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Celebrate 12/12/12 by "Big12ing"

   In celebration of 12/12/12, the Big 12 Conference has declared December 12, 2012 “Big 12 Conference Day.” In order to celebrate this momentous occasion, the Big 12 is hosting a competition for all fans of Big 12 universities participate in.

   The competition is called “Big12ing. They got the idea off of planking and Tewbowing, but they wanted to create their own event. “We figured we could have fans try to make the Big 12 logo with their bodies,” said Laura Rasmussen Assistant Director of Communications at the Big 12 Conference. “And we thought it would be pretty easy and a fun way to engage them on social media, Facebook and twitter.” In order for the Big 12 Conference to get their brand out there, they thought “Big12ing” would be a perfect idea to get fans engaged into the Conference, but in a very unique way. Also, after you're finished planking or Tebowing, you aren’t awarded with a great prize for all that hard work you put into doing that.

   With “Big12ing” the Big 12 Conference will award the winner something very spectacular. “We want the fans to win something that has to deal with their favorite team,” Rasmussen said. “We want to award the fans who support their favorite team that in turns is a representative of the Conference in a bowl game this postseason.”

   Up until November 30, fans that would want to participate in “Big12ing” are required to a capture a picture of themselves, friends or family forming the ‘XII’ in the Big 12 logo. “They can get as creative as they want and do it in unique spots around campus or wherever they may be,” Rasmussen stated. “Once they’ve taken their picture, they can submit their photo by visiting our Facebook page.” Fans can only submit one entry. Also, when you do submit your photo, place your contact information down as well so the Big 12 Conference can contact if you win.

   Another cool thing about entering this competition is the cool prizes applicants can get. “The first 100 applicants get a free t-shirt from Dr. Pepper that says I’m a Big 12 Fan,” said Rasmussen. “We’ll just aggregate the first 100 entries and send them one of those shirts.”

   Again, the first round contest goes through Nov. 30. The Big 12 will collect all submissions and from December 1-12 the Big 12 will narrow it 12 finalists. Those 12 finalists will then compete against each other and the photo with the highest number of votes on the Big 12 Conference Facebook page will win 4 tickets to any bowl game this postseason and up to a 3 night stay at Motel 6. “It’s really good if you’re a college student and have a low budget,” Rasmussen said. “If you win the tickets and you’re able to go to visit Miami for the BCS Championship game, you’ll stay where you can stay and you’ll get the 3 nights at Motel 6.”

   It should be noted that the winner is responsible for their own travel. “The actual travel is not included in the prize, but the hotel room comes with it,” Rasmussen said. “If the person lives in the city where the Bowl game they want to attend is, then they would just get a gift certificate from Motel 6 and they can use those down the line.”

   If you have any questions, the best way to contact the Big 12 Conference is to message them through their Facebook page or tweet them on Twitter at @Big12Conference and they will respond to you either way.

   The Big 12 Conference has put a lot of time and effort into this competition and what better way to celebrate your favorite Big 12 team getting to a Bowl game, then to go celebrate with your team at the actual game! “We want to start a little phenomenon and get people excited for the Big 12 and Bowl season,” Rasmussen said. And it’s not hard to agree with her.

   Go crazy with your idea and may the best person win!

Kansas State Will Beat Oklahoma State Tonight

Oklahoma State QB Wes Lunt

Wes Lunt has made one road start in his collegiate career. When OSU played Arizona, penalties destroyed them (school-record 167 penalty yards) and they coughed up the ball four times.

Kansas State leads the Big 12 and is ranked fifth nationally in turnover margin (19 takeaways and four giveaways). They are also ranked second nationally in fewest penalties (3.63/game). They are ranked fourth nationally in fewest penalties (29.1/game). They avoid negative yardage plays, too. They are hardly tackled behind the line of scrimmage that they are ranked sixth nationally in avoiding tackles for loss.

If OSU’s O-line can block for Lunt, allow him to sit in the pocket and throw down field, than he can pick apart the Wildcats defense easily.

But if you remember, though, Lunt was forced outside of the pocket against Louisiana-Lafayette and was hit in the knee. The Cowboys cannot afford Lunt getting hurt.

Kansas State QB Collin Klein

If KSU can get OSU’s offense to go 4-and-out every offensive play and frustrate Lunt, or have them cough up the ball, than the Wildcats will win.

Another thing to keep in mind is that OSU doesn’t have the same turnover-creating defense that they had last year. I know they have most of their defensive players from last year’s squad, but they don’t seem to go after the ball with the same enthusiasm as they did last year.

With all of this in mind, I’m sticking with Kansas State to defeat Oklahoma State.