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T H E I N D E P E N D E N T V O I C E F O R K A N S A S S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
vol. 124, issue 40
kstatecollegian.com
kansas state collegian
wednesday, november 28, 2 0 1 8
K-State student, former athlete finds success in sideline reporting
MYAH ROBKE
THE COLLEGIAN
Being a student athlete in college can deliver rewarding experiences on and off the field, and Bridget Howard, junior in mass communications, is living proof of that. As a freshman, she began playing on the first women’s soccer team at Kansas State in 2016, but when her athletic career was cut short at the end of her first season, she turned her focus to sports broadcasting to continue to pursue her passion for sports. “After my soccer career ended, I knew I wanted to get involved with K-State HDTV because I always saw them at our games and wanted to participate in sports broadcasting in any way I could,” Howard said. Howard said her passion for sports and interest in broadcasting started well before her college years began. “My dad has worked in baseball his whole life so growing up around it, I knew I wanted to find a career doing something with sports,” Howard said. “It was in high school when I realized that sideline reporting was the career I wanted to pursue because I love talking sports and sharing stories and updates with viewers that they wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else.” Now, Howard works as a K-State HDTV sideline reporter live at K-State sporting events, including men’s basketball. “When I first started working at K-State HDTV I did a lot of behind-thescene jobs like cable pulling and camera work at basketball games,” Howard said.
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At the end of Howard’s freshman year, she was given the opportunity to do PowerCat Previews, where she wrote her own scripts highlighting the upcoming game for a certain sport. This gave her some experience in front of the camera which she said sparked interest in K-State’s broadcasting team to give her a sideline reporting job. In today’s collegiate-level sports, many universities provide content for ESPN and FOX productions, so having a student sideline reporter is not as rare as one might think. But Brian Smoller, director of video services, said Howard is still unique in her skill set. “If I were doing a broadcast, I would take Bridget over anyone else, including some professionals doing it now,” Smoller said. “She has a natural, comfortable way about her on air, but what makes her great is how much she prepares for each assignment and how she handles critiques.” Howard’s drive and passion for sports broadcasting could be the reason behind her early success. “She wants to be great,” Smoller said. “She is always asking, ‘What else can I do?’ and I love that. Her desire to not just be satisfied with the status quo makes me so excited for her future.” From growing up watching sports, sideline reporting gives Howard an exciting perspective during K-State sporting events. “Being on the sidelines is a whole different experience than sitting in the stands or watching on TV,” Howard said. “I love the feeling I get every time I walk on to the field or court, it’s a feeling like no other.”
Fort Riley collects toys, donations for 34th annual Operation Santa Claus
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Courtesy photo by Cooper Kinley Howard is not ready to end her career with sideline reporting after she graduates, but said she has big aspirations for her future in sports broadcasting. “My ultimate goal is to work for ESPN as a sideline reporter or host,” she said. “Sharing the exciting and profound moments in sports from the sidelines or in the booth is a job unlike any other and I cherish each moment I have gotten to do it so far.”
When Howard is not reporting, she spends her free time watching and asking for advice from sideline reporters she has met through her experiences at K-State; Howard shadowed ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath this semester during a football game. “I really look up to women in the industry like Molly,” Howard said. “Having the opportunity to watch her report taught me so much and she has become
Students share the most unique gifts they have been given
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a great mentor to me.” This will likely not be the last time you hear of Bridget Howard, Smoller said. “Bridget has that ‘it’ factor that you look for in a sideline reporter because of her presence on-air and her work ethic behind the scenes,” Smoller said. “Those two things will give her every opportunity to go as far as she wants in her endeavors.”
Stressed? Here’s how finals might take a toll on your mind, body
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EDITORIAL BOARD Rafael Garcia Editor-in-chief
Dené Dryden Managing editor Rachel Hogan Deputy managing editor Kyle Hampel Community co-editor Olivia Rogers Community co-editor
Kaylie McLaughlin News editor
Molly Hackett Assistant sports editor
Leah Zimmerli Assistant news editor
Monica Diaz Social media editor
Katelin Woods Culture editor Macy Davis Assistant culture editor Jarrett Whitson Sports Editor
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Parly cloudy.
