In this week's Twitter mailbag, we preview Texas Tech's big game at Arkansas, West Virginia's chances to survive October and whether Oklahoma is for real coming off its overtime win at Tennessee.
By the way, I will be in Fort Worth this weekend to see the Battle for the Iron Skillet between TCU and SMU.
On to the 'bag:
@Jake_Trotter Can Arkansas stop Mahomes is the big question,not if Tech can stop the run,your take on this?
- Kevin Brown (@Uncle_Goober) September 17, 2015
Trotter: I don't see either side really stopping the other, which is why this game probably turns into a shootout. Speaking of Patrick Mahomes, think about this: he has gone five straight games dating to last year with at least four passing TDs and 300 yards through the air. That's the longest streak of any FBS QB. If he stays hot, Tech will have a chance to hang around -- even if Arkansas' offensive line controls the trenches again, which the Hogs probably will.
@Jake_Trotter odds Texas Tech can win 2 out of their upcoming 3 (Arkansas, TCU, Baylor)? If they go 3-0 will they be in the top 10?
- Drew Borsellino (@DrewBorsellino) September 17, 2015
Trotter: If they went 3-0, they'd probably be top 5. But I don't see that happening. If fact, if Tech won any one of its next three games, it would constitute quite an accomplishment and set the Red Raiders up to have a strong second half to the season against a much easier slate.
@Jake_Trotter Is Patrick Mahomes the best quarterback in the Big 12? Yes or yes?
- Forrest Grimes (@FGrimesN7) September 17, 2015
Trotter: Mahomes has been impressive these first two games, but, no. He's still behind Trevone Boykin. That said, he'll have a chance to make a statement during this upcoming three-game stretch.
@Jake_Trotter Is the Jury still out on the Sooners? Do you still see them as a middle of the road big 12 team?
- Jeff Hays (@1jhays) September 17, 2015
Trotter: The jury is still out. Remember, OU started out very strongly the previous two seasons, winning at Notre Dame in 2013 and West Virginia in 2014, only to wilt later on. That said, this team does have a different feel to it with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. He seems to bring an edge the rest of the players seem feed off of. We'll see if the Sooners can capitalize off that amazing comeback in Knoxville.
@Jake_Trotter What has to happen for WVU to have a legitimate shot at the Big12 title?
- Jonathan Langer (@Langer241) September 17, 2015
Trotter: They would probably have to win three of their first four conference games, a gauntlet that includes at OU, Oklahoma State, at Baylor and at TCU. As strong as the Mountaineers have looked early on, the chances of that happening seem fairly slim to me.
.@Jake_Trotter #WVU's record after October? And what do you think of @NickOtoole91's epic beard?
- EersNation™ (@EersNation) September 17, 2015
Trotter: "Epic" is the right word for O'Toole's beard. I said before the season he should change his nickname from "Boomstache" to "Boombeard." As for West Virginia's record through October, 4-3 would be my guess as of today.
@Jake_Trotter if Kansas played Kansas, who would win
- Michael Evans (@M_EvansOKC) September 17, 2015
Trotter: Probably not Kansas.
@Jake_Trotter WIll you come to my birthday party?
- Jeff Olson (@JOlson62) September 17, 2015
Trotter: Depends on the beer you're serving.
@Jake_Trotter do you think Kansas State can win the big 12?
- |HoopLife| (@ThatHoopLife12) September 17, 2015
Trotter: No. I think K-State can get to nine wins again. But in a retooling/rebuilding year, that feels like the ceiling.
@Jake_Trotter What's UT's ceiling on offense with Norvell's at OC and current personnel?
- Nate Heupel (@NateHeupel) September 17, 2015
Trotter: The Longhorns are better with Jerrod Heard at QB than Tyrone Swoopes. Heard's mobility is a better fit behind this Texas offensive line, which is a mess. Heard, at least, can escape the pocket when it collapses and make plays. But even with Heard and the change at play-caller to Jay Norvell, this offense seems limited, given the line troubles and dearth of proven playmakers at receiver. I'd be surprised if this wasn't a bottom three or four offense in the Big 12.