The Big 12 REPORT

A weekly look at all things Big 12 as the college football season begins

A weekly look at all things Big 12 as the college football season begins
Tom Herman leads the Longhorns in Year 2. Tim Warner/Getty Images

College football is back and so are your favorite Big 12 teams. As we look ahead to week 1 of the 2018 college football season, there are plenty of things to highlight and catch up on. In this article I will preview some of the key matchups to watch in week 1, and what Big 12 players you should keep your eye on.

Must Watch Games Week 1: (BIG Story/Games of the week)

Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss

The first game I want to highlight is the matchup between Texas Tech University and the University of Ole Miss. This game will arguably be one of the most exciting and nationally recognized games that includes a Big 12 team in week 1. Look for this game to hold a lot of offensive excitement, as neither of the teams are known for their defensive ability. Also, a lot of controversy has been made of the perceived stability of Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s job heading into 2018. Many believe this season will be his last opportunity for Kliff Kingsbury to establish Tech as a true contender not only in the Big 12 but on the national stage as well.

Texas vs. Maryland

The second game that I believe should draw considerable attention is the University of Texas vs. the University of Maryland. This matchup will be a rematch from the 2017 season where Texas suffered a heartbreaking fourth quarter loss that diminished the early excitement around UT’s 2017 season, after three subpar years under head coach Charlie Strong. Eyes will be on this game for two reasons, the first being Tom Herman’s second season as the head coach of the University of Texas after a promising offseason full of exciting player development and high profile recruiting. The second reason will be due to the controversial offseason of the Maryland coaching staff after having a player die during off-season training and allegations of player abuse and mistreatment surrounded the program. Keep an eye on this game to see if Texas can come out of the gates hot for 2018 and show the country that the program is one step closer to returning to its former glory.

Oklahoma vs. FAU

The final game I recommend tuning into will be the University of Oklahoma vs. Florida Atlantic University. The 2018 OU team will not only be carry big preseason expectations from the national media, but they will also be trying to fill the shoes of a high achieving 2017 squad that made the playoffs on the backs of former quarterback and Heisman winner Baker Mayfield. Oklahoma’s new look team led by second-year head coach Lincoln Riley and new quarterback Kyler Murray, will face off against a sneaky FAU team who was revitalized in 2017 by the hiring of former Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. Kiffin has loaded the FAU roster with talented athletes who have the potential to steal an early season victory away from a new and unproven Oklahoma team.

Big 12 players to watch week 1:

West Virginia QB Will Grier & WR David Sills

When it comes to the players to watch heading into this first jam packed week of college football, all eyes will be on the country's arguably most dangerous QB & WR duo at the University of West Virginia. Senior quarterback Will Grier has received high praise all off-season and is expected to compete for the title of top QB in college football for the 2018 season. To help him meet those lofty expectations will be Senior wide receiver David Sills who burst onto the scene in 2017 after hauling in 18 touchdowns and finishing the season just shy of 1,000 yards receiving. This tandem will demand attention all season but their week 1 matchup against Tennessee will have the country watching to see if they can live up to the hype.  

Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray & RB Rodney Anderson

Another Big 12 backfield duo to watch week 1 will be Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray (QB) and Rodney Anderson (RB). Murray has received most of the attention this off-season as he will be stepping into the starting quarterback role with big shoes to fill, left behind by Mayfield. Murray has not seen much of the field since his dominant high school days at Texas high school football powerhouse, Allen High School, where he won three straight state championships and finished with a record of 42-0. Murray will look at Week 1 as an opportunity to quiet the skeptics and prove that his abilities translate to the major college level. Luckily for Murray he will have Anderson beside him in the backfield, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and collected 18 total touchdowns in 2017. Anderson will be the perfect running mate for Murray and should relieve a ton of pressure as defenses will have to respect his game breaking ability.

Texas QB Sam Ehlinger

The final Big 12 player that I believe deserves some extra attention in Week 1 is Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger. In 2017, Ehlinger brought hope back to the fallen Texas program, and produced flashes of potential stardom that could quicken the resurrection of the Texas football dynasty. Week 1 for this young quarterback will be a chance for Texas fans and the country to see the product of his off-season development, and a chance for Ehlinger to solidify himself as THE starting quarterback of the present and the future.





 

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Astros turn it on late in gutsy win over Tigers

Has Christian Walker finally turned the corner? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).

Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.

While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.

Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.

The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.

With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.

Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.

Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot

A big test awaits

It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.

Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.

Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.

*ChatGPT assisted.

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