Karaline Schreiner Assistant Olivia Bergmeier Photography editor Logan Wassall Multimedia editor Gabby Farris Design chief
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The Collegian welcomes your letters. We reserve the right to edit submitted letters for length and style. A letter intended for publication should be no longer than 400 words and must be relevant to the student body of K-State. It must include the author’s first and last name, year in school and major. If you are a graduate of K-State, the letter should include your year(s) of graduation and must include the city and state where you live. For a letter to be considered, it must include a phone number where you can be contacted. The number will not be published. Letters can be sent to letters@ kstatecollegian.com or submitted through an online form at kstatecollegian.com. Letters may be rejected if they contain abusive content, lack timeliness, contain vulgarity, profanity or falsehood, promote personal and commercial announcements, repeat comments of letters printed in other issues or contain attachments. The Collegian does not publish open letters, third-party letters or letters that have been sent to other publications or people. CORRECTIONS If you see something that should be corrected or clarified, call editor-in-chief Rafael Garcia at 785-370-6356 or email news@kstatecollegian.com.
The Collegian, a student newspaper at Kansas State University, is published by Collegian Media Group. It is published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the school year and on Wednesdays during the summer. Periodical postage is paid at Manhattan, KS. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 828 Mid-Campus Drive South, Kedzie 103, Manhattan, KS 66506-7167. First copy free, additional copies 25 cents. [USPS 291 020] © Collegian Media Group, 2018
LOOKING AHEAD
Thursday
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Friday
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wednesday, november 28, 2018
Operation Santa Claus looking for donations PETER LOGANBILL THE COLLEGIAN
Fort Riley has begun its 34th annual Operation Santa Claus program. Its goal is to collect toys from around the Junction City and Manhattan area from donors and give them to the children of financially struggling soldiers. Head Elf, Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Ferguson, said he is confident they will reach that goal again. Ferguson said in past years, the program has given toys to about 1,000 to 1,500 children. “We always get enough toys,” Ferguson said. “We never fail, we’re soldiers. We’ll make it happen.” His favorite part of the project is simply helping the community of soldiers. “Just being able to give back,” Ferguson said. “I have
four kids of my own, so just seeing a kid smile when he was able to pick his toys out. That’s the one good thing I like about the program: The family gets to come there and pick the toy that they want. It’s not like we pack it up and ‘here you go.’ They come in, the kids get the wow factor. They get want they want so they’re happy. That’s a joy that we get.” While the program has already started issuing toys, Operation Santa Claus will accept donations until Dec. 21. There are many places to donate toys, including Walmart and Motorcycle Supply Inc. in Manhattan, and also Walmart and City Cycle Sales Inc. in Junction City. Operation Santa Claus is asking for toys in the price range of $15 to $20. Ferguson said the hardest group to find presents for is the age range 12 to 18, and that
they usually prefer interactive presents such as board games. Operation Santa Claus held its ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 5, opening a warehouse that already contained some donated toys. A handful of kids were able to run in and choose presents. “When the doors lifted up, the eyes lit up,” Ferguson said. “They were super excited. It’s a great feeling.” The toys are now being given to the families on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Santa’s Workshop, located at Camp Funston on Fort Riley. Donated toys can be dropped off there as well. “It was a big, open warehouse,” Ferguson said. “We took some scrap and plywood, and thanks to all the local community partners giving us paint and materials, we made a great, great workshop. Everything’s pretty much built by
hand. It was good times. Lots of hard work, but good times.” Operation Santa Claus also takes checks and monetary donations. Money boxes are located at each of the drop off locations, and checks can be made out to “Operation Santa.” “When we have money, we’re excited, we’re happy elves,” Ferguson said. “We get to go Walmart, Target, wherever it may be, and pick out the latest and greatest toys. Fill up baskets and checkout. Shopping is great, can’t go wrong.” To volunteer for the program, visit myarmyonesource.com, call 785-2392771 or go to the welcome center at Fort Riley. The work is tracked and can count as volunteer hours. “Everybody is welcome to do their part and help out,” Ferguson said.
