This is going to be a mish-mash of all the game review posts I typically put up. I'll start with a quick review of the K-State game, then have a look at how our competition to date played this week, then finally do a very brief conference roundup. Let's go!
K-State 61, Missouri State 10
I only listened to the first five minutes or so before heading over to a friend's house to watch the Nebraska-USC debacle. From looking at the stats, I see that we pretty much did what we should do to a FCS opponent. Josh Freeman threw the ball efficiently at 26/39-287-1-0. I'd still like to see him throw more touchdown passes (Jordy Nelson currently has as many TD passes as Freeman), but I won't complain about any game in which Freeman doesn't throw an interception.
The offensive line played well. Freeman was not sacked, and the ground game picked up 220 yards five touchdowns. James Johnson broke the 100-yard plateau again on 16 carries for 114 yards (7.1 yards per carry).
Jordy Nelson had a great game, catching 15 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown. Deon Murphy had a big game between catching passes and returning punts.
I was happy to hear Carson Coffman played pretty much the entire fourth quarter, for three reasons. First, we need to get him as much experience as possible. Second, when he's in the game, Freeman can't get hurt (unless he trips over a benc on the sideline). Third, it means we didn't inflate the blowout by playing our starters deep into the game.
The defensive stats were solid. The Cats held Missouri State to less than 200 yards total offense, picked up five more sacks and a fumble recovery.
I know we talk about this every week, but it's moving from the realm of funny aberration to scary reality. As a team, the Cats racked up 162 (!) yards on 16 penalties. That is way, way too much. That's 10 penalties and 100 yards too many. Something has to be done. The newspaper stories (see the KC Star, Topeka Capitol-Journal and Wichita Eagle for reviews) talk about Ron Prince getting in the face of every player who picks up a major penalty. I don't know how much more he can do, at some point the players have to realize when to stop. I don't want the defense to stop playing aggressively, but I don't want to lose games because of penalties either.
That's about all I really have to say about our game. I'll move on to my very limited knowledge of the other Big 12 games from the weekend.
Conference Roundup
Below each roundup, hit the link to each school's blog for more in-depth coverage.
Nebraska
Result: Lost to USC, 49-31
This game was not nearly as close as it looked. The Huskers scored 21 points in the fourth quarter after Pete Carroll called off the dogs. The Trojans provided the blueprint for beating the Huskers, and it starts with gashing their inexperienced defensive line. Other than Ndamakong Suh, the Nebraska defensive line was not good, and even Suh only had his moments. USC ran for 313 yards and scored five rushing TDs.
The other aspect to beating Nebraska is to pressure Sam Keller and wait for him to make mistakes. Keller was 36/54-389-2-2, with an emphasis on the two picks.
In other news regarding Nebraska, previous opponent Wake Forest picked up its first win of the season (1-2) against Army with a 21-10 win. Nevada also picked up its first win of the season (1-2) with a 52-17 drubbing of FCS opponent Nicholls State.
Up Next: Ball State (2-1, lost to Miami (OH), defeated Eastern Michigan and Navy)
Corn Nation
Iowa State
Result: Defeated Iowa, 15-13
The Cyclones picked up their first win of the season in the Cy-Hawk Game. I'm kicking myself for not picking this one, because history has taught me that anybody other than the favorite will always win this game. Crazy Iowegians.
In other Clone news, first-week opponent Kent State improved to 2-1 with a 38-7 win over Delaware State. Northern Iowa also won, 31-17, over South Dakota State.
Up Next: @ Toledo (0-3, losses to Purdue, Central Michigan, KU)
Clone Chronicles
Mizzou
Result: Defeated Western Michigan, 52-24
The Tigers followed their season blueprint against the Broncos, running out to a big halftime lead (31-3) before giving up three second-half touchdowns. Chase Daniel had another big day (27/46-328 yards and two TDs), but threw two interceptions. The defense gave up 372 yards to the 0-3 Broncos, surely a continuing area of concern.
In other Mizzou news, first-week opponent Illinois improved to 2-1 with a 41-30 win over Syracuse. Second-week opponent Ole Miss fell to 1-2 with a 31-17 loss to Vanderbilt.
Up Next: Illinois State (FCS, 2-1, defeated Murray State and Eastern Illinois, lost to Drake)
Every True Son
KU
Result: Defeated Toledo, 45-13
Another weekend, another big win over an inferior opponent for the 'beaks. Despite throwing for 313 yards and four TDs, Todd Reesing only completed 16/35 passes. That's not much to complain about considering the result, but it was surprising. The 'beaks get one more tuneup before taking a week off to prepare for conference action, starting with the Sunflower Showdown at Bill's House.
