Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Texas 49, Oklahoma State 37 -- The Longhorns are steamrolling their way to the national championship game, but have struggled before subduing the Cowboys in previous games. They've had to overcome 19-point deficits in three of the last four seasons, including a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit last season. I think that will get their attention for preparation this time around. Oklahoma State is playing better than any of those teams and is the biggest surprise in the Big 12 and maybe the country. But it will catch up with them this time in Austin, where OSU hasn't won since 1944. I think Texas wears them down in the fourth quarter, but not before OSU's special teams makes them sweat a little bit.
Kansas 38, Texas Tech 35 -- The Red Raiders will take their nine-game winning streak, tied for the longest nationally, into Lawrence where the Jayhawks have won 13 straight games. Tech's firepower will give Kansas' struggling secondary fits. But I'm looking for the Jayhawks to play better this week than last week against Oklahoma when they failed to produce a sack or turnover in 97 snaps against the Sooners. And with Texas Tech's special teams in flux, it might be hard to see them beating the Jayhawks on a clutch late-game field goal.
Missouri 45, Colorado 20 -- Gary Pinkel has underscored what time the game will be this week. His Tigers will respond to their two-game losing streak with a big offensive effort. Look for Chase Daniel to take advantage of Colorado's secondary and cruise to victory. Colorado's offense is struggling as coach Dan Hawkins has hinted that both Tyler Hansen and his son, Cody, will receive snaps. It will be interesting to see if Hawkins subjects Hansen to a hostile road crowd, or decides to go with the more experienced quarterback in his son. Even with Missouri's recent defensive struggles, I look for them to rebound against a less-than-imposing Colorado offense.
Nebraska 38, Baylor 20 -- Bo Pelini and the Cornhuskers have made strides in the last couple of weeks, settling down the offense and setting the stage for last week's huge performance at Iowa State. It was vintage Nebraska football, or about as vintage as could be expected considering this group. Nebraska should have too much firepower for Baylor, which is developing but not ready for this test yet. Nebraska holds a 9-1 edge in this series and has won eight straight. I look for them to add another to the streak on Saturday.
Oklahoma 44, Kansas State 21 -- The Sooners' ground game emerged last week and should have a chance for a lot of yards against Kansas State's leaky defensive front. The Wildcats could have their moments, particularly if they can get their special teams involved. KSU has blocked six kicks this season and could get another against Oklahoma's struggling special-teams unit. But they've got to force a punt first, and that might be saying something with this group against the Sooners.
Iowa State 24, Texas A&M 21 -- Both teams have struggled offensively, although A&M showed flashes in the first half last week against Tech. A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson appears to be getting more comfortable every week, but he can struggle with turnovers -- and I'm guessing that's what gets him on Saturday. The Aggies rank 100th or worse in seven NCAA statistics, including four critical ones: rushing, rush defense, sacks and sacks allowed. And the biggest strength of Iowa State's defense is its turnover margin, which ranks ninth nationally. Those factors should give the Cyclones a slim edge in a game that might be determined by home-field advantage.
My totals last week: 5-1 (83.3 percent)
My totals for the season: 58-8 (87.9 percent)
Tim Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
