Big XII Players of the Week - Week Four

Photo credit: newsclip.com

*Originally published on ArmchairAllAmericans.com*

With many teams being on bye during the first week of conference play, it was a slow weekend for the Big XII. Nevertheless, the following players stood out for their team and earned our offensive and defensive Player of the Week awards.

Offense: Ishmael Zamora SO WR – Baylor

As the Baylor Bears opened Big XII play with a 35-24 victory over Oklahoma State, Ishmael Zamora exploded for eight receptions, 175 yards and two touchdowns. In his first game back from a three-game suspension, Zamora’s performance set career highs in receptions, yards and touchdowns.

With Oklahoma State being Baylor’s first real test of the season, Jim Grobe’s offense responded superbly as they put up 523 yards of total offense. Zamora’s breakout performance gives Seth Russell yet another weapon in the Bears’ potent offense; and as the Big XII season progresses, they will need all the help they can get in order put up points in college football’s fastest paced conference.

Defense: Travon Blanchard JR NB – Baylor

On the other side of the ball for Baylor, nickelback Travon Blanchard had a huge game for Grobe’s re-energized defense. Blanchard filled up the stat sheet as he racked up 11 total tackles, with 4.5 for loss. He added one pass defense, while also forcing a fumble and recording a fumble recovery.

Blanchard’s fumble recovery in the red zone was a crucial play in a game where winning the turnover battle turned out to be the difference. Baylor was able to force four turnovers, while Oklahoma State was only able to force two. If Blanchard can continue forcing timely turnovers, Baylor will continue being the favorite to win the Big XII conference.