It was clear when the month began that the Big 12 title race would sort itself out during “no excuses” November.
Baylor, Texas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State sat atop the standings with head-to-head matchups approaching at the beginning of this month. Now, with two weeks left in the season, OSU has put itself in the driver’s seat with one game (against OU on Dec. 7) standing between the Cowboys and a Big 12 title.
And Cowboys quarterback Clint Chelf has emerged as the conference’s top clutch performer.
OSU has handed Texas and Baylor their first conference losses in back-to-back weeks, thanks in large part to the versatile skills of Chelf. Against BU on Saturday, Chelf was 19 of 25 for 370 yards and three touchdowns to earn ESPN.com's Big 12 player-of-the-week honors during the Pokes’ 49-17 thrashing of the then-No. 4-ranked Bears.
"Clint was amazing,” receiver Tracy Moore said. “He was running, throwing and even making a catch. There's not much that kid can't do.”
In chilly conditions, Chelf played mistake-free football with accurate passes combining with his cool and calm demeanor in the best game in college football this past weekend. He even added a 48-yard reception on a throwback screen.
“He was accurate, and he made good decisions,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “There were times when we when took some lost yardage because he kept it instead of throwing down the middle.”
The senior is making a strong case he should be considered for All-Big 12 quarterback honors, as his 97.8 adjusted QBR was second nationally for the second straight week. He recorded a 97.3 adjusted QBR in the Cowboys’ 38-13 win over the Longhorns on Nov. 16. OSU’s two biggest wins have been built on the shoulders’ of Chelf’s two best performances of 2013.
“I couldn't be more proud of what he's accomplished,” Gundy said. “He's been a good leader, and he's done it quietly. He's humble. He's had success."
