Big XII Recap: Week 2

#16 Nebraska (2-0) 20, Wake Forest (0-2) 17
-Nebraska faced their first test of the season on the road against Wake Forest. While they came out on top, Nebraska did not look good as Sam Keller continued to struggle as his second game as starter. The defense also struggled as they gave up 236 yards on the ground to Wake Forest. They will need to really improve running the ball, on defense, and need a big game from Sam Keller to have a chance to beat #1 USC this weekend in Lincoln.

#5 Oklahoma (2-0) 51, Miami, FL (1-1) 13
-Oklahoma absolutely destroyed their opponent for the second week in a row. However, this week looked much more impressive as they dismantled a very good Miami defense. Oklahoma was led by quarterback Sam Bradford as he threw for 200 yards and 5 touchdowns. The defense once again showed why they are one of the top units in the country as they held Miami to 139 total yards.

#23 Texas A&M (2-0) 47, Fresno State (1-1) 45, 3 OT
- Texas A&M won a thriller at home as they defeated Fresno State in triple overtime. Texas A&M avoided the upset as they racked up 318 yards on the ground, showing their powerful running attack, as Stephen McGee and Javorskie Lane both ran for 100 yards. The defense once again looked weak as they gave up 399 yards to Fresno State. Texas A&M will need to improve on defense and prove that they can beat teams through the air (79 yards passing) if they hope to be a contender in the Big XII.

Missouri (2-0) 38, Mississippi (1-1) 25
- For the second week in a row Missouri showed off their high powered offense led by quarterback Chase Daniel (330 yards and 5 touchdowns). They simply out scored Mississippi as they racked up 559 yards of offense. Their defense was nowhere near as effective as they gave up 534 yards to a Mississippi team that is not known for their offense. Missouri resembles Oklahoma State from a year ago.

Northern Iowa (2-0) 24, Iowa State (0-2) 13
- It is obvious Gene Chizik has his work cut out for him as Iowa State lost their second straight game at home. While the offense improved, gaining 399 yards, it was the four turnovers that doomed the Cyclones. The run defense will need to improve and Brett Meyer will have to do even more for this offense if they hope to have a chance to win some games this season.

Baylor (1-1) 42, Rice (0-2) 17
- Baylor came out throwing and didn't look back against the Owls. Showing off their spread offense they threw for 423 yards and 6 touchdowns against the Owls secondary. Led by quarterback Blake Szymanski, the Bears showed off an offense that looked very much like Texas Tech. However, they now stand at 1-1, beating inferior teams and struggling against good teams (TCU, 27-0 L), much like Texas Tech.

Kansas (2-0) 62, Southeastern Louisiana (0-2) 0
- Kansas played a weak opponent for the second week in a row and rolled over a weak opponent for the second week in a row. They racked up 501 yards and only gave up 75 against a weak Southeastern Louisiana team. It has yet to be seen whether their opponents are that bad, or whether Kansas, and their balanced offense and solid defense is looking to be a dark horse candidate in the always weak Big XII North.

Texas Tech (2-0) 45, UTEP (1-1) 31
- Texas Tech overcame a 21-7 deficit to outscore UTEP 28-3 in the second half. Graham Harrell led the way with 484 yards and 4 touchdowns as Texas Tech's defense looked susceptible, but was able to turn it around in the second half. If Texas Tech's defense can play at least decent, their offense will win them football games, as they did against UTEP.

Oklahoma State (1-1) 42, Florida Atlantic (1-1) 6
- Oklahoma State bounced back from their loss against Georgia and tried to get their offense back on track against Florida Atlantic. They displayed a balanced attack as they threw and ran for over 200 yards, on their way to over 450 yards of total offense. The defense played much better as they held Florida Atlantic to 203 total yards, but that was to be expected, since it was Florida Atlantic.

Kansas State (1-1) 34, San Jose State (0-2) 14
- Kansas State rebounded from a tough loss at Auburn and put together a solid win against San Jose State. They racked up 425 yards of offense as Josh Freeman threw for 272 yards. However, he still needs to improve in his decision making as he was intercepted twice. James Johnson had 100 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Arizona State (2-0) 33, Colorado (1-1) 14
- After an emotional win last week against Colorado State, Colorado came back down to earth as they were beaten handily by Arizona State, after jumping out to a 14-0 lead. Despite playing well in the 1st quarter, Rudy Carpenter threw for 276 yards and 3 touchdowns, and Arizona State's defense shut down Colorado. Colorado problems started with their inability to establish their running game as they were held to 39 yards on the ground.