College bucket list: Spontaneous snowball fight SIERRA STAATZ
THE COLLEGIAN
The weather is fitting for a spontaneous and fun bucket list item. I love snow, and get excited about it no matter how cold it it outside. Some may see winter as a burden, but I don’t see any harm in cold weather as long as there is snow on the ground. With so much snow, I embraced an activity any kid would dream of: a giant snowball fight. After an obligatory residence hall meeting, a group of nearly two dozen students eagerly bundled up in an abundance of coats and hats to play in the winter wonderland. No matter the cold, many
remained determined to have fun. One freshman didn't have any gloves, so I packed snowballs for him. Two students were shirtless, adding their own flair to the camaraderie. At the end of the day, everyone had the goal of having fun and plastering others snow. How do you make the perfect snowball? It’s all about the type of snow. For the purposes of snowball making, wetter and denser is generally better. However, when playing so close to other people, it is important to be careful and not pack too much as to not hurt the other players.
see page 6, “SNOWBALL”
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wednesday, november 28, 2018
holiday gift guide
Street Talk: Best, worst and weirdest gifts Photos by Olivia Bergmeier | COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP
From my brother I received a banana costume. A full body banana costume with a stem at the top and a hole for my body. It’s the best, I love it, I wear it all the time.
SYDNEY BORSTELMAN THE COLLEGIAN
With Christmas coming up, it’s time to start thinking of gifts for friends and families. Here are some ideas for the upcoming giving season.
GIFT CARDS
Abby Sweeney
For all of the broke college students out there, gift cards are something that is appreciated. This could be anything from restaurant gift cards for those who can’t eat at the dining hall on Sunday nights to gas gift cards for those who live out of town and have to drive to get to and from campus. “I live four hours away from campus, so driving back-andforth and spending money on gas takes a toll on my bank account,” Cara Hopkins, sophomore in life sciences, said. “I think a lot of students, including myself, would really appreciate getting gift cards from gas stations to use for the upcoming semester.”
fifth-year senior in elementary education Jamie Fogel, freshman in political science, said, “The weirdest one I got when I was I don’t know how old, but I received a watermelon that was covered with vaseline on the outside and was sutured back together. When I opened it up there was a small watermelon Christmas ornament in there. I use that, I still have it. I don’t know if you’ve ever held a watermelon with vaseline on it, but it’s like holding a child.”
Gift, wish list ideas for the upcoming holiday season
Neal Eller, junior in communication sciences and disorders, said the best and worst gifts he’s ever received included a “jammy pack,” which is a fanny pack with a Bluetooth speaker in it, and a can of “Jack Mackeral,” which is canned fish that is “40 years old.”
CLOTHES Mario Garcia, senior in human development and family science, said, “My best gift was six years ago I got a pair of Adidas shoes, that I still wear, from my dad. They were replicas of what he had when he was in high school, so that was cool. The worst thing I got was this big poofy vest that I got from my grandma that did not fit me. She thought I really wanted it so I wore it all of Christmas Eve just to make her happy.”
Bailey Herring, senior in sociology and psychology, said, “The best gift I’ve received was probably a plugin wax burner. You plug it in the wall and it’s like a night light, but it has a pot where scented wax sits and the light burns the wax making your place smell nice.”
This is a common category for a gift, and one of the easiest to give. Especially with it getting cold outside, sweaters, jackets, hats and gloves are something everyone needs. With Kansas weather able to change quickly, a lot of students were in quick need of a better coat to survive the snow for the upcoming months. “I asked for a new winter coat and snow boots for Christmas,” Paige Burgess, sophomore in biochemistry, said. “The coat that I have now doesn’t protect me from the cold weather here. I also asked for boots because I don’t have any now and it sucks to not have
any while walking in the snow.”
ELECTRONICS
Another popular category asked by college students. There is always something new in the technology department that is desired by many individuals. One popular electronic device is Apple Airpods. Airpods are Bluetooth-wired headphones provided by Apple to use for iPhones and MacBooks. This becomes helpful to listen to music and charge devices simultaneously, a common problem with newer iPhones. Portable chargers are also a common gift item for the on-thego students. It’s handy for those who are always on campus and gives students another option to charge their devices instead of struggling to find an outlet or not being able to charge it from a laptop. TVs and speakers are also be a possible gift idea for those moving into their own place soon and need their own personal one.
