Big 12 title up for grabs like never before

Nov 17, 2012; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears running back Glasco Martin (8) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Floyd Casey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

The big and bad Baylor Bears have struck again. Once again, the Bears have pulled off an upset that has sent the Big 12 in to a frenzy.

Last season, they knocked off an Oklahoma team that had the inside track to a Big 12 title. This time, they made an even bigger statement and ended K-State’s perfect season.

It left us with a one-loss Wildcat team that has to win Dec. 1 or Kansas State’s dream season could go even further up in flames.

A national title is out of the question for the Snydercats, but a Big 12 crown is still up for grabs. Though, with their loss, the title is more obtainable to a few others.

Kansas State has only one game left on the schedule, and a month ago, it would appear to be an easy win. However, K-State is no position to assume victory. Dec. 1, the Cats will host the Texas Longhorns, and simply need to win.

Even if the Sooners win out, Kansas State would win the head-to-head tiebreaker with Oklahoma if they had identical conference records and would head to Glendale for the first time since the 2003 season.

However, if they were to lose to Texas on Dec. 1, and Oklahoma can pull out victories over Oklahoma State and on the road against TCU, the Sooners would win its eight Big 12 championship.

At the moment, it truly is a battle between Kansas State and Oklahoma. Although, Texas and Oklahoma State can make things interesting.

Texas could conceivably win the Big 12 themselves. Though, a lot will need to happen for the Horns to achieve that.

Mack Brown’s squad has to beat TCU on Thanksgiving Day and, obviously, Kansas State. But let’s say Oklahoma loses both of its final two games and Oklahoma State drops their season finale at Baylor, then the Horns and Cats would have the top records in the conference and UT would get in on a tiebreaker.

They can win a share in a few different scenarios, but to ensure a trip to Glendale, that is what needs to happen for Texas.

As for Oklahoma State, they can not guarantee their spot in Glendale. They can win a share, but the Pokes didn’t do themselves any favors by losing to Kansas State and Texas. Also, their early season loss to Arizona could come back to haunt them with the BCS.

It is an absolute mess, if you ask me. Baylor really opened it up for a few at the top, and you have to be a little excited, especially if you cheer for Oklahoma. The Sooners need to finish strong, get some help from Texas, and Oklahoma will bring home its eighth conference title in thirteen seasons. And doesn’t that have a nice ring to it?