Big XII Recap - Week 1

A look at how the Big XII fared in Week 1.

Kent State 23 (1-0), Iowa State 14 (0-1)
- The Gene Chizik era started off an a bad note, as the Cyclones were beaten at home by the Golden Flashes of Kent State. A disappointing performance by quarterback Brett Meyer and the Iowa State defense, as they gave up 363 yards. This season will be a long one, though Iowa State may be able to build on the 133 yards by Jamicah Bass on the ground.

Colorado 31 (1-0), Colorado State 28 (0-1) OT
- A big win for Dan Hawkins and the Buffaloes as they came back from a 28-17 deficit to send it into overtime and complete the victory over the rival Rams. Quarterback Cody Hawkins had a good game, throwing for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns, and only one interception. They were outgained by the Rams, but fought hard and got a big win to start the season and keep fan interest in the program, and show progress.

#20 Nebraska 52 (1-0), Nevada 10 (0-1)
- Nebraska dominated every aspect of their opener, gaining over 600 yards on offense and holding the Wolf Pack under 200 yards of offense. Sam Keller had a less than stellar debut, but the defense and Marlon Lucky were very impressive as Lucky ran for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Missouri 40 (1-0), Illinois 34 (0-1)
- Missouri won a shootout against the Fighting Zooks in their opener. The offense was everything as advertised as Chase Daniel threw for 359 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, the absence of a running game and giving up 435 yards to a mediocre Illinois team has to be worrisome to a team looking to compete for the Big XII North crown.

#22 TCU 27 (1-0), Baylor 0 (0-1)
- Baylor played TCU tough for three quarters before running out of gas and giving up the final 17 points of a 27-0 shutout loss. Despite gaining 282 yards against a stout TCU defense Baylor couldn't put points on the board. Four interceptions out of their quarterbacks was not the start Baylor wanted to get off to, and the 386 yards of offense surrendered makes you wonder if the Bears have improved from last season.

#13 Georgia 35 (1-0), Oklahoma State 14
- What was supposed to be the coming out party for the Oklahoma State offense turned into a disaster between the hedges for the Cowboys. They were held to 266 yards of offense and couldn't get anything going in the air or on the ground. They also gave up 376 yards of offense to a Georgia team not know for their offense. It should be a wake up call to Bobby Reid and company that they will need to bring it every week.

#8 Oklahoma 79 (1-0), North Texas 10 (0-1)
- An opener that dreams are made of as Sam Bradford threw for 363 yards and 3 touchdowns and freshman sensation DeMarco Murray ran for 87 yards and 5 touchdowns as the Sooners cruised against North Texas. A defensive unit that was supposed to be one of the best in the country was exactly that as they held the Mean Green to 15 yards rushing and had three interceptions.

#25 Texas A&M 38 (1-0), Montana State 7 (0-1)
- The Aggies opened their season with a solid win over Montana State. While they ran for 261 yards, the continued to lack the passing game they need to take them to the next level. Stephen McGee completed 50% of his passes for 121 yards. Just as disappointing as the pass offense was the pass defense that gave up 300 yards threw the air.

Kansas 52 (1-0), Central Michigan 7 (0-1)
- Kansas came out firing on all cylinders as quarterback Todd Reesing threw for 261 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Kansas had two running back gain over 100 yards each as the offense totaled 538 yards of offense. The defense wasn't spectacular, but was solid in giving up 294 yards of offense to the Chippewas.

#18 Auburn 23 (1-0), Kansas State 13 (0-1)
- Kansas State nearly pulled off the upset on the road, as they fell just short, giving up the go ahead touchdown with 2 minutes left in the game. This game was a lot closer then the final score as Auburn ran a fumble back with a minute left. Kansas State showed a lot of poise in leading for much of the third and fourth quarters. However, an ankle injury to quarterback Josh Freeman prevented the offense from getting a first down late in the game that would have allowed them to run out the clock. The running game was non-exsistent against a good Auburn defense, but the defense played well in a hostile environment.

Texas Tech 49 (1-0), SMU 9 (0-1)
- Texas Tech's offense picked up right where it left off last season as Graham Harrell through for 419 yards and 4 touchdowns, as the Red Raider offense amassed 554 yards on the day. Texas Tech will always throw the ball, but they have to be pleased with the performance by their defense, holding SMU to 266 yards of offense.