The Big XII Conference. Yay for the memories!

The Sooners are leaving for the Southeastern Conference and the Big XII Conference (as we know it) is disappearing like Marty McFly in that crinkled 4×6 picture he carried in front pocket (Back To The Future RULES). Each week of the conference season, YAY DUDE is going to look at some of the best and most exciting Big XII games for OU and OSU. Plus, we’ll try to take a peek into the future, too.

OKLAHOMA STATE

This week’s opponent: Kansas State

THE PAST

November 5, 2011

Kansas State rolled into town with a 7-2 record led by QB Collin Klein. The Cowboys were 9-0 and vying for their first Big 12 Championship. Brandon Weeden passed for a school-record 502 yards and four touchdowns. Justin Blackmon caught 13 passes for 205 yards including a 54 yard game winner! You have to mention the ever-steady Collin Klein (231 yds passing, 1 TD / 144 yds rushing, 3 TDs) who always was good for 3 yards when the Cats needed it. In a game that featured several lead changes, the Cowboys pulled out the 52-45 victory in a thriller. GO POKES!

Photo: Associated Press via OKState.com

THE FUTURE

Coming into last week’s final non-conference tilt versus Boise State, the Cowboys had amassed just 194 yards rushing in the first two games. Senior running back L.D. Brown was thought to lead the way on what might have been a “running back by committee” situation. However, Utah State transfer Jaylen Warren (5’8”, 220) rushed for 218 YARDS on a workhorse like 32 carries. 218 yards is great, but it’s not ground breaking, so why is that pretty amazing? Because the Poke passing game appeared to miss flight to Boise. At some point in the second quarter, Sanders had passed for less that 10 YARDS. In other words – Boise knew the run was coming. At some point, they knew Jaylen was coming and he still put up yards. So we wonder – in coach-speak terms, was Warren just the “hot hand” or will go on to establish himself as the next RB1 for the Pokes? I can’t wait to see.

Photo: OSU Athletics

OKLAHOMA STATE

This week’s opponent: West Virginia

THE PAST

November 17, 2012

Tavon Austin. Before I even noted the date above, if I just mentioned the name “Tavon Austin” in regards to the Sooners…a grumble would soon follow. Austin, if you didn’t remember, was primarily a wide receiver who occasionally moonlighted as a Running Back. That dreary night in Morgantown, Austin ran for 344 YARDS and caught passes for another 205 YARDS. However, Landry Jones and the Sooners brought their own offensive juggernaut to the hills of West Virginia. Landry Jones threw for 6 touchdowns including a game winner with just 24 second remaining! This game boasted over 1400 yards of offense, so if you love a good defensive battle this wasn’t your game. It was a Sooner Magic classic! BOOMER!

Photo: Justin K. Aller/Getty

THE FUTURE

The Sooners had scored 27 or more points for 65 STRAIGHT GAMES – until last Saturday. Now…a win is a win and Nebraska was said to have a respectable defense. Also to be taken into consideration, Oklahoma fans have been spoiled with some of the best offensive football ever seen. With all that in mind, 2021 was supposed to be the year. This was the year it was all supposed to come together. Again. Number 8, baby. Another Natty. So, squeaking out low scoring wins is a bit unnerving. So this week, it’s about Spencer Rattler and the offense. Can they make hum like a well-oiled machine? I sure hope so.