Texas was exposed, Oklahoma won ugly while Texas Tech and Baylor continued to roll up the offensive numbers during an eventful week in the Big 12.
Here are some stats that defined Week 2 in the Big 12, courtesy of ESPN Stats and Information.
Baylor’s percentage of yards possible gained: The Bears gained 77.2 percent of the possible yards gained during their 70-13 win over Buffalo. BU’s offense has been surprisingly efficient during quarterback Bryce Petty’s first two starts and the relentless nature of their offensive attack should make Big 12 defensive coordinators shiver. The Big 12 average was 54.5 percent.
Kansas forced three-and-outs: The Jayhawks forced a three-and-out on 50 percent of South Dakota’s drives in KU’s 31-14 win. True enough the Jayhawk defense will face tougher tests in the future but it’s a good sign that KU was able to get off the field consistently against an FCS opponent. The league average was 33.3 percent. Those moments of success could prove valuable if KU's defense hits adversity in Big 12 play.
Daniel Sam’s explosiveness for Kansas State: Wildcats coach Bill Snyder expressed discontent after KSU rarely used Sams’ talents in its season-opening loss to North Dakota State. That changed on Saturday and Sams rewarded the Wildcats for their efforts to get him the football as 87.5 percent of Sams’ eight carries went for five yards or more. The sophomore quarterback had eight carries for 63 yards and should continue to emerge as a key part of KSU’s offensive plans.
Oklahoma’s average starting field position: The Sooners had a starting field position margin of 17.9 yards better than West Virginia. OU clearly won the field position battle against WVU as the Sooners average starting position was its own 36-yard line. The Mountaineers average starting spot was its own 18-yard line. Winning the field position battle helped OU overcome four turnovers and a suspect passing game on Saturday. If OU continues to excel on special teams and defense, it will lighten the pressure on its quarterbacks to become more productive in the passing game.
Oklahoma State’s explosive plays: The Cowboys had 11 offensive plays of more than 20 yards against Texas-San Antonio. OSU ran 75 total plays making 14.6 of their snaps resulting in an explosive play. That’s one reason quarterback J.W. Walsh earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. One week after using the run to beat Mississippi State, OSU used a big-play passing game to win in Week 2. If OSU can take advantage of opponent’s weaknesses on defense, the Pokes will be hard to beat.
Texas rush defense: The Longhorns were so bad they got defensive coordinator Manny Diaz ousted. BYU’s 18 carries of more than 10 yards are just one eye-popping stat the Longhorns surrendered during their 40-21 loss. UT also allowed 7.64 yards per carry. Does it really need to be said what may happen to UT, and Mack Brown for that matter, if these type of numbers continue?
TCU’s pass defense: The Horned Frogs allowed a first down or touchdown on only 33.3 percent of Southeastern Louisiana’s passes. It was a strong effort by TCU’s pass defense and should be an encouraging sign for Gary Patterson as his squad travels to Lubbock on Thursday to face Texas Tech’s explosive passing attack.
Texas Tech’s negative plays: The Red Raiders gave up 13 points to Stephen F. Austin, the lone touchdown on a receiver pass, yet allowed zero or negative yards on 43.4 percent of SFA’s total plays. If Texas Tech is that aggressive on Thursday against TCU they could cause havoc in the Horned Frogs backfield which would be critical in a game that could call for the Red Raiders to lean heavily on their defense for the first time in 2013.
West Virginia points per drive: The Mountaineers need to look no further than their lack of offensive efficiency in their 16-7 loss to Oklahoma. WVU scored 0.5 points per drive, having 14 drives and recording just one touchdown. Their touchdown percentage was 7.1 percent while their turnover percentage was 21.4 percent (4 turnovers). That will get you beat more often than not, particularly on the road in the Big 12. WVU coach Dana Holgorsen keeps saying he hasn't settled on a starting quarterback, this is one main reason why.