Landry Jones (Oklahoma), E.J. Gaines (Missouri) and Justin Tucker (Texas) have been named Big 12 Conference Football Players of the Week, as selected by a media panel. Jones (offense) was honored for the second time this season and sixth occasion in his career. Tucker (special teams) picked up his second career award while Gaines (defense) was recognized for the first time.
Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week
Landry Jones, Oklahoma, QB, Jr, Artesia, N.M.
Landry Jones completed 35-of-47 (.745) passes for a school-record 505 yards and five touchdowns (two interceptions) in No. 9 Oklahoma’s 58-17 win at previously unbeaten No. 8 Kansas State. The junior’s yardage figure also was the most for any player at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. His TD throws covered 11, 18, 29, 8 and 12 yards. OU finished with 690 yards of total offense, its highest total since the 1978 Oklahoma State game (692), and averaged 9.2 yards per play against the Big 12’s top defensive unit entering the game. With his 90 touchdown passes, Jones set the Oklahoma career record previously held by Sam Bradford with 88.
Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
E.J. Gaines, MU, CB, So, Independence, Mo.
E.J. Gaines anchored a solid second-half defensive performance as Missouri upset No. 16 Texas A&M 38-31 in overtime in College Station, Texas. Gaines notched a career-best 10 tackles and broke up a career-best four passes, including three in the fourth quarter as Mizzou rallied from a 28-17 deficit and held the Aggies to three second-half points. The first-year sophomore starter has 13 passes defended (11 PBUs, 2 INTs) on the season, which is tops in the Big 12 Conference (1.63 per game avg.) and ranks fifth nationally.
Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week
Justin Tucker, Texas, K, Sr, Austin, Texas
Justin Tucker made a pair of field goals, including a career-long 52-yarder, and connected on all five of his PATs to score 11 points in No. 24 Texas’ 43-0 win over Kansas. He also dropped his one punt of the game inside the 20 at the KU 12-yard line.
— Big 12 Press Release —