Big 12: Mid Season Defensive Awards

I realize that we are only half way through the season, but people love awards, so[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)] the good folks at the SportsDay DFW put together their list of mid-season defensive award winners for the Big 12. I if you would have asked me to predict the winners at the start of the season, you definitely would not have seen names like Cedric Reed (Texas) and Jason Verrett (TCU), however, that is why they play the game.

I can not argue with any of the names on the following list. Although choosing West Virginia-Oklahoma State over Texas-Oklahoma as the biggest upset is a little perplexing. However, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Overall, I think that Josh Friemel from SportsDay DFW did a good job. What are your thoughts? Sound off below!

Best DL – Cedric Reed, Texas While teams may be focusing more on stopping Jackson Jeffcoat, Reed is having a solid statistical season. In six games, he has 42 total tackles with 8 tackles for a loss and 3 sacks. He’s already matched his total in 13 games from a season ago. He’s also the only defensive lineman in the conference to lead his team in tackles. Close finishes: KSU’s Ryan Mueller, TTU’s Kerry Hyder

Best LB – Jeremiah George, ISU As the season has progressed, George has been nothing but consistent. Aside from this first game, he’s reached double digits in tackles in his last four games. He’s also only one of two defensive players in the Big 12 to average double-digit tackles per game, with the other being teammate Jacques Washington. He also would have been the hero that put the nail in the coffin against Texas if it had not been for a controversial call to end the game. Close finishes: OU’s Corey Nelson (who is now hurt), Kansas’ Ben Heeney

Best DB – Jason Verrett, TCU Verrett entered the season as one of the Big 12’s best defensive players. Even though TCU has struggled, the standout corner has produced. He’s deflected 10 passes and has an interception in six games. Throw in 24 tackles and 2.5 for a loss and Verrett’s been as advertised for the first half of the year. Close finishes: TCU’s Chris Hackett, KSU’s Ty Zimmerman

Biggest upset – West Virginia over Oklahoma State It wasn’t pretty, but the Mountaineers overcame the odds to take down Oklahoma State 30-21 after being blanked by Maryland in the previous week. While the offense struggled, West Virginia relied on its defense to defeat the No. 11 ranked team in the nation. J.W. Walsh completed less than half of his passes and the running game was reduced to scrambles on broken plays from Walsh. Close finishes: Texas over Oklahoma

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