THIS IS A WEEKLY COLUMN WHERE WE GIVE OUT AWARDS TO THE BEST (AND WORST) PERFORMANCES OF THE WEEK IN THE BIG 12.

Eric Taylor Coach of the Week – Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State)
Gundy did his homework before the Texas game. He exploited the Longhorns front seven by sending Justice Hill up the middle over and over again. Gundy dialed up the run 43 times Saturday, while only throwing it 28. This balanced attack is a refreshing change of pace from watching Mason Rudolph chuck up 50 wounded ducks in a game. Gundy and the Pokes currently sit 32nd in the AP poll, but they should move up with upcoming games against Iowa State and Kansas.

Mike Leach Offensive Player of the Week – Shock Linwood (RB-Baylor)
Shock is currently in the training room icing his back because he’s still sore from carrying the team for an entire 48 minutes. Baylor’s all-time leading rusher carried the ball 25 times for 237 yards and one TD against Iowa State. Linwood’s monster game was about the only bright spot for the Bears as their passing game was lackluster, and their defense was non-existent for the first three quarters.

Brian Bosworth Defensive Player of the Week – Elijah Lee (LB-Kansas State)
Lee was everywhere for the Cats against West Virginia. The junior linebacker contributed 12 solo tackles, 2 assists, one sack and an interception in Saturday’s 17-16 loss in Morgantown. Lee’s performance was reminiscent of the namesake for this award, and I am sure somewhere the Boz was looking down and smiling. Now all Lee needs is a mullet.

J.D. McCoy Freshman of the Week – Justice Hill (RB-Oklahoma State)
The days of Oklahoma State putting up single-digit rushing yards in a game appear to be over. Hill had his second consecutive 100+ yard game on the ground posting 135 yards on 25 carries and a touchdown. If Hill can continue to provide the Cowboys with solid production in the running game, the Pokes may surprise some teams in the Big 12.

Kentucky Deluxe Bottom Shelf Performance of the Week – Texas’ PAT Unit (All of them)
Not 1…

Not 2…

But 3.

Texas had count ’em THREE PATs blocked against Oklahoma State. That is absolutely unprecedented. You’d think after the first two they might get together like, “hey maybe we should try to block the same three guys that keep coming up the middle every time,” but apparently that conversation never occurred. Maybe it’s time to start going for two.

That wraps up this week’s awards. Tune in next week to see who brought home the hardware that weekend.