten Baylor in 15 of the last 17 seasons. The Bears haven't won in Stillwater since 1939.
This is undoubtedly the biggest Baylor/Oklahoma State game ever. For most of their histories, these teams have not been very formidable. Out of 125 D-1A schools, Oklahoma State ranks 80th in all-time winning percentage, while Baylor is 83d. But they have been great this year. Baylor's triumphs have been qualified in some detail on this blog, so we don't need to repeat them. But Oklahoma State has been almost as good as Baylor. Here's what they've done this year (home teams listed first):
08/31/13: Oklahoma St. 21 - 3 Mississippi St. (in Houston)
09/07/13: Tex-San Antonio 35 - 56 Oklahoma St.
09/14/13: Oklahoma St. 59 - 3 Lamar
09/28/13: W. Virginia 30 - 21 Oklahoma St.
10/05/13: Oklahoma St. 33 - 29 Kansas St.
10/19/13: Oklahoma St. 24 - 10 Texas Christian
10/26/13: Iowa St. 27 - 58 Oklahoma St.
11/02/13: Texas Tech 34 - 52 Oklahoma St.
11/09/13: Oklahoma St. 42 - 6 Kansas
11/16/13: Texas 13 - 38 Oklahoma St.
So except for a bad day in West Virginia, which could happen to almost anyone, Oklahoma State has been invincible -- and they seem to be getting better as the year goes on. Tonight, in the cold, on their home field, they will be very tough to beat.
Vegas, however, still believes in Baylor. They like the Bears by 8 in a game where the over-under line is 78. That would work out to a final score of 43-35 for the Bears. I don't see Baylor scoring that many points tonight. In fact, I'm picking Oklahoma State to pull this one out, and to bring Baylor's long run to an end.
(3) Baylor: 6-0, 9-0
(11) Oklahoma St: 6-1, 9-1
Texas: 6-1, 7-3
Oklahoma: 5-2, 8-2
Kansas St: 4-3, 6-4
Texas Tech: 4-4, 7-4
Texas Christian: 2-6, 4-7
W. Virginia: 2-6, 4-7
Kansas: 1-6, 3-7
Iowa St: 0-7, 1-9
It is 349 miles up I-35 from Baylor's home in Waco, Tex. to Stillwater, Okla. -- home of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. But for most of its history, Baylor was in the old Southwest Conference, while Oklahoma State was in the old Big 8. So the teams didn't play regularly until 1996. Oklahoma State leads the all-time series 18-13, but the Cowboys have beaten Baylor in 15 of the last 17 seasons. The Bears haven't won in Stillwater since 1939.
This is undoubtedly the biggest Baylor/Oklahoma State game ever. For most of their histories, these teams have not been very formidable. Out of 125 D-1A schools, Oklahoma State ranks 80th in all-time winning percentage, while Baylor is 83d. But they have been great this year. Baylor's triumphs have been qualified in some detail on this blog, so we don't need to repeat them. But Oklahoma State has been almost as good as Baylor. Here's what they've done this year (home teams listed first):
08/31/13: Oklahoma St. 21 - 3 Mississippi St. (in Houston)
09/07/13: Tex-San Antonio 35 - 56 Oklahoma St.
09/14/13: Oklahoma St. 59 - 3 Lamar
09/28/13: W. Virginia 30 - 21 Oklahoma St.
10/05/13: Oklahoma St. 33 - 29 Kansas St.
10/19/13: Oklahoma St. 24 - 10 Texas Christian
10/26/13: Iowa St. 27 - 58 Oklahoma St.
11/02/13: Texas Tech 34 - 52 Oklahoma St.
11/09/13: Oklahoma St. 42 - 6 Kansas
11/16/13: Texas 13 - 38 Oklahoma St.
So except for a bad day in West Virginia, which could happen to almost anyone, Oklahoma State has been invincible -- and they seem to be getting better as the year goes on. Tonight, in the cold, on their home field, they will be very tough to beat.
