With all this talk about three undefeated teams vying for the BCS championship game [/raises hand timidly], a night like this was bound to happen.
Notre Dame took care of an easy game against Wake Forest earlier today, but No. 1 Kansas State and No. 2 Oregon are in major fights with Baylor and Stanford, respectively. The Ducks’ might offense has been slowed nearly to a halt and are in a 7-7 tie with the Cardinal at the half. Stanford’s defense has done an outstanding job up front getting Marcus Mariota out of rhythm.
K-State would love to be in a tie with Baylor, but the Wildcats are currently trailing the Bears 28-17 and getting all kinds of pushed around up front and in the running game. KSU has also been penalized five times (including three offsides) and has only run the ball for 47 yards. Had it not been for a penalty, Baylor would have returned a kickoff for a touchdown too.
Very anti-Snyderball.
That’s really been the commonality between K-State and Oregon so far: mistakes. These two teams have arguably been the most consistent in college football throughout the season, but as you know, it only takes one time to be off your game a little to get knocked off. And with the BCS championship in sight, these two have the proverbial target on their back.
K-State was able to score 10 quick points before the half and the Wildcats are more explosive than they’re given credit for. If Baylor’s D returns to form (118th in points allowed) Bill Snyder‘s team can get right back in this.
Likewise, if Oregon can clean up the mistakes, they can take this game over quickly.