Three Novembers ago Kliff Kingsbury stood before the media for the first time not just as a starting quarterback, but as a winning starting quarterback.

Texas Tech had just beaten Oklahoma 38-28 behind Kingsbury's 259 yards passing and three touchdowns in place of Rob Peters, out with a concussion, but the slightly built freshman had other things on his mind.

No Ordinary Jones

Some see the Run-and-Shoot offense as a relic, a fad offense that belongs in a museum somewhere next to the single wing and the Flying Wedge. June Jones has an altogether different view of that. He sees the offense he helped popularize while the offensive coordinator of the Houston Oilers in the 1980s as a great equalizer. "When we're better than the other team we win 99 percent of the time,'' the Hawaii head coach said. "When we're not physically better than the other team we'll still win way more than we should." Jones and his Warriors have shown there just might be something to that. When Jones arrived after the 1998 season he inherited a team that went 0-12, was shut out twice and lost nine games by 20 or more points. He installed the Run-and-Shoot, which most teams has discarded as an offense that was easily stopped by playing zone coverage that punished the receivers after short catches. In his first season the Warriors went 9-4 and tied for the WAC title. The offense the Warriors run is mostly the same as the one Jones ran two decades earlier, except they use the shotgun more and have more sophisticated pass protection schemes. This season the Warriors have attempted 520 passes but their home-grown line, led by All-America candidate guard Vince Manuwai, has allowed only 10 sacks. Hawaii has a unique recruiting philosphy. "We recruit defensive ends, cornerbacks, offensive linemen and quarterbacks and that's it,'' Jones said. "And we have to have a certain M.O." That modus operandi is to target kids who aren't just interested in the recruiting trip and don't have strong family ties. "If mom and dad have seen every game they've played since grade school, we don't recruit them even if they want to come," Jones said. In Jones' four seasons at his alma mater, he's given scholarships to about 22 walk-ons, but that doesn't mean they don't hit the jackpot every once in a while. Quarterback Timmy Chang, who was recruited by Washington and Cal, went to school at Honolulu St. Louis, which won 13 state titles after Jones taught the run-and shoot offense to its coaches in 1977. Chang picked up where he left off at St. Louis. The redshirt sophomore has already thrown for 7,463 yards and 44 touchdowns (and a troubling 38 interceptions) in his career. "He will probably break Ty Detmer's record (15,031, the NCAA I-A career mark) and I'm sure he'll be the Heisman Trophy winner as a senior,'' Jones said. -- Mark Wangrin

He thought of his coach, who had just announced his retirement, and couldn't help but thank Spike Dykes for seeing what others hadn't.

"Coach Dykes saw talent in us when other people didn't," Kingsbury said then of the only coach to offer him a scholarship, "and we love him for that."

Three years, 1,146 completions, 11,394 yards, 85 touchdowns and five NCAA records haven't changed everybody's minds. Despite those statistics, Kingsbury is still a fringe player on what is shaping up as the most wide-open Heisman race in years.

"It's clear-cut and pretty obvious for anyone who looks at it,'' said Tech coach Mike Leach, the Sooners' offensive coordinator that day in '99, who leaves no doubt as to his feelings. "People see what they want to see, read what they want to read. I can't do anything about it."

Kingsbury can. Before Saturday's 42-38 win over then-No. 3 Texas, there were two primary knocks against the senior from New Braunfels, Texas. One criticism was that he was simply a product of the system, and Heisman voters had already been fooled by that once (see Ware, Andre). The other was that he hadn't won the big games.

Kingsbury took care of the latter, throwing for 473 yards and six touchdowns against a Longhorn pass defense that was ranked second in the country. And if he hasn't shaken the former, he at least proved it's one heckuva system.

"People look at last Saturday's game as some unusual occurrence, some aberration on the radar screen,'' Leach said. "But he's been doing that for three years."

He's got one more regular-season game to take the extra step -- earn a ticket to New York and the Dec. 14 Heisman Trophy awards ceremony. Kingsbury and the Red Raiders (8-4) will visit Oklahoma on Saturday, where Leach will try to upset his old team with the offense that ultimately helped take them to their 2000 national title. A win would put Tech in the Dec. 7 Big 12 Championship game against North Division champion Colorado.

"(Kingsbury) just has so much poise,'' said OU defensive coordinator Mike Stoops. "He sees the field so well. There's nothing he hasn't already seen -- a couple of times."

Kingsbury hadn't been effective in his first three games against Texas before last week's breakthrough. He's been similarly contained by Oklahoma, which held him to 234 yards passing and one touchdown with two interceptions in a 30-13 win in Lubbock last year. Two years ago Kingsbury completed 41 of 61 against the Sooners, for 295 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, in a 28-13 loss.