In other 'beak news, first-week opponent Central Michigan fell to 1-2 in a 45-22 loss to Purude. Second-week opponent Southeastern Louisiana won its first game of the year, 79-7, over Kentucky Wesleyan.
Up Next: Florida International (0-3, losses to Penn State, Maryland, Miami)
Rock Chalk Talk
Colorado
Result: Lost to Florida State, 16-6
The Buffaloes ruined my upset pick of the week by dropping a home game to FSU. I watched a very little of this game and it was about as boring as games get. Cody Hawkins actually had a decent game throwing the ball, passing for 306 yards, but the Buffs "running game" was putrid at -27 yards.
In other CU news, second-week opponent Arizona State defeated San Diego State, 34-13. First-week opponent Colorado State was idle.
Up Next: Miami (OH) (1-2, losses to Minnesota and Cincinnati, win over Ball State)
Oklahoma State
Result: Lost to Troy, 41-23
The Cowboys are now 1-2 and have looked terrible. Quarterback controversy is brewing as Zac Robinson started in place of Bobby Reid, and wasn't pulled even when he played terrible. Either Reid is hurt worse than Mike Gundy is letting on, or Reid is in the doghouse.
In other Poke news, first-week opponent Georgia defeated Western Carolina 45-16 to improve to 2-1. Second-week opponent FAU Minnesota, 42-39, to improve to 2-1.
Up Next: Texas Tech (3-0, wins over SMU, UTEP, Rice)
Oklahoma
Result: Defeated Utah State, 54-3
We knew USU was overmatched and OU proved it.
In other OU news, first-week opponent was idle after last week's loss to SMU. Second-week opponent Miami moved to 2-1 after defeating FIU, 23-9.
Up Next: @ Tulsa, Friday (2-0, wins over UL-Monroe, BYU)
Crimson and Cream Machine
Baylor
Result: Defeated Texas State, 34-27
More big numbers from QB Blake Szymanski. But this game was a lot closer than it should have been against a now-1-2 FCS team.
In other Bear news, first-week opponent TCU is now 1-2 after losing to Air Force, 20-17. Second-week opponent Rice fell to 0-3 after a 59-24 loss to Texas Tech.
Up Next: @ Buffalo (1-2, losses to Rutgers and Penn State, win over Temple)
BearMeat
Texas Tech
Result: Defeated Rice, 59-24
The Red Raiders didn't quite get to the 700-yard passing mark that I postulated on Thursday, but Graham Harrell did have six TD passes. Super-freshman Michael Crabtree had 11 catches for 244 yards and three touchdowns. He's going to be a handful for every defense he faces this year.
In other Red Raider news, first-week opponent SMU is now 1-2 after losing to Arkansas State, 45-28. Second-week opponent UTEP is also 1-2 after a 29-24 loss to New Mexico State.
Up Next: @ Oklahoma State (1-2, losses to Georgia and Troy, win over FAU)
Double T Nation
Texas
Result: Defeated Central Florida, 35-32
Another underwhelming performance from the Horns, although UCF is probably a little better program than they're given credit for. Colt McCoy was solid if not impressive, going 32/47-259-1-1, and running back Jamaal Charles had a big game, with 22 carries for 153 yards.
In other Longhorn news, first-week opponent Arkansas State 1-1 after defeating SMU, 45-28. Second-week opponent TCU is now 1-2 after losing to Air Force, 20-17.
Up Next: Rice (0-3, losses to Nicholls State, Baylor, Texas Tech)
Burnt Orange Nation
Texas A&M
Result: Defeated Louisiana-Monroe, 54-14
Stephen McGee finally had a decent night throwing, going 19/33-237-1-1. The Aggie rushing attack was again formidable, putting up 310 yards, including 113 from Mike Goodson.
The Aggies will be back in the spotlight this week as they travel to Miami for a Thursday night game. Miami has been less-than-impressive this year and is very beatable, even on the road. A win would be big for the Ags confidence.
In other Aggie news, first-week opponent is now 1-1 after pounding Dixie State (what?), 61-7. Second-week opponent Fresno State is 1-2 after getting rocked by Oregon, 52-21.
Up Next: @ Miami (2-1, defeated Marshall and FIU, lost to OU)
The 12th Manchild
Where K-State Stands
The near-miss against Auburn is looking less impressive every week. This time, the Tigers went out an lost themselves a game against Mississippi State...at home. The Auburn offense continues to be thoroughly inept, only managing to score 14 points against MSU.
Just as bad, last week's mediocre performance against San Jose State now looks even worse. The Spartans got blanked by Stanford, 37-0. I shouldn't have to tell you Stanford isn't that great of a team.
I'll have a K-State Week in Review up late Monday. Cheers.