Yay for the Memories, Big XII: OSU at Iowa State, OU at Kansas

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. As of this writing, OU is ranked #3 in the AP poll while the Cowboys are ranked #8. Not too shabby, dudes!

OKLAHOMA STATE

This week’s opponent: Iowa State

THE PAST

November 19, 2011

During this look back of OU and OSU in the Big XII, we’ve talked about some great victories with names we may not have thought of for ages. This week, however, we’re going to talk about a loss. On November 18, 2011, Oklahoma State lost to Iowa State in a double overtime game on a Friday night. So, why would we want to talk about a loss? Because of “what if…”. The Pokes went into the Firday night game with heavy hearts as after a plane crash took the lives of Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Kurt Budke and Assistant Coach, Miranda Serna. Oklahoma State came into this game ranked #2 in the BCS poll and QB Brandon Weeden winning a Heisman straw poll and being considered the Heisman favorite. The Cowboys raced out to a 24-7 lead. However, the Cyclones came roaring back with 17 unanswered points to tie the game. A missed fieldgoal sent the game into overtime and, ultimately hand the Pokes their first loss of the season. Even though OSU beat OU the next week 44-10, the single loss proved enough to put Alabama in number #2 for the BCS National Champsionship game rematch with LSU. So, you can’t help, but ask “what if”? Could OSU have beaten an offensively-challenged LSU for their first National Championship?

Photo: SBNation.com

THE FUTURE

Oklahoma State again goes to Ames on a roll. They’re 6-0 and ranked in the Top 10 (#8). This time the defense leads the way coming off an comeback win in Texas and allowing the Longhorns just 1 yard in the 4^thquarter. In 2011, the Pokes relied on their offensive passing game with Weeden /Blackmon plus defensive takeaways. The 2021 version is quite the opposite relying on a stout defense and a solid run game. If the defense plays to form and Spencer Sanders can protect the ball, who knows how far this team can go?

Photo: The Oklahoman

OKLAHOMA

This week’s opponent: Kansas

THE PAST

October 15, 2011

Ryan Broyles rolled into Lawrence on this October night being one catch away from being the NCAA All-Time Career Leader in catches. He ended up breaking that record in style with a 57 yard touchdown catch from Landry Jones. Our blast from the past candidate for this game is Dominique Whaley. The walk-on sensation carried the ball 30 times for a 165 yards in the 47-17 rout of the Jayhawks.

Photo: The Oklahoman

THE FUTURE

Last week I was curious how Caleb Williams would react when another team knew he was coming. Technically, we didn’t know he was starting until game time – but we all knew. Caleb delivered. 18 of 23 for 295 yards and 4 TDs plus 66 yards rushing and a TD. Can avoid he avoid a slump against the cellar-dweller Jayhawks? Can the injury-riddled defensive backfield come up with a complete game? Can’t wait to see!