Saturday’s showdown kick starts wild Big 12 ride for Oklahoma State, Texas

During their bye week, both Oklahoma State and Texas got to watch as Kansas State upset Oklahoma in Norman, West Virginia struggled with Maryland and Baylor needed to come from behind to beat pesky Louisiana-Monroe.

And with the full-fledged Big 12 schedule nearly beginning this weekend (TCU plays SMU) — not to mention preseason title favorite OU already taking a loss — OSU coach Mike Gundy and Co. are preparing for a wild ride through the conference season. In addition to OSU’s primetime showdown with the No. 12 Longhorns, No. 9 West Virginia hosts No. 25 Baylor and Texas Tech travels to Iowa State in three games that appear to be toss-ups.

“It’s wide open, because there are a lot of teams that are really good,” Gundy said “…I think there’s more parity this year than there ever has been. Every year, it’s growing more and more in that area, which is good.

“It’s good for the league. It’s good for the fans. It creates interest. It’s hard on the coaches, but there’s a number of teams that are good football teams.”

Added safety Daytawion Lowe: “We knew that just looking at the teams that we were stacked up against that it was going to be wide open. Everybody has a chance. It’s just whoever comes out and plays the best football that day.”