Vegas, however, still believes in Baylor. They like the Bears by 8 in a game where the over-under line is 78. That would work out to a final score of 43-35 for the Bears. I don't see Baylor scoring that many points tonight. In fact, I'm picking Oklahoma State to pull this one out, and to bring Baylor's long run to an end.
Baylor 63 - 34 Texas Tech
For the second game in a row, Baylor fell behind early. In fact, they trailed 14-0 in the first quarter. But, as has been the case for more than a year, the Bears' offense was awesome once it got going. By the end of the first quarter, Baylor had taken a 21-20 lead. At the half, they were up 35-27. And after three quarters, it was 56-34. That's the way it's been with Baylor -- they score in wave after wave, and just overwhelm the other team's defense.
So the Bears are now 9-0 on the year, and they have won the UCFC for the thirteenth time in a row. They also keep the title for a full calendar year -- no one has done that in over seven years. Their all-time record in UCFC play is now 27-18-3. Texas Tech suffers their second consecutive loss in UCFC play to Baylor. Their all-time UCFC record is 17-15. But as long as the title stays in the Big XII, they may get another chance at the Big Gold Trophy.
So the Bears are now 9-0 on the year, and they have won the UCFC for the thirteenth time in a row. They also keep the title for a full calendar year -- no one has done that in over seven years. Their all-time record in UCFC play is now 27-18-3. Texas Tech suffers their second consecutive loss in UCFC play to Baylor. Their all-time UCFC record is 17-15. But as long as the title stays in the Big XII, they may get another chance at the Big Gold Trophy.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Baylor v. Texas Tech
On November 17, 2012 -- almost one year ago -- Baylor stunned Kansas State 54-24 to take the Unofficial College Football Championship. Here's what the Bears have done since then:
11/24/12: Baylor 52, Texas Tech 45 (OT)
12/01/12: Baylor 41, Oklahoma St. 34
12/27/12: Baylor 49, UCLA 25 (Holiday Bowl)
08/31/13: Baylor 69, Wofford 3
09/07/13: Baylor 70, Buffalo 13
09/21/13: Baylor 70, La-Monroe 7
10/05/13: Baylor 73, W. Virginia 42
10/12/13: Baylor 35, Kansas St. 25
10/19/13: Baylor 71, Iowa St. 7
10/26/13: Baylor 59, Kansas 14
11/07/13: Baylor 41, Oklahoma 12
That's twelve wins in a row -- the longest win in school history, and the longest series of wins in the UCFC since Florida won 13 straight from January 8, 2009 to November 28, 2009. If Baylor wins tonight, they will have kept the UCFC for an entire calendar year -- and no one has done that since USC held the crown from January 1, 2004 until January 4, 2006.
But the Bears still have a lot of work ahead of them. They are 5-0 in the Big XII, but Texas is 6-0 in the conference. And Baylor is up to number 4 in the AP poll. I don't think enough of the teams ahead of them will lose for them to reach the BCS title game, but it could happen -- and even if it didn't, an undefeated season topped by a trip to the Fiesta Bowl would be spectacular.
Here's what lies ahead for Baylor (home games in all caps):
11/16/13: Texas Tech (in Arlington, Tex.)
11/23/13: at Oklahoma St.
11/30/13: at Texas Christian
12/07/13: TEXAS
This is quite a gauntlet. Oklahoma State, which is 8-1 and ranked 12th in the nation, will be extremely difficult to beat. But a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, and it is absolutely vital that Baylor keep the ball rolling by beating Texas Tech tonight.
The Red Raiders, under new coach Kliff Kingsbury, got off to a 7-0 start against pretty weak competition. But their last three games are a 38-30 loss at Oklahoma, a 52-34 loss at home against Oklahoma State, and a 49-26 loss at home to Kansas State. These figures do not indicate that the Red Raider defense will be capable of stopping Baylor's high-flying attack. In fact, the folks in Vegas have installed Baylor as a 27-point favorite in a game where 84 total points are expected. That would work out to something like a 56-28 win for the Bears. We'll have to wait and see; Baylor's defense has only given up 28 points in one game this year. On the other hand, the Bears may be looking ahead to next week's showdown in Stillwater.
