Guest Column: Wang On, Wang Off

Going to be a bit of a slow week for the Wang as the Sooners take some time off to prepare for the upcoming battle against Texas Tech. Nevertheless, it seems the football season is finally starting to round into form. Penn State did everyone in college football outside Happy Valley a favor last week by losing to Iowa. We were looking at the potentially dangerous situation of allowing a one-loss team into the national title team over an undefeated major conference foe. The Wang won’t admit to seeing much of Penn State this year, but my gut tells me that their anemic offense would have been no match for any of the Big 12 or SEC teams. I think I speak for most readers when I say that a championship game involving the Nittany Lions doesn’t evoke the same kind of excitement as SEC vs. Big 12.

The Wang is going to get something off his chest now. I am usually in favor of movie remakes. For the most part, I like to see updated versions of old classics. But one remake that is starting to make some headlines is really rubbing the Wang the wrong way. The Karate Kid was undoubtedly one of the greatest pictures to come out of the 1980s. Starring the late Pat Morita, the lovable underdog Ralph Macchio, the pudgy-yet-still-attractive version of Elisabeth Shue and the great '80s movie Billy Zabka, the original is a movie that transcends time. The gripping storyline, combined with this all-star cast and underrated soundtrack, make Karate Kid a top five flick in the Wang’s book.

With all due respect to Will Smith’s son Jayden, I can’t say I am really excited to see him star in an upcoming the new iteration. This just has disaster written all over it. There is not another Mr. Miyagi out there. No one can evoke hate from his audience like Billy Zabka. Elisabeth Shue isn’t going to be reprising her role as Ali Mills anytime soon. The only thing that may save this movie from disaster is the return of Martin Kove. Otherwise, count the Wang out.

Anyway, time to put an end to this contest with Homerism: “Sweep the leg, Wang… Put him in a body bag!”

Texas (-13) at Kansas
The best of the games on a rather bland Big 12 slate this week features Texas making the trip to Lawrence to play the Jayhawks. Last week the Wang thought he had figured Kansas out. Turns out it was just another loss for the Wild One. I either underrated Nebraska, or my theory was just wrong to begin with. What makes it easier this week is the fact that Texas is a top five team, and Kansas has shown nothing against a quality opponent this year, including Nebraska. After starting the season 5-1, Kansas has not lost three of its last four games, staring at Texas and Missouri to end the season. The Fightin’ Manginas will be lucky to finish the season with a winning record. The offense wasn’t the problem in Lincoln, putting up 35 points and 422 total yards. It was the defense that again disappointed by giving up close to 500 yards in total offense and 45 points. It only gets harder for the Jayhawks, as Joe Ganz has nothing on Colt McCoy.

Now, Kansas could do Sooner fans a favor and just go out and beat Texas, basically eliminating them from Big 12 contention. But the Wang isn’t too optimistic. As much as I would love to see a Kansas win here, Texas won’t let it happen…

The Pick: The Wang likes the Longhorns big in Lawrence.
Blatant Homerism: KU.

Nebraska (-6.5) at Kansas State
Nebraska has done a nice job turning its season around by winning three of its last four games. With two games left against Kansas State and Colorado, an 8-4 season is looking very realistic. The Cornhuskers have had the good fortune of a somewhat light Big 12 schedule by virtue of playing in the weak North division, avoiding both Texas and Oklahoma State. The Wang has to applaud the Huskers for their impressive performance last week against Kansas after the blowout loss in Norman the previous week. Joe Ganz has put together a nice little season and figures to throw for almost 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Kansas State finishes the season with home games against Nebraska and Iowa State, giving them a realistic chance at six wins and a .500 season. Still, the Wildcats have now lost four in a row and five of the last six under lame duck coach Ron Prince. Brandon Banks was the lone bright spot for KSU last week with two touchdowns, including a 93-yard touchdown run.

The Wildcats have shown the Wang nothing, so the Wang will show the Wildcats no respect…

The Pick: Give me Nebraska.
BH: NU.

Texas A&M at Baylor (-8)
Baylor fell down early to Texas last week, but showed some resiliency in fighting back to tie the game at 14-14. Unfortunately, a Robert Griffin interception was returned for a touchdown shortly after tying the game. The rout was on. Griffin finished with less-than-impressive passing numbers, completing only six of his 19 attempts. He was able to gain 101 yards on the ground on 13 carries. The Wang has been singing the praises of Baylor this year, but the Bears have now lost six of their last seven, with the lone win coming against Iowa State. It's time to put up or shut up this week, as Baylor is a comfortable favorite. What is on the line in this game? Well, the loser finds itself at the bottom of the Big 12 South, so I guess there is some motivation here.

The Aggies were completely overmatched by the Sooners last week, and the game out of hand fast. Jerrod Johnson hit a wall in the OU defense, completing only 11 of 31 passes and throwing two interceptions. The Aggies had four turnovers overall and just 26 yards rushing. A&M finished this season 2-5 at the once-feared Kyle Field. Maybe it is not such a bad thing this game is being played in Waco…

The Pick: I like the Bears here.
BH: Baylor.

Missouri (-28) at Iowa State
Last week, the Wang questioned whether or not Missouri would make the Big 12 championship game. After being aided by the Kansas loss to Nebraska, it is going to be hard for the Tigers not to make this year’s game in Kansas City. That doesn’t mean I think they belong there. The bottom line is Missouri is the best of a sub-par bunch in the North division and will likely serve as a sacrificial lamb to whomever survives the South. I know this is in complete contrast to what I have said in the past about Mizzou, but they just seem to fall on their faces whenever they play a quality opponent this year, while beating up on the cellar dwellers in the North. I will say, though, Jeremy Maclin remains a dangerous player, especially against a special teams-challenged squad like OU. But, all in all, they have been a huge disappointment this season.

The losing streak hit eight for the Cyclones last week and could very well be at 10 by season’s end. Again, there is no point in trying to dissect this team. They are just bad. And just the kind of team Missouri beats up on…

The Pick: The Tigers big.
BH: ISU.

Oklahoma State at Colorado (-17)
Another mismatch in Boulder this weekend, as the Cowboys make the trip up to play Colorado. The Buffs were fortunate enough to get Iowa State last week at home, but still almost found a way to blow the game. Cody Hawkins appreciated the trip from the Cyclones, salvaging his season with 226 yards and four touchdowns. You can’t fool the Wang, though--Colorado is no good either.

The Wang was tending to business matters this weekend during the OSU-Tech game, so I didn’t have the pleasure of watching the Pokes get blown out. OSU is a good team this year, andthe Cowboys definitely have shown improvement from last season. Yet, the fact of the matter is that they still remain a second-tier South division team. Sorry, Poke fans, but it’s true. That doesn’t mean the Wang isn’t concerned about the Sooners' trip to Stillwater. That commentary will be saved for a later date…

The Pick: Give the Wang the Pokes.
BH: CU.