One reason for the struggles against OU is that for as much as Kingsbury has seen from defenses, the Sooners defense has seen more of Tech's offense than anybody's. Leach, who was offensive coordinator at Kentucky when Tim Couch set the NCAA record for completions in 1998, came to OU to join Bob Stoops' staff the next year. Though passing game coordinator Chuck Long has tweaked the air attack and first-year running game coordinator Kevin Wilson retooled the rushing attack, the overall package is still very similar to the one Leach used.

"My favorite receiver,'' Kingsbury said, "is whoever's open. That's what I tell them all. I'm politically correct."

He just hasn't been politically appealing, at least not in the Heisman race.

"I don't see why not,'' Mike Stoops said. "I don't understand who's done more. To this day I don't understand what the Heisman stands for. That kid does everything he can within his means to help them win."

Beating Oklahoma wouldn't probably be enough to make Kingsbury a serious Heisman candidate, despite the late surge. But it could earn him a trip to the ceremony, or at the very least give old Spike some more company.

Around the Big 12

Baylor
Baylor is a place desperately in need of bright spots, so here goes: Receiver Reggie Newhouse needs two catches and 17 yards receiving to break the school season marks of Lawrence Elkins (70 in 1963) and Gerald McNeil (1,034 in 1983), respectively. Rashad Armstrong's 103 yards rushing marked the first time the Bears have had a 100-yard rusher since Anthony Overstreet against Oklahoma State in 1998. And the Bears' 76 percent football graduation rate is tops in the Big 12. … Here's one worth noting. Former North Texas and Iowa coach Hayden Fry, 73, told the Houston Chronicle he might be interested in coming out of retirement to replace fired coach Kevin Steele.

Colorado
Colorado halfback Chris Brown is expected to return to practice and will likely play against Nebraska in the regular-season finale Nov. 29 in Lincoln. Brown suffered a bruised sternum against Iowa State after rushing for 127 yards in three quarters' work. Backup Bobby Purify came in and finished with 174 yards. Even Marcus Houston, who hasn't played yet this season while recovering from a knee injury, had three carries for 17 yards. … Brown needs 264 yards to break Rashaan Salaam's school single season record set in 1994. Last year Brown ran for 198 yards and six touchdowns against the Huskers.

Iowa State
All that stands between Iowa State continuing its string of 1,000-yard rushers is a NCAA single-game record. ISU has had a 1,000-yard rusher for seven straight years, tied with Texas for the longest current string, but the Cyclones have to combine their top two halfbacks, Hiawatha Rutland (539 yards) and Michael Wagner (501), just to reach 1,000. … The Cyclones' success has translated to a boost in the pocket book for the school. ISU has been on television nine times this season, most in school history, which will bring in more than $1 million more than budgeted.

Kansas
Kansas' season is over, and it doesn't come a moment too soon for the Jayhawks, whose quarterbacks have been cursed. Zach Dyer, who was shifted from safety after injuries knocked out Bill Whittemore and Jonas Weatherbie, injured his throwing shoulder on a third-quarter sack and couldn't finish the game. Dyer, who began the season as the starting quarterback, will be a full-time safety next year, said coach Mark Mangino. … KU must replace 18 seniors, 13 of whom are starters. … Low attendance led to a $400,000 shortfall in football revenues.

Kansas State
Kansas State quarterback Ell Roberson has managed to do some things even 1998 Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Bishop didn't do. He ran for 228 yards against Nebraska, breaking the school quarterback rushing record, and now has 898 yards this season another record. Bishop held both previous marks. … KSU's 415 yards rushing against Nebraska were the most ever by the Wildcats against a conference opponent. … Perhaps as a sign of how far the Nebraska program has fallen, the Wildcats' students didn't even try to tear down the goalposts after the 49-13 win. … Gen. Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a KSU alumnus, addressed the team before the win over the Huskers.

Missouri
Missouri receiver Justin Gage caught seven balls for 123 yards against Texas A&M to break the school single season record of 75 set by Victor Bailey in 1992. Gage has 80 catches this season. … Cornerback A.J. Kincade and linebacker Henry Sweat got their first career starts against A&M as the Tigers continued to tool with a defense that ranks 104th out of 117 Division-IA teams. … The Tigers need a win over Kansas State on Saturday to become bowl eligible. … Todd Gohsler was pressed into action as the Tigers punter last week when Brock Harvey sprained his ankle. Gohsler, a JUCO transfer seeing his first major college action, averaged 38.8 yards a punt. Harvey's status for the KSU game is uncertain.