ITEMS FOR DORM ROOMS AND APARTMENTS
With being half way through the school year, many students have realized what they are in need of for their living space. Mini fridges for dorm rooms to store food in, decorations to liven up the living space, blankets to keep warm in the winter time, toiletry items like lotions and even toys and materials for pets. “I have a dog and a cat, so I ask for a lot of stuff for them,” Alyssa Arnsperger, junior in animal sciences and industry, said. “One item I asked for was a new litter box that scoops everything up at once, making it easier to care for my cat.”
wednesday, november 28, 2018
holiday gift guide
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OPINION: Simple DIY gifts to make on a college student's budget DENE DRYDEN
THE COLLEGIAN
This article was originally published on Nov. 15, 2017. As the holiday season approaches, a great way to give back to the people we love in our lives is through a gift, especially one that we made ourselves. However, not many college students have the time or money to spend on an elaborate "do it yourself" gift for every roommate, parent and friend. Here are some easy ways to create a unique gift without breaking the bank.
1. HOT CHOCOLATE SPOONS
Creating a set of hot chocolate stirrers is an easy and cute gift for anyone from your little siblings to your grandparents. Pick up some wooden disposable spoons from Hobby Lobby, melt some chocolate candy and dip the tip of the spoon in. While the spoons are laying on wax paper to let the chocolate harden, take them to the next level by coating them with candy cane crumbles or a drizzle of caramel. Hot chocolate spoons bring a little extra novelty to a classic cup of hot chocolate.
2. MUG GIFT SET
Another option is to create a gift set around the idea of winter drinks. Mugs and instant cocoa and cider mixes can be purchased at Dollar Tree. Throw together a mug, some drink mixes and a candy cane or two to make an easy holiday gift for a roommate or a coworker.
3. CUSTOM MUG
Take the mug gift set one step further by customizing a plain white mug with geometric designs or an inspirational quote.
Write on the mug with a Sharpie pen, then seal the work by placing it in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. I suggest not heating the oven until you put the mug in, as the ceramic can crack when there is a rapid change in temperature. Same goes for cooling the oven; let your mug cool down in there, too.
4. SHATTERED CD PICTURE FRAME
Want to get rid of your old Jonas Brothers CDs that you never listen to anymore? While I personally would never want to give up my collection, a great way to recycle your old CDs is to cut them into small pieces and super glue them around the edges of a picture frame, shiny silver side out. Trim the excess CD off the sides for a smooth look. Complete this dazzling gift with a picture of you and your best friend together, or a personal piece of artwork.
5. CUSTOM HOLIDAY SERVING PLATES
If you are more of a baker than a crafter, a great way to give a batch of cookies as a gift is on a personalized plate. Obtain a large, clear glass plate and coat the bottom side with Mod Podge. When it's still wet, place a large piece of fabric (a fat quarter should be enough) on the back of the plate, with the fabric's design showing through the top of the plate. Seal the back of the plate with more Mod Podge and trim the excess fabric off the sides of the plate. Now you have a beautiful serving plate customized with the holiday fabric of your choice.
6. CHOCOLATES
If you're giving a gift to someone with a sweet tooth, an easy but creative option is to make a custom box of chocolates. Walmart sells candy molds and candy melts in an assortment of
colors and flavors such as vanilla and chocolate. Simply place the candy melts in the mold and microwave until mostly melted. Swirl in other ingredients like peanut butter, fruit preserves or cinnamon to incorporate more flavor, then chill the candies until solid. Gift your chocolates in mini cupcake liners for an extra touch. You're basically Russell Stover.
7. NEWSPAPER SNOWMAN ORNAMENTS
Put those old issues of the Collegian you've been stashing in your backpack to good use. Roll up strips of newspaper or magazine paper into thin spirals, sealing each individual strip in a circular shape with glue. Glue three of the rolled paper circles together to make a snowman. Attach a loop of string to the back side with glue and you've got a homemade Christmas tree ornament or holiday decoration for a dorm room.
8. SNOW GLOBE
Another great way to use materials you already own is to make a snow globe. Clean a clear glass jar, removing the label so the glass is clear. Take a small plastic toy or figurine that fits on the inside of the jar lid and secure it there with super glue. While that dries, fill the jar with water and an ample amount of glitter, leaving enough room for the figurine to fit. With the figurine attached to the bottom of the lid, line the inside rim of the lid with super glue and twist it onto the jar. When the glue dries, flip the jar upside down, and like magic, you have a homemade snow globe!
see page 7, “GIFTS”
Archive photo by Dene Dryden | COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP
Chocolate spoons are an example of an easy-to-make gift or snack for the holidays.
