Like last week, there weren't a lot of great picks, but I narrowed it down to one.
My pick: TCU at Oklahoma State
The biggest reason for this one: Oklahoma State's quarterback issues. The Cowboys offense revolves around the position, and this week, there's all kinds of uncertainty.
TCU has a defense that could take advantage.
J.W. Walsh is likely out for the season, and Wes Lunt's knee is still healing. Will Lunt be ready, and if he is, will he show any signs of rust?
Either way, Lunt threw three interceptions the last time he played a full game, and TCU's defense will be even tougher. Only one of those picks was truly Lunt's fault, but Arizona has just four more interceptions the rest of its season.
TCU's 14 interceptions are tied for third-most nationally and there might be a few on the table this week, too. Can Lunt adjust to game speed as a true freshman after missing more than a month?
Junior Clint Chelf might get a shot, but two younger players passed up Chelf on the depth chart this spring. He's seen little time all season. Can he carry Oklahoma State to a tough conference win?
Whoever plays will have to escape Devonte Fields, too. The true freshman leads the Big 12 in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (13.5) and if Stansly Maponga gets back from an injury (that possibility is doubtful), the duo can provide plenty of pressure that could result in turnovers.
TCU nearly knocked off top-15 Texas Tech last week, and the young Frogs -- nearly 70 percent of the players who have taken the field are freshmen or sophomores -- are getting better by the week. They already went on the road and beat Baylor.
Oklahoma State could be next.
The Frogs are seven-point underdogs, but don't be surprised if they hand Oklahoma State a second Big 12 loss. In the Big 12, you need a reliable quarterback. Oklahoma State has a couple on its roster, but they're either rusty or unproven.
TCU will have an opportunity to take advantage.
David Ubben | email
College Football- ESPN.com Big 12 blogger
- Joined ESPN.com in 2010
- Wrote for The Oklahoman
TEAM RESOURCES
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Richard Durrett
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.
Tim MacMahon
Tim MacMahon joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. Tim covers the Cowboys and Mavericks. He has covered the local sports scene from high schools to colleges to pros during his six-year tenure at The Dallas Morning News. MacMahon is a graduate of UNT.
103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS
Play Podcast Baylor coach Art Briles discusses the incredible progress the program has made over the past two seasons, the challenges of having three different starting quarterbacks in three years, the parity in the Big 12 and more.
Play Podcast Kirk Herbstreit joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss Bob Stoops' recent comments about the SEC and the pending college football playoff, what appears to be an unpredictable Big 12 in 2013, how the Aggies will handle expectations and more.
Play Podcast Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin talks about the improvements being made to Kyle Field, what those improvements will to for the program, the success of last year, Johnny Manziel's offseason and the expectations for the Aggies in 2013.
Play Podcast Scott Van Pelt and Ryen Russillo talk about Texas A&M's decision to expand its stadium and say although the Aggies had a fantastic year, the school must also be careful not to overextend its resources based on a single hot stretch.
Play Podcast Baylor head coach Art Briles joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what kind of player the Cowboys are getting in Terrance Williams.
Play Podcast Arlington and Texas A&M product Luke Joeckel, the potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, joins Ian Fitzsimmons and Richard Durrett to discuss the draft, coaches and advice from his dad.
Play Podcast Florida Gulf Coast athletic director Ken Kavanagh joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his school's Cinderella story and playing in the Sweet 16 at Cowboys Stadium.
Play Podcast Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby joins Fizsimmons & Durrett to discuss Cowboys Stadium as a venue, the state of Big 12 basketball, the new 2014 college football format, why there's no hurry to have a Big 12 football championship and much more.
You must be signed in to post a comment