Tough Start

One for Three

The Big 12 got off to a rough start in bowl play with a couple of embarrassing losses last night. The day started all right as Oklahoma State survived a late scare by Alabama and held on for a 34-31 Independence Bowl victory. Dantrell Savage led the Cowboys with 112 yards and a TD on 23 carries. Things got ugly in the evening as Cal spanked Texas A&M 45-10 in the Holiday Bowl and Rutgers schooled KSU 37-10 on a slippery field at the Texas Bowl. Marshawn Lynch led the Bears with 111 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

The Rutgers domination of KSU makes it a little tough to evaluate the progress of the WIldcats. On the one hand, you have the big win versus Texas in Manhattan. However, the last two losses put that into question and actually make you wonder about Texas. KSU is obviously a young team that struggles to stop the run. That should improve with experience. On the offensive side of the ball, the regression of young Josh Freeman is a little concerning. It's probably just the inconsistency of a freshman QB (KU fans know), but the flood of turnovers in the last two games will have to be corrected or 2007 could be a tough one for the Purple People. Still, a 7-6 record in year one is pretty impressive for Ron Prince. Plus, I think everyone will be a little wary of playing the Cats in Manhattan.

Today's Big 12 Action:

 Missouri vs Oregon State, Sun Bowl, 1:00 p.m.
 Texas Tech vs Minnesota, Insight Bowl, 6:30 p.m.