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Chuck Carlton, Big 12 beat writer for SportsDayDFW.com and The Dallas Morning News, answered your questions about the league in a live chat Wednesday. Below are highlights, edited for clarity:
How important is it for Oklahoma to blow Oklahoma State out this weekend? Will getting into shootouts be held against the Sooners in the CFP rankings?
Carlton: A blowout would be nice. Even more important might be a strong defensive showing. The College Football Playoff selection committee seems to like defense more than offense, at least based on the rankings. Since replacing Mike Stoops with Ruffin McNeill as defensive coordinator, OU has two good performances against TCU and Kansas State and the struggling D against Texas Tech. The Sooners probably need to show progress on that side of the ball to avoid a wholesale debate on their worthiness if they finish 12-1.
Do you think Oklahoma and West Virginia will both enter their Nov. 23 showdown still with just one loss apiece?
Carlton: Right now, Oklahoma appears to be a safe bet. The Sooners look like they’re on a mission after a loss to Texas. West Virginia has a more difficult test, including a trip to Oklahoma State. Texas found out how difficult Boone Pickens Stadium can be, even though this isn’t a vintage Oklahoma State team.
Is this a now-or-never window for West Virginia? No Will Grier or David Sills next season, the conference may not be as wide open as it has been this season.
Carlton: Now or never seems a little extreme. However, this is West Virginia’s best opportunity to do something significant in the Big 12. All the pieces are in place. Things have to go right, too, and they certainly did against Texas. Will Grier is showing why he’s a Heisman candidate and a future NFL quarterback. His receivers are stepping up. It’s a fun team to watch. Opportunities don’t come around like this all the time — well unless you’re Oklahoma.
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