Each week I will take a look at things at this defensive stalwart of a conference, that Iron Curtain called the Big 12. Of course I cannot help but make some fun of the defense, or lack of, that is constantly on public display each weekend. I don't know how many of you watched or looked in on that mess between Oklahoma and Texas Tech but I couldn't watch it. Just couldn't do it. Anyway, I will look at each team briefly and toss out some random (very) thoughts and observations.
Last week Oklahoma State had a road game with the conference door mat the Kansas Jayhawks. They are counting down the days until basketball gets underway in Lawrence. That will be the time when the KU fans can start to administer some payback for all the humiliation suffered on the football field. It was homecoming in Lawrence and the Jayhawks did ring up 20 points on the scoreboard. I am trying to look for positives. In all fairness this game was closer than the 24 point margin might suggest. Frankly I think KU gave it their best shot and the Cowboy's were likely looking ahead somewhat to this coming weekend and the big game at Stillwater against Holgerson and his rising West Virginia Mountaineers.
I did have a clients release last weekend on the game in Manhattan between the Longhorns and Bill Snyder's Wildcats. No way in hell could I see Texas winning that game. I should have played it stronger and it was admittedly one of those games I was kicking myself over for not stepping up. Hindsight is so perfect isn't it. I did watch much of that game and to be candid Texas looked poorly prepared, undisciplined and lacking motivation. I hate to sound harsh but they looked bad. There is too much raw talent on that roster for the results they are getting. From a purely athletic stand point they had it all over the Wildcats. But as is often the case, Kansas State was the better prepared team that executed more soundly. Yes, sometimes it is as simple as that. When I watch a game I focus a great deal on the line of scrimmage early on. Generally who is winning that battle in the trenches will carry the day. Texas was not firing off the line on running plays. Not an isolated player, I am talking as a unit. On the flip side the Wildcats line was. THAT is purely a combination of 1. Coaching 2. Player motivation. It is my personal opinion Charlie Strong needs a big effort this weekend against Baylor. It seems at home they do play better. Well they better be ready to play hard for their coach this weekend. Baylor is coming to town and I can easily see the Bears lighting up that Texas defense. It seems when you count them out they come up with a decent showing. But good coaches harness energy into consistent performance. Nick Saban does not have the Tide ready to play on select weekends, they have a process and consistent performance is the foundation of that. And good grief, the results are plain to see. No, right now I do not have a great deal of respect for the Texas staff. They are under performing considering the talent at their disposal. As for Kansas State it was a solid win at home. This is not one of Snyders best teams compared to some lately but they are vintage with the fundamentals. This week they have what should be a real battle in store up in Ames.
West Virginia is starting to turn some heads. They remain unbeaten after soundly knocking off Gary Patterson's TCU club. 34-10 is more than most suspected, even the most hardened WV supporters. The Horned Frogs were stifled on offense in the second half failing to ring up a single point. What kind of startled me frankly was the poor defense by the Horned Frogs. Good lord it must be like a virus spreading through the league. Pattersons teams play better defense than that. Bad defense and costly turnovers can be lethal. I am surprised, I did expect this to be a much closer game than this. I have a feeling Patterson is not a pleasant sort to be around in practice this week as they get work in preparing for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders will have their hands full. Of course I could be wrong but I expect a strong game from TCU this week. As for West Virginia, they are heading head first into a hornets nest in Stillwater.
I hard a guy state saturday night that he thought the Oklahoma and Texas Tech game was entertaining to watch. I wanted to go into the head and vomit. I won't talk much here about that mess because it made me nauseous. It was the poster child for deplorable defense. Over 1700 yards of total offense. Case closed. I'm moving on. Sorry if it pisses off the fans of both teams. That's not football.
Okay, that will be a wrap for this week. If I stepped on any toes I was just offering up my own personal opinions. Hell, I am a Mizzou guy so brother that is a target rich environment. We just lost to Middle Tennessee State at home for homecoming. My Tigers blow right now. So if I dish some out I fully realize my own team is a dumpster fire.
Now, I have to address some business or I will get in hot water, lol. Last week I had a strong weekend for my clients and I did indeed sweep the Triple Star featured releases. The football featured releases have been frankly kicking some bookie ass. I have now cashed in on 11 of my last 12 with them. I have loaded up three for this weekend. I have a rare friday night college Triple in play as well as a saturday college Triple star rabid dog. On sunday I have a NFL Triple loaded and ready. The record with the NFL Triple Stars this season is a very solid 8-2. Yes, I feel very confident we are going to cash all three. Like I tell my clients, sometimes perception runs head first into reality and you need to know where to spot those instances. Once again, I feel I have and am ready to use it to our advantage. All three plays are up and ready.
One final note. Pregame now has the combined NBA and college basketball combination subscriptions available. These prices that are available now will not last long I am told. Up to 80% savings can be realized. You will not find a better, more reasonable offer anywhere. When you really stop and think about it the NBA alone will last into june. Talk about bang for your buck. It beats the hell out of daily purchases. If you are interested in a long term package I strongly urge you to take some time to check them out.
Okay, back to work. And there is a ton of it to do. Take care and enjoy your upcoming weekend guys.