This weekend was less than spectacular for the Big 12 as a whole. Big 12 teams went just 4-5 this past weekend including a pair heart-breakers by Oklahoma State and TCU. If non-conference wins are a determining factor when the CFB playoff committee makes its decision in December, the Big 12 definitely did not do itself any favors this weekend.
Despite some lackluster performances around the league, there were a few individuals who earned their stripes and landed themselves on our awards list this week. Without further ado, here are your inaugural Big 12 Golden Bench Awards for week 2.
Eric Taylor Coach of the Week – Jim Grobe (Baylor)
The first half of Saturday’s game against SMU was far and away the worst half of football I have ever seen a Baylor team play. I am not sure what Jim Grobe said at halftime, but I can only imagine it rivals a halftime speech given by the namesake for this award. Whatever he said, it worked. The Bears came out and hung 34 points (not 35 thanks to a missed PAT by Chris Callahan) and allowed just 7. This game was the first time is his brief tenure at Baylor that Grobe had to face adversity during a game, and he responded beautifully.
Mike Leach Offensive Player of the Week – Shelton Gibson (WR-West Virginia)
Gibson lit up Youngstown State to the tune of 6 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns. That’s a whopping 28.5 yards per reception.
Brian Bosworth Defensive Player of the Week – Orion Stewart (S-Baylor)
Stewart had two interceptions at crucial points during the game. The first came following a Seth Russell interception that was returned all the way down to the Bears’ 12 yard-line. Stewart’s pick in the end zone prevented SMU from taking a 13-3 lead. His second INT was a 33-yard pick six that ended any chance of an SMU comeback.
Adrian Peterson Freshman of the Week – Shane Buechele (QB-Texas)
We might as well go ahead and name this the “Shane Buechele Award.” The Longhorns freshman phenom followed up his week 1 outburst against Notre Dame by going 22/27 for 244 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. Buechele will have a chance to prove himself again this week as the Horns seek to avenge last season’s 45-44 in which Texas’ valiant comeback fell short after a missed PAT in the final minutes.
Kentucky Deluxe Bottom Shelf Performance of the Week – Mason Rudolph (QB-Oklahoma State)
Rudolph was all over the place Saturday in the Cowboys’ 30-27 loss the Central Michigan. His 62% completion percentage does not do justice to how off most of his throws were on Saturday. He was missing receivers who were 15 yards away, and the majority of his incompletions weren’t even close. Rudolph also posted an impressive -19 rushing yards and a QBR of 35.3. Well done, Mason Rudolph. You are more than deserving of this award.
That wraps up this week’s awards. Stay tuned every Monday throughout the season to find out who brought home the hardware that weekend.