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KESSINGER: Welcome to the wacky world of Big 12 football
Published 10/28/2009 in Sports
Define weird.
Heck, define strange, odd or whatever explains an awkward situation and the definition will be Big 12 Conference football. There's no other way to describe it.
If it isn't awkward enough Oklahoma already has three losses, Iowa State just went into Lincoln, Neb. on Saturday and with a back-up at just about every skilled position -- it seemed -- hands Nebraska a 9-7 loss. Add the circumstances involving Texas Tech drubbing Kansas State (66-14); the Wildcats then pounding Texas A&M (62-14); followed by A&M embarrassing the Red Raiders (52-30) over a three week span, can it be much more odd?
Of course it can.
Oklahoma State All-American receiver Dez Bryant did a fine job of that a couple weeks ago when it was revealed he had gone to Deion Sanders' home with an agent present. Of course, Missouri's disappearance from what looked like a pretty solid bet to be at least one of the top two North Division teams and the University of Kansas showing its true colors in football (black and blue) has only put more intrigue into this college football season. Oh, by the way, K-State is atop the North Division.
The fact is, the only solid indication of any normalcy in the Big 12 this year is Texas. No, they're not always the best team in the conference, but always right toward it. The Longhorns have somehow escaped the weirdness that is leaving everyone scratching their head. Of course, Texas' head coach is Mack Brown, so any loss you never thought you'd see coming could happen at any moment now.
At this point, who really knows how all of this is going to work itself out. Are we going to see Texas taking on a team from the North with a 4-4 mark in conference play for the Big 12 title? Can K-State maintain it's top spot in the North? Will it be Iowa State that finishes up toward the top with the Wildcats after these two were the preseason picks to be at the bottom? Will Oklahoma continue to be up and down with this Landry Jones kid at quarterback? Does anyone know?
I'd bet not. And be honest that's OK with me. Yes, the strange happenings in the Big 12 have made it appear the SEC and Pac-10 are much more superior conferences this year. Which means the national media (a.k.a. East and West coast) will continue to dig in and call the Big 12 the little brother to these others -- or at least make them all feel that way. The Big 12 has had its days in the sun and they will again, sooner than later.
It goes with the territory. When the season does conclude, there will be a rebirth of the Big 12 as one of the elite -- if not the top dog. Oklahoma will be back as a contender. Bill Snyder's return to K-State has already paid off and it will only get better from here in Manhattan. Texas will hold steady as a great program. Oklahoma State will bounce back from any debacle this Bryant thing could cause in the final weeks of the season for the Pokes.
Who knows about Nebraska? It's a mystery in and of itself whether Bo Pelini can really coach or if he's just a profanity-filled, angry little man who had some success as a defensive coordinator once before.
The rest of the conference will continue to go its separate way. Success here and there for some, while other will fall on their face.
Assistant Sports Editor Mike Kessinger can be contacted at mkessinger@gctelegram.com.
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