By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports activities
It’s Week 9 within the Massive 12, that includes a number of key matchups for groups out West.
No. 11 BYU has a troublesome sport on highway to Iowa State, No. 24 Arizona State hosts surging Houston, and Utah performs Colorado in Salt Lake Metropolis.
I preview these video games right here whereas giving a snapshot of the opposite contests within the Massive 12.
No. 11 BYU at Iowa State
Saturday, October 25
12:30 pm PT, FOX
The Cougars face a troublesome surroundings in Ames, Iowa. The Cyclones have a reliable dwelling area benefit that will likely be tough to beat.
However Iowa State has been regressing. With important accidents to the secondary, this isn’t the identical crew that took the sphere earlier within the season.
Even so, Rocco Brecht stays a risk. Comparable in some ways to Bear Bachmeier, the ISU redshirt junior adjustments the sport.
His willingness to run opens the protection up and his accuracy when throwing can gash opponents for deep throws.
Strain could be delivered to disrupt his rhythm. Nonetheless, it’s dangerous as a result of it forces the secondary into one-on-one conditions.
How BYU chooses to deal with him from a schematic standpoint will loom massive.
On the opposite facet of the ball, the Cougars ought to be in fine condition in the event that they set up the run. It’s a kind of video games the place BYU’s power up entrance will shine.
A win could be revered nationally, even with ISU’s struggles as of late.
Houston at No. 24 Arizona State
Saturday, October 25
5:00 pm PT, ESPN2
Jordyn Tyson’s lack of availability for this sport is arguably the principle speaking level within the matchup.
The star participant’s harm could seize the headlines, however the important thing matchup to observe is Brian Ward’s protection in opposition to Houston’s dashing offense.
The Cougars dominated Arizona on the bottom, benefiting from the Wildcats’ scheme. However inappropriate formations and failing to regulate usually are not errors that Ward goes to make.
Conner Weigman isn’t an elite passer and UH doesn’t have the receivers to scare ASU into promoting out to defend the move. The efficiency of Willie Fritz’s offense is derived from Weigman’s risk to run.
So long as the Solar Devils hold him moderately contained, it’s unlikely that he’ll beat them via the air. But when Weigman will get occurring the bottom, the remainder of the offense turns into simpler.
On offense, Arizona State shouldn’t have a lot bother shifting the ball. The working backs determine to select up the slack created by Tyson’s absence.
And Sam Leavitt ought to be efficient each within the air and on the bottom.
Houston is nice, however not that good. ASU ought to win by greater than a landing.
Colorado at Utah
Saturday, October 25
7:15 pm PT, ESPN
Colorado is catching Utah at an inopportune time.
Coming off a loss in a rivalry sport, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Utes run up the rating. Even when Devon Dampier is unable to play.
Kyle Whittingham has superior line play on either side of the ball and a a lot better protection. Kaidon Salter could be a turnover machine, and you may guess Morgan Scalley has one thing cooking for him.
However CU has improved because the season has progressed. Deion Sanders fields harmful broad receivers that may make performs. The run sport could also be questionable. However there’s no denying the power at wideout.
The turnover battle will likely be key. If Utah forces multiple TO, it’s unlikely that the Buffaloes win at Rice-Eccles.
On the identical time, Salter’s working means is an actual risk that may make a distinction.
If he busts chunk run performs, Colorado could stick round lengthy sufficient to make the sport fascinating.
The Remainder of the Massive 12
Texas Tech performs Oklahoma State in a get-right sport.
The unfold is very large and the expertise discrepancy is gigantic.
Combine in the truth that the Purple Raiders are coming off a loss, and also you get a recipe for a blowout.
It’s additional painful for the Okay State fanbase, which views TTU as a rival.
Cincinnati hosts Baylor in a sport to regulate.
The Bears are a fairly good crew that might pull off the upset.
Sawyer Robertson is akin to Brendan Sorsby, brining an identical ability set to the desk.
It will be horrible for the Massive 12 if the Bearcats lose.
Okansas takes on rival Kansas State in Lawrence.
The collection is called the Sunflower Showdown, and Ok-State has received 16 straight matchups relationship again to 2008.
However final 12 months it was only a two-point sport and the 12 months earlier than it was a four-point contest.
The Jayhawks are knocking on the door. This must be the 12 months they lastly break via.
TCU travels to Morgantown to tackle West Virginia.
The Horned Frogs shouldn’t be troubled. It’s a measuring stick sport that gives a direct comparability to Utah.
However Sonny Dykes’ crew has but to win a convention sport on the highway.
If TCU struggles on any stage and the ultimate rating is considerably shut, it is going to point out the relative weak point of the crew. Even when they advance to 6-2.
Miller covers School Basketball and School Soccer in addition to Method 1 racing as a Senior Author and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports activities.
