At a Glance

This week, the Big 12 has a more typical BCS non-conference schedule. In other words, most all of the Big 12 teams have weaker opponents that should not pose much of a challenge this week. The only game that should stay close enough to be interesting is the rivalry game between Iowa and Iowa State. 

Game of the Week

Iowa at Iowa State

Saturday, Sept. 12th (12:00 EST)

With Iowa’s preseason ranking, it would have looked like this should be an easy game for Iowa. Of course, that was before the Hawkeyes barely squeaked by their much smaller, typically less competitive in state rival Northern Iowa. Iowa has been plagued by injuries, having already lost their 1st string running back Jewel Hampton for the season. After losing the true “jewel” of the offense, they better find a diamond in the turf to get things going.  In addition, their starting left tackle Bryan Bulaga will be out for this week’s game and it is uncertain if two other starting linemen will be able to play this week that were out the last game.

Prediction:  I expect a low scoring game with a score around 17-14 Cyclones.

My Pick:  Iowa State

Player to Watch

QB Blaine Gabbert; AP Chris Lee

Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert

Blaine seemed to come out of thin air to most college football fans. However, Gabbert was actually the highest rated QB in his class (even higher than Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor) going into his senior year in high school.  With a rocket launcher arm and a tall solid frame (6’5”, 240 lbs), Gabbert has the exact tools and build NFL scouts drool over. Blaine played a nearly perfect first game against Illinois completing 25 of 33 passes for 319 yards with 3 TD’s and adding another touchdown and 39 yards rushing.  Playing a great initial game is impressive, but can Gabbert put a few games like this together is the question?  Missouri’s game against Bowling Green should be a great opportunity for him to showcase his talent, but Missouri’s September 25th game against Nevada could prove to be a real test.  We will all have to wait and see how good Blaine Gabbert really is.