Missouri fell to No. 9 Oklahoma 38-17 in the Big 12 title game, the fourth time a top-ranked team has lost in a season, the most since 1990.

The bigger upset was West Virginia’s 13-9 loss to Pittsburgh in the 100th playing of the Backyard Brawl. The Mountaineers were 28-point favorites, but led only briefly. The Mountaineers became the sixth second-ranked team to lose since Oct. 6.

It’s the third time in two months that Nos. 1 and 2 have lost on the same weekend.

That opened the door for Ohio State, the clear No. 3, to play in the Bowl Championship Series title game on Jan. 7 in New Orleans.

The BCS selections are scheduled for Sunday.

No. 9 Oklahoma 38, No. 1 Missouri 17 The Sooners rushed for three touchdowns, quarterback Sam Bradford threw for two more and Oklahoma coolly captured its fifth Big 12 title since 2000 by upending upstart Missouri.

The Sooners contained Tigers’ quarterback Chase Daniel and three times forced one of the nation’s best offenses to settle for short field goals instead of touchdowns. It was the first time this season Missouri was held under 30 points.

The Sooners pounded the Tigers with short-yardage rushing TDs. Chris Brown scored twice and Allen Patrick added another. The Sooners pulled away from a 14-14 halftime tie and wrapped up a berth in the Fiesta Bowl for the second straight year.

Pittsburgh 13, No. 2 West Virginia 9 At Morgantown, West Virginia, the Mountaineers were strong favorites to roll over rival Pittsburgh but lost Heisman Trophy contender Pat White to a dislocated thumb in the second quarter. White tried to play in the fourth quarter, but he couldn’t conjure a comeback.

Their offense struggled even before White went out. They squandered two scoring opportunities in the first quarter, missing short field goals and finished with a season-low 183 yards and only nine first downs.

LeSean McCoy starred for Pitt by running for 148 yards on a tough 38 carries.

Subscribe to The China Post and save.  Click hereSharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Enter your comments - 800 characters max

Receive China Post promos

Respond to this email