The Perfect Gift for Students! • Tapestries • Tobacco Pipes & Hookah • Disc Golf Euipment • Bajas, scarves, hats • Band & Tie-Dye Shirts • Posters • Incense • Salt Lamps • Candles • Make Your Own Hemp Jewelry
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SNOWBALL continued from page
3
Following the fend-foryourself snowball fight, some students played a version of “The Hunger Games.” Since this was not appealing to everyone, some went inside to warm up their cold toes while others built a snowman. I think what made the event so exciting was the fact
that none of it was planned. The spontaneity brought in all the emotions college can bring. First, there is the initial shock of something immediately happening to then be followed by the excitement of the idea. Being at the right place at the right time is vital to joining in on any unexpected fun. And how did the wonderful evening end? Snuggling up in the dorm rooms with hot cocoa and blankets. I think it is safe to say that
cold weather and snow may keep people closer to their living spaces, but in a dorm that just means more entertainment and interaction with great people. Sierra Staatz is a freshman in biological and chemical engineering. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian. Please send comments to opinion@ kstatecollegian.com.
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Getting the grade takes a toll. Here’s how to avoid finals week burnout GABRIELA FARAONE THE COLLEGIAN
An old saying goes “there is no success without sacrifice,” but that sacrifice could result in big consequences that surpass when you get the grade. Here are some things to pay attention to during these last weeks of the semester.
PROCRASTINATION
As winter break approaches, it is also the time of the
semester were procrastination reaches its peak. As the clock ticks away to our impending academic doom, procrastinating is a quite exciting solution. Carol Moran-Brown, senior director of the Counseling Center at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, said, “Staying stress-free is important, but stress is not inherently bad for students. There is an ideal level of stress for each one of us, which helps motivate us to do our best. When we are functioning at that ideal level,
we are sufficiently pushed to do our best, yet not paralyzed by the results of excessive stress. The goal is to find the ideal stress level and then try to stay there.” By taking each task oneby-one and properly managing your time, you can avoid cramming for finals. Leaving all your tasks until the very end can make information harder to retain and puts your health at risk.
SKIPPING MEALS
Not having time to exer-
cise is often an excuse made, but also healthy eating can drop to the bottom of your priorities list during finals week. What might not always be mentioned is that healthy foods can boost your well-being and academic performance in multiple ways. Caffeinated drinks are often the best ally to keep us energized and concentrated for an extended period, but also how and what you eat can have a powerful influence on your energy levels.
Rowan Jones | COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP
Studying in his dorm room, Isaac Diggs studies for his upcoming final exams. The freshman in computer engineering said he has a stressful week coming up.
GIFTS continued from page
5
9. CARVED CANDLE
A creative way to spread winter warmth is with a custom candle. Purchase a wide, plain white candle without a jar or
container and carve a quote or design in the wax with a sharp utensil. When your design is carved and cleaned of stray wax, color the design in with a metallic marker. A little bit of artistry can go a long way with this project.
10. SUGAR SCRUB
If your gift recipient needs
to treat themselves to some rest and relaxation, make them a personalized sugar scrub. The basic ingredients are a cup of white sugar, a quarter cup of olive oil and a few drops of essential oil. Mix it all up, package it in a jar and gift it with a pair of fuzzy socks to seal the deal.
Dene Dryden is the Collegian’s managing editor and a junior in English. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian. Please send comments to opinion@kstatecollegian.com.
Eating healthy foods at regular intervals helps you perform well throughout the day and avoids putting your immune system at risk.
HIGH RISK OF STRESS AND DEPRESSION
Eating is critical to keep your body energized but also to keep your mental health in check. In a recent study, the British Journal of Psychiatry compared participants that ate a whole food diet and those that ate a diet filled with processed foods, finding that those that consumed more of the whole foods or less of the processed foods were less likely to become depressed. The life of a college student can be very stressful, especially during the last weeks of the semester. A
study conducted by MentalHelp in 2016 reported that 89 percent of college students were stressed at least two to four times per semester, and 30 percent said they were stressed for almost the entire semester. Students exposed to chronic stress can suffer some long-term side effects, such as diabetes and depression.
