The Big 12 Championship features the #11 Oklahoma Sooners (7-2, 6-2 Big 12) against the #7 Iowa State Cyclones (8-2, 8-1 Big 12) and a rematch between the two schools from earlier this season which Iowa State won, 37-30 in Ames. This will be the first time that Iowa State has made an appearance in the title game and the Sooners 14th appearance. Kickoff is set for noon EST inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Oklahoma is a 5.5-point favorite in the title match, according to oddsmakers.
What to Know – Oklahoma Sooners
After beginning the season losing two of their first three games, the Sooners have rallied to win their last six games and find themselves back in the Big 12 Championship for the sixth-straight year. Oklahoma’s game against West Virginia last week was canceled, so the Sooners will be coming off extended rest against the Cyclones.
Redshirt freshman Spencer Rattler completed 20-of-28 passes for 193 yards with a pair of touchdowns and one interception the last time he saw the field in a victory over the Baylor Bears. Rattler has thrown for 2,512 yards this season with 24 touchdown passes and an additional four on the ground.
The Sooners only rushed for 76 yards against the Bears behind 31 carries. Running backs Rhamonde Stevenson (15 carries, 50 yards, one touchdown) led the way, with T.J. Pledger adding six carries for 38 yards. Since coming off his suspension to start the season, Stevenson has rushed for 382 yards and six touchdowns over four games.
Wide receiver Theo Wise caught five passes for 66 yards and one score to led Oklahoma’s receiving corps against Baylor. Tight end Brayden Willis caught three passes for 30 yards, including his first receiving touchdown of the season.
What to Know – Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State capped its 2020 season with a blowout victory over West Virginia on December’s first weekend. After a season-opening loss to non-conference foe Louisana-Lafayette, the Cyclones dropped just one other, a 34-31 road loss to Oklahoma State.
Brock Purdy carved up the Mountaineer secondary, completing 20-of-23 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns. The junior signal-caller has thrown for 2,272 yards this season and is the team’s second-leading rusher with 310 yards on the ground.
Sophomore running back Breece Hall carried the ball 22 times for 97 yards and one touchdown in the rout of West Virginia. The all-purpose back added three catches for 56 yards and a receiving score. Hall is the leading rusher in the country, accounting for 1,357 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.
Xavier Hutchinson caught a team-high eight passes for 89 yards to push his season total to 612 yards. Tight end Charlie Kolar caught two balls for 29 yards and his team-leading fifth touchdown reception this year.
The Pick is In
Iowa State took down the Sooners earlier this season in a 37-30 victory back in October. The Cyclones defense is one of the best in the Big 12, so expect Iowa State to handle Oklahoma’s uptempo offense. Additionally, the rushing attack of Iowa State will consume time and keep the scoring low. Iowa State has a great shot at winning this one outright.
The Pick: Iowa State +5.5