This is the first time all year that Baylor has played one of their old rivals from the Southwest Conference. The Red Raiders lead the all-time series 36-34-1. This is their third meeting for the UCFC. On November 17, 1933, Texas Tech beat Baylor 13-0 to take the title. On November 24, 2012, Baylor pulled out a wild 52-45 overtime victory to keep the crown. At the time, it seemed like Baylor's hold on the Big Gold Trophy was shaky. But they have been rock-solid since that time.
Having come this far with them, I can't help rooting for Baylor to hold the title. But an emergency school play is putting me out of commission for tonight's game. I will, however, try to post a recap as soon as possible. (Of course, if this page is suddenly black and red, you will know that the UCFC has gone back to Lubbock).
11/24/12: Baylor 52, Texas Tech 45 (OT)
12/01/12: Baylor 41, Oklahoma St. 34
12/27/12: Baylor 49, UCLA 25 (Holiday Bowl)
08/31/13: Baylor 69, Wofford 3
09/07/13: Baylor 70, Buffalo 13
09/21/13: Baylor 70, La-Monroe 7
10/05/13: Baylor 73, W. Virginia 42
10/12/13: Baylor 35, Kansas St. 25
10/19/13: Baylor 71, Iowa St. 7
10/26/13: Baylor 59, Kansas 14
11/07/13: Baylor 41, Oklahoma 12
That's twelve wins in a row -- the longest win in school history, and the longest series of wins in the UCFC since Florida won 13 straight from January 8, 2009 to November 28, 2009. If Baylor wins tonight, they will have kept the UCFC for an entire calendar year -- and no one has done that since USC held the crown from January 1, 2004 until January 4, 2006.
But the Bears still have a lot of work ahead of them. They are 5-0 in the Big XII, but Texas is 6-0 in the conference. And Baylor is up to number 4 in the AP poll. I don't think enough of the teams ahead of them will lose for them to reach the BCS title game, but it could happen -- and even if it didn't, an undefeated season topped by a trip to the Fiesta Bowl would be spectacular.
Here's what lies ahead for Baylor (home games in all caps):
11/16/13: Texas Tech (in Arlington, Tex.)
11/23/13: at Oklahoma St.
11/30/13: at Texas Christian
12/07/13: TEXAS
This is quite a gauntlet. Oklahoma State, which is 8-1 and ranked 12th in the nation, will be extremely difficult to beat. But a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, and it is absolutely vital that Baylor keep the ball rolling by beating Texas Tech tonight.
The Red Raiders, under new coach Kliff Kingsbury, got off to a 7-0 start against pretty weak competition. But their last three games are a 38-30 loss at Oklahoma, a 52-34 loss at home against Oklahoma State, and a 49-26 loss at home to Kansas State. These figures do not indicate that the Red Raider defense will be capable of stopping Baylor's high-flying attack. In fact, the folks in Vegas have installed Baylor as a 27-point favorite in a game where 84 total points are expected. That would work out to something like a 56-28 win for the Bears. We'll have to wait and see; Baylor's defense has only given up 28 points in one game this year. On the other hand, the Bears may be looking ahead to next week's showdown in Stillwater.
This is the first time all year that Baylor has played one of their old rivals from the Southwest Conference. The Red Raiders lead the all-time series 36-34-1. This is their third meeting for the UCFC. On November 17, 1933, Texas Tech beat Baylor 13-0 to take the title. On November 24, 2012, Baylor pulled out a wild 52-45 overtime victory to keep the crown. At the time, it seemed like Baylor's hold on the Big Gold Trophy was shaky. But they have been rock-solid since that time.
Having come this far with them, I can't help rooting for Baylor to hold the title. But an emergency school play is putting me out of commission for tonight's game. I will, however, try to post a recap as soon as possible. (Of course, if this page is suddenly black and red, you will know that the UCFC has gone back to Lubbock).