CAMPUS RESOURCES
K-State’s Manhattan campus has multiple resources that students can utilize during this period. Receiving tutoring and counseling is nothing to be ashamed of. To reach the Kansas State Counseling Services, visit their website at k-state. edu/counseling. For more information on tutoring, visit k-state.edu/tutoring.
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Oklahoma remains atop Big 12 before championship game against Texas CODY FRIESEN
THE COLLEGIAN
The stage is set for the Big 12 Championship game as the regular season ended on Saturday. Oklahoma will get a shot at redemption against Texas with a shot for the College Football Playoff on the line.
10. KU (3-9, 1-8)
The David Beaty era ended last Friday as the Jayhawks lost 24-17 to Texas. Kansas has already introduced new head coach Les Miles. The former LSU coach has not coached since 2016 and it will be interesting to see if he can turn around the struggling program. First, it’s time to enjoy the basketball season, finally.
9. TEXAS TECH (5-7, 3-6)
Texas Tech was defeated
35-24 by Baylor last week, failing to become bowl eligible and losing its fifth straight game after a 5-2 start to the season. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury was relieved of his duties shortly after the game and a replacement has not yet been announced.
8. KANSAS STATE (57, 3-6)
The Wildcats fell one game short of bowl eligibility after a devastating 42-38 loss to Iowa State in Ames, Iowa, on Saturday. K-State was 0-5 on the road this season. Head coach Bill Snyder’s future at Kansas State has been a common topic in the final weeks of the season, but there has yet to be an announcement as to whether or not he will return. K-State has a slim
chance of making a bowl game with only five wins but will need Oklahoma to make the playoff and a lack of bowl eligible teams across the country.
7. OKLAHOMA STATE (6-6, 3-6)
Oklahoma State had a roller coaster of a season, winning just three Big 12 games, yet is bowl eligible even with the 3124 loss to TCU on Saturday. Despite defeating West Virginia and Texas and losing to Oklahoma by just one point, Oklahoma State dropped games to Iowa State, Baylor and Kansas State.
6. TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (6-6, 4-5)
The Horned Frogs managed to become bowl eligible after defeating Oklahoma State 31-24 on Saturday. TCU struggled with in-
juries and suspensions in the second half of the year which really hurt their chances at competing for the Big 12 Championship.
5. BAYLOR UNIVERSITY (6-6, 4-5)
A year after winning just one game, Baylor capped off a turnaround season with a 35-24 victory over Texas Tech to clinch bowl eligibility.
4. NO. 24 IOWA STATE (7-4, 6-3)
Iowa State completed a very impressive conference season after a 17-point comeback, 42-38 win over K-State. The Cyclones snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Wildcats with the win. Freshman quarterback Brock Purdy is clearly the future at Iowa State but if juniors Hakeem Butler and
David Montgomery stay Iowa State could be hard to beat next year. The Cyclones will play Drake at 11 a.m. Saturday as a makeup game from earlier in the season.
3. NO. 9 TEXAS (9-3, 7-2)
The Longhorns clinched a berth in the Big 12 Championship with a 24-17 win at Kansas on Friday. Texas will face Oklahoma for the Big 12 title in a rematch of the Red River Rivalry on Saturday at 11 a.m. on ABC.
2. NO. 15 WEST VIRGINIA (8-3, 6-3)
The Mountaineers lost 59-56 to Oklahoma on Friday night, failing to clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship game. West Virginia is still in
line to receive a very good bowl game despite the loss.
1. NO. 5 OKLAHOMA (11-1, 8-1)
After defeating the Mountaineers, Oklahoma still has a chance to make the College Football Playoff should it beat Texas in the Big 12 title game on Saturday. The Sooners have one of the most dynamic offenses in the country in one of the highest scoring conferences in the country. They still sit on the bubble, even though a team not even in a conference — I’m looking at you, Notre Dame — is a “clear lock” for the playoff. Heisman hopeful quarterback Kyler Murray and the Sooners will get a rematch of their 48-45 loss to Texas in the thrilling Red River Rivalry matchup from October.