conference play so far this season, going 14-1 through the first two weeks. That gaudy mark will be tested this weekend, with four Big 12 schools hitting the road for intriguing matchups against BCS-affiliated opponents. Top-ranked Oklahoma (1-0) travels to face No. 5 Florida State Saturday in a game that could have a major impact on the BCS race. No. 24 Texas (2-0) will play a UCLA team that embarrassed the Longhorns in Austin a year ago. Surprising Iowa State (2-0), which knocked off rival Iowa 44-41 in a triple-overtime stunner Saturday, takes on Connecticut (1-1) Friday night in a rare national TV appearance for the Cyclones, and Kansas (2-0) plays at Georgia Tech (2-0). How these matchups pan out could go a long way in determining how strong the Big 12 is in 2011 — and the country's perception of a league in turmoil with Texas A&M eager to leave and others — including the Sooners — reportedly being courted to go elsewhere. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says his players are just focused on the Seminoles. “You can't help but be a little more excited. Guys just naturally are. They understand all that's at stake and the challenge of going down there and the fact that the whole country wants to see it. You don't have to say much,” Stoops said. Oklahoma routed Florida State 47-17 in Norman a year ago. But the Seminoles figure to be much tougher this time — especially at home — and have beaten their first two opponents, Louisiana-Monroe and Charleston Southern, by a combined score of 96-10. The Sooners had an extra week to prepare after drubbing Tulsa 47-14 in their opener. UCLA's 34-12 blowout of the Longhorns a year ago was the first sign of trouble in a season that quickly went downhill. Texas (2-0) has won its first two games in 2011 in relatively unspectacular fashion, needing a late rally to get past the Cougars in Austin, 17-16, and starting slow in a win over Rice. Coach Mack Brown said that the key to beating the Bruins will likely come from his defense. The rest of the Big 12's teams will be favored to get through this weekend unscathed. No. 8 Oklahoma State (2-0) plays its first road game at Tulsa (1-1) and No. 9 Texas A&M (1-0) hosts Idaho. Texas Tech (1-0) will visit New Mexico (0-2), which got hammered by Arkansas 52-3 Saturday. Kansas State (1-0) hosts Kent State, Missouri (1-1) hosts Western Illinois and No. 19 Baylor (1-0) hosts Stephen F. Austin.
