Utah’s statement win in Ames, Oklahoma State’s offensive explosion in Morgantown, and Cincinnati’s bruising performance against Kansas State all changed the conversation in the Big 12 heading into Week 5.
Utah looks every bit like a title contender now. The questions were understandable after the Utes rolled through their non-conference slate against a lighter level of competition, but beating Iowa State by double digits on the road answered plenty.
Utah controlled the first half and built a 24-3 cushion, then held off every Iowa State push in the fourth quarter. The Utes have the kind of defense that can set the tone in this league: big, strong, and physical at the line of scrimmage.
On offense, Devon Dampier has been a steady game manager who can hurt teams with both his arm and his legs, and Wayshawn Parker gives the unit another dangerous weapon. Put that together, and Utah has the look of a team built for a serious run.
Oklahoma State also sent a loud message on Saturday night in Morgantown. The Cowboys piled up more than 40 points and 600 total yards, the kind of night that can drag back memories of the Mason Rudolph-to-James Washington era.
Drew Mestemaker was sharp throughout, throwing for 389 yards and four touchdowns while repeatedly finding Wyatt Young. And this wasn’t just a passing showcase.
Oklahoma State matched that firepower on the ground, too, rushing for 220 yards. Caleb Hawkins led the way with 180 yards, helping create the balance that made the offense so hard to stop.
It was the sort of production plenty of people expected from the Cowboys before the season, and if they can keep this pace, they’re going to be a problem.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, is forcing a second look from anyone who penciled them in near the bottom of the conference. The Bearcats are 3-0, but even that wasn’t enough to convince everybody until they handled Kansas State.
The biggest takeaway was how physical Cincinnati looked up front. The offensive line controlled the point of attack and powered a 271-yard rushing day.
That kind of trench work doesn’t happen by accident, and it was enough to make Kansas State look overmatched at times. Along with West Virginia, Cincinnati now looks like one of the Big 12’s best rushing teams.
The defense still has some cleanup to do, and JC French may eventually need to throw more than 13 passes in a game, but if the Bearcats keep running like this and French keeps managing things effectively, they can make life very uncomfortable for a lot of opponents.
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