With the addition of Week 3’s slate of games, it’s fair to say the Big 12 Conference has experienced the most overtimes out of the other Power 5 schools. Oklahoma manufactured a triple overtime win over SEC rival Tennessee in Week 2, and now both Kansas State and Iowa State tagged along for the party in week three.
And staying true to the stereotype of the the Big 12, the group of seven’s offenses in Week 3 poured on the points (45.4) and yards (467.7), but didn’t possess the tenacity to raise a finger to their opponents in the same categories (allowed 455.5 yards and 31.5 points).
Big 12 Summary – Week 3
W-L Record: 5-2
Highest points scored: 69 (Oklahoma State vs. UT-San Antonio)
Lowest points scored: 23 (Iowa State vs. Toledo)
Largest win margin: 45 (Oklahoma State vs. UT-San Antonio)
Smallest win margin: 6 (Kansas St. vs Louisiana Tech)
Bye week: Baylor (9/26 vs. Rice), West Virginia (9/26 vs. Maryland), Kansas (9/26 @ Rutgers)
5. Oklahoma State (W 69-14 vs. UT-San Antonio)
Even though Kansas State avoided an upset against Jeff Driskel and Louisiana Tech, the fact that it took three overtimes to achieve a win against the unranked Bulldogs, knocked the Wildcats out of this week’s Big 12 Conference standings.
Instead, the honor goes to Oklahoma State, regardless of their weasel numbers against Central Michigan (W 24-13) and Central Arkansas (W 32-8) in weeks one and two, respectively.
One companion to OKSU in week three was turnovers – UTSA lost five fumbles and fed the Cowboys defense two interceptions.
Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph tossed two touchdowns and running back Chris Carson ran with the pigskin 17 times for 104 yards and two touchdowns of his own.
Next on Oklahoma State’s agenda is a bus ride to Memorial Stadium to face Texas, who failed to convert a PAT against Cal, costing the Longhorns a one-point loss.
4. Texas Tech (W 35-25 @ Arkansas)
Though nearly syncing in statistically with Arkansas, Texas Tech was powered by Patrick Mahomes’ three touchdowns (1 pass, 2 rush) as well as an unprecedented effort from the Red Raiders defense that turned up to play in the second half, stuffing Arkansas leading rusher Alex Collins on a vital late-in-the-game drive.
While defeat by Toledo left a bitter taste in the mouths of Arkansas, more trouble arose after a play concerning one of Brandon Allen’s go-to men, Jared Cornelius (2015 season: 7 receptions, 150 yards, TD).
On life support offensively since being deprived of Keon Hatcher. Cody Hollister and now Cornelius all to injuries, Allen will have to confide in Drew Morgan and Hunter Henry at the receiver position.
Next game: Sept. 26 @ Texas Tech (4:30 PM ET on FOX)
3. Oklahoma (W 52-38 vs. Tulsa)
One of Oklahoma’s bugaboos is the defense’s ability to shutdown the offenses of opponents for a half’s worth, but when they get too comfortable, it lacks discipline and Tulsa felt very advantageous after capitalizing on a recovered fumble by Oklahoma, then proceeded to regain possession following an onside kick before halftime.
The end result? Scoring 14 unanswered points in 15 seconds.
WATCH: Tulsa scores 14 points in 15 seconds in furious rally attempt. http://t.co/GCFsBjMsAV
— FS1 (@FS1) September 19, 2015
As projected, another inferior force of the Sooners offense is the leg strength of Samaje Perine, who broke free for 152 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown.
Give the football to Samaje Perine and this is what happens. #Big12FB on FS1 http://t.co/4kbv3m280h
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 19, 2015
The Sooners are scheduled for a week four bye and will resume their season on October 3rd with West Virginia coming to town.
2. Baylor (bye)
Next game: Sept. 26 vs. Rice
1. TCU (56-37 vs. Southern Methodist)
Heisman candidate Trevone Boykin flashed his on-field IQ against a relentless SMU Mustangs squad, who continually assaulted the Horned Frogs defense.
But Boykin lassoed his men and provided a late push with the helping hands of receiver Josh Doctson to soften the cushion of an aggressive Mustangs offense.
JOSH. DOCTSON. What a #Touchdown grab by the senior to extend @TCUFootball's lead to 49-37. http://t.co/e3k8Nkdoql
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 20, 2015
Although TCU managed to escape yet another horror story with SMU, the Horned Frogs suffered an additional liability on defense, losing a starting cornerback to an in-game injury for the remainder of the season.
Gary Patterson confirms TCU CB Ranthony Texada out for the year. Hoping to get him a medical redshirt.
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) September 20, 2015
Other Notable Big 12 Results
39 Kansas State – 33 Louisiana Tech (3 OT)
23 Iowa State – 30 Toledo (2 OT)
44 Texas – 45 California
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
