RED RIVER ROUNDUP

ALEX CHINERY. Monday 16th November

Welcome to our weekly round up of life in the BIG XII Conference.

Here are this weeks headlines….

A light slate in the Big 12 this weekend with only two games to report on. As such the column is slightly shorter this week but fear not, things will return to normal with some bumper games next weekend. 

In the meantime a quick advertisement for my new venture, a live College Football update show every Saturday afternoon, live on the College Chaps YouTube channel. The replay of this weekends show is below. It was great fun to record and well worth tuning in for next Saturday. 

Doege and Brown Lead West Virginia Past Terrible TCU

Cardiac
Photo Credit: WVU Sports

Morgantown, WV.

Led by a pair of offensive stars, West Virginia beat a sorry TCU in Morgantown West Virginia to take another step towards a winning season in 2020. Quarterback Jarrett Doege was once again impressive, throwing for two touchdowns and no interceptions as he continues to be the steady hand this offense needs. However the passing game is really the compliment to the brilliant Leddie Brown. Brown rushed for over 150 yards as he becomes the engine of the West Virginia offense.

Whilst the Mountaineers offense is efficient, it isn’t overly explosive. It doesn’t need to be because the defense has been imperious for most of this season. Giving up just six points and under five yards per play, it continues to be the best unit on this football team. The skill of the West Virginia defense shouldn’t take away from how poor the TCU offense is. The running game failed to make an impact in this one, whilst the passing game was stymied by West Virginia’s defensive line. 

This was a prime example of two teams heading in different directions. West Virginia look to have a winning season all but tied up, whilst TCU are scrabbling to try and retain that dream. For the Horned Frogs it might be time to get some playing time for young players, especially star running back recruit Zach Evans, who has been but a bit part player thus far. 

Cardiac Red Raiders Win Thriller Against Baylor

Cardiac
Photo Credit: TTU Sports

Lubbock, TX.

Close games have become somewhat of a staple for Texas Tech this season. Fans are still recovering from the early season overtime loss to Texas and a late fourth quarter score to beat West Virginia earlier this season. But Saturday’s comeback win over Baylor may rank as the most exciting game this season for a Tech team well below the .500 mark. 12 fourth quarter points secured the win for Texas Tech, a win that was much needed. 

An early pick six by a Baylor defence that has shown some bright spots recently put them ahead for the second time in as many weeks. From here, the Bears exerted control over the game. Charlie Brewer ran in a key touchdown on third and six. It wasn’t until his brutal third quarter interception that the game looked as though it was going to end in any way other than a Baylor win. 

Whilst the game pivoted somewhat on the Brewer interception, the biggest turning point was yet to come. In the dying embers of the fourth quarter Brewer looked set to power into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the day. However, Tech linebacker Colin Schooler had other ideas, hitting Brewer with a huge tackle to deny him the seven points and hold Baylor to just three points. From here, Texas Tech had all the momentum; a Tahj Brooks touchdown cut the lead to five points before two late Garibay field goals gave Tech the win. 

These are two programs in a state of flux. There are bright spots for both, but huge improvements are needed if they are to challenge in this conference next season. 

Ossai the only Big 12 player in Matt Miller's latest first round mock draft

Cardiac

Austin, TX.

The latest mock draft from Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft guru Matt Miller strikes a similar refrain to many of those across the NFL Draft landscape. The mock – which only covers the first round – is lacking in Big 12 names. Texas edge rusher Joseph Ossai is the only representative from the conference, going off the board at number 16 to the Miami Dolphins.

Here is what Miller has to say about the Longhorns standout:

“The best player in the Big 12 plays at Texas and he plays on defense. First-year “Jack” rusher Joseph Ossai is terrorizing opposing offenses with his speed, arm length and power off the edge while keeping Texas in games and outright winning last week’s upset of No. 6 Oklahoma State for the Longhorns.

Ossai is NFL-built at 6’4″ and 253 pounds and has shown in his first year as a primary pass-rusher that he has the goods to get to the quarterback and make big plays. Already this season he has four sacks and 46 tackles while being the No. 1 threat on the Texas defense that every offensive line is trying to stop.

The beauty of Ossai is that he’s still improving as he learns the position. He’ll bring a work ethic, motor and intensity to the edge that reflect the type of mentality the Miami Dolphins have loved from prospects.”

Ossai has fans all over the country and if he keeps up this level of play, will hear his name called on day 1 of the 2021 NFL Draft. 

Alex Chinery

Head of Analytics

A texas and Green Bay Packers Fan alex is our head of football analytics, a college football and Nfl draft scout for the touchdown he will be popping up all over. he is also The host of the touchdowns Seven Step Drop NFL podcast and one third of the college chaps. 

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