Baylor 41 - 12 Oklahoma
Before this game, Oklahoma's all-time record against Baylor was a sparkling 21-1, with the Sooners' only loss coming two years ago -- when a great performance by Robert Griffin III led the Bears to a 45-38 victory. But all that history did Oklahoma no good in this game, as Baylor's spectacular run continued in smashing fashion. The Bears were a bit nervous in the early going, and actually trailed 5-3 after Oklahoma kicked a field goal with 12:09 to go in the second quarter. But Baylor's offense tends to go very quickly once it gets going. The Bears scored three touchdowns to take a 24-5 lead into the locker room, and then scored again to make the score 31-5 with 8 minutes left in the third quarter.
The Baylor fans, who were all wearing black like their team, were utterly transported. They've waited a long time to see something like this, and they were rightfully ecstatic. Plus, of course, they kept the Unofficial College Football Championship.
So Baylor has now won the UCFC twelve times in a row, and their all-time record is now 26-18-3 in UCFC play. Oklahoma falls to 26-16-1
Next up, Baylor heads to JerryWorld to defend its title against Texas Tech.
The Baylor fans, who were all wearing black like their team, were utterly transported. They've waited a long time to see something like this, and they were rightfully ecstatic. Plus, of course, they kept the Unofficial College Football Championship.
So Baylor has now won the UCFC twelve times in a row, and their all-time record is now 26-18-3 in UCFC play. Oklahoma falls to 26-16-1
Next up, Baylor heads to JerryWorld to defend its title against Texas Tech.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Baylor v. Oklahoma
I don't like Thursday night football.
It's not so bad if it's a game no one cares about -- but the only time a game this big should be played on Thursday is if it's being played on Thanksgiving.
Anyway, because of outside commitments, I do not have time to do justice either to the Oklahoma Sooners -- who have one of the greatest of all football traditions -- or to this game, which may be the most important college football game ever played in Waco, Tex. I also won't be able to live-blog tomorrow night's competition.
I will do the usual post-game write-up on Saturday, and I'll probably add a post about Oklahoma as well. In the meantime, here are the current standings in the Big 12, with the current AP ranking next to each team in the top 20. This pretty much tells you what's at stake -- not even counting the UCFC:
Texas: 5-0, 6-2
(6) Baylor: 4-0, 7-0
(14) Oklahoma St: 4-1, 7-1
(10) Oklahoma: 4-1, 7-1
Texas Tech: 4-2, 7-2
Kansas St: 2-3, 4-4
W. Virginia: 2-4, 4-5
Texas Christian: 1-5, 3-6
Kansas: 0-5, 2-6
Iowa St: 0-5, 1-7
Vegas is picking Baylor by 14 1/2 points, and they've set the over/under line at 73 1/2. That would work out to something like a 44-30 Baylor win. If Baylor can do that, they have a great chance of going undefeated.
Anyway, if this blog is crimson and cream on Friday, you'll know there's been a change in the UCFC, whether I write anything or not.
It's not so bad if it's a game no one cares about -- but the only time a game this big should be played on Thursday is if it's being played on Thanksgiving.
Anyway, because of outside commitments, I do not have time to do justice either to the Oklahoma Sooners -- who have one of the greatest of all football traditions -- or to this game, which may be the most important college football game ever played in Waco, Tex. I also won't be able to live-blog tomorrow night's competition.
I will do the usual post-game write-up on Saturday, and I'll probably add a post about Oklahoma as well. In the meantime, here are the current standings in the Big 12, with the current AP ranking next to each team in the top 20. This pretty much tells you what's at stake -- not even counting the UCFC:
Texas: 5-0, 6-2
(6) Baylor: 4-0, 7-0
(14) Oklahoma St: 4-1, 7-1
(10) Oklahoma: 4-1, 7-1
Texas Tech: 4-2, 7-2
Kansas St: 2-3, 4-4
W. Virginia: 2-4, 4-5
Texas Christian: 1-5, 3-6
Kansas: 0-5, 2-6
Iowa St: 0-5, 1-7
Vegas is picking Baylor by 14 1/2 points, and they've set the over/under line at 73 1/2. That would work out to something like a 44-30 Baylor win. If Baylor can do that, they have a great chance of going undefeated.
Anyway, if this blog is crimson and cream on Friday, you'll know there's been a change in the UCFC, whether I write anything or not.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)