Nebraska
A year ago Nebraska went into the regular-season finale against Colorado unbeaten and with national title hopes. This year the Cornhuskers are simply trying to finish .500 in conference play and to keep their 38-year streak of nine-win seasons alive. The last time NU lost as many as five games coach Frank Solich was a high school senior. NU went 3-6-1 that year, after which coach Bill Jennings was fired and replaced by Husker coaching legend Bob Devaney. …. Kansas State became the first team to rush for more than 400 yards against NU since Oklahoma had 419 in 1989.

Oklahoma
Oklahoma fans still have to put themselves in the awkward position of cheering for Texas. The Sooners were pulling for the Longhorns to keep winning, but their 42-38 loss to Tech dropped UT down to No. 10 in the BCS standings, stripping OU of valuable quality win points. That makes it more difficult for the Sooners to overtake Washington State should both win out, unless the Longhorns can creep back higher with a win over A&M and losses by other BCS top 10 teams. … Quentin Griffin finally is getting a chance to score after doing much of the dirty work. The junior was used in the Sooners' goal line offense against Baylor in place of Kejuan Jones. … Center Vince Carter (knee), safety Brandon Everage (shoulder), defensive tackle Tommie Harris (groin) and end Dan Cody (concussion) were hurt or didn't play against the Bears, but all should be back for Tech.

Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State quarterback Josh Fields doesn't usually get mentioned when discussing the top quarterbacks in the Big 12, but the sophomore is nonetheless leaving his mark. In the Cowboys' win over Kansas he set school single-season records for touchdown passes (21) and yardage (2,235), breaking the marks set by the Cowboys' offensive coordinator, Mike Gundy. … OSU needs one win to become bowl eligible.

Texas
Texas went into its game against Tech banged up and came out of it in even worse shape. Defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs (calf) and defensive end Kalen Thornton (end) missed the game, but both should be back for the Texas A&M game on Nov. 29. Cornerback Nathan Vasher reinjured an ankle injury late in the first quarter but returned. Safety Michael Huff (leg) and linebacker Derrick Johnson (hamstring) were injured on the Red Raiders' final scoring drive. Offensive guard Tillman Holloway was wheeled off the field in the first half with an apparent knee injury, the extent of which has not been reported by the school. … This is the first time Texas and A&M go into their annual game coming off a loss since 1989. On Dec. 2 that year the teams met at Kyle Field and brawled in the pre-game warmups before A&M took a 21-10 win.

Texas A&M
Texas A&M may have to do without freshman quarterback Reggie McNeal, who led the Aggies to an upset over Oklahoma, in their regular season finale against Texas. McNeal suffered a high ankle sprain against Missouri and is questionable for the Nov. 29 game in Austin. … Linebacker Jared Morris was suspended indefinitely after being arrested for DWI following the loss to Missouri. Morris did not play in that game because of a knee injury. … This is the first time since 1988 that neither Texas nor A&M will enter their game still alive in the conference title race. The Aggies were ineligible for the Southwest Conference title that year because of NCAA sanctions and Texas finished tied for fifth.

Texas Tech
Texas Tech will go into Saturday's game against Oklahoma hurting at receiver. Anton Paige is doubtful with a knee injury and Carlos Francis had to leave the Texas game after taking a blow to the head. Francis is probable. With Francis out, former walk-on Trey Haverty caught seven passes for 77 yards, all in the fourth quarter. … Cornerback Ricky Sailor is questionable with a concussion. … Wide receiver Wes Welker has now had at least one catch in 31 straight games, the longest streak in the Big 12. … Quarterback Kliff Kingsbury moved up to fourth in career passing yards, passing San Diego State's Todd Perez. Kingsbury has 11,897 yards.

Around the WAC
Boise State has already nailed down a spot in the Humanitarian Bowl, which it hosts, but there's still an outside chance the Broncos will be invited to the Seattle Bowl on Dec. 30, possibly against Washington. … Louisiana Tech was supposed to be known for its offense this year but it was the Bulldogs' defense that stepped up against Boise. Tech became the first WAC team to hold Boise under 50 points and running back Brock Forsey to less than 100 yards this season. … Fresno State could snare a bid to the Silicon Valley Bowl away from San Jose State, where the game is played. The Bulldogs drew an average of 28,499 in their appearances in the bowl's first two games. Though bowl officials would like to diversify and invite host San Jose, should the Spartans beat Fresno this week, SJSU is only averaging 9,101 fans there this season. … Hawaii jumped into the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll at No. 25, the first time the Warriors have been ranked since they finished the 1992 season ranked 20th in the AP Poll. … UTEP coach Gary Nord said he doesn't plan to make any staff changes despite the Miners' second straight 9-loss season. "When the defensive staff is working with six redshirt freshmen on the field, Lombardi isn't going to get it done," he told the El Paso Times. With a win at Tech Saturday the Miners can do something they haven't done since 1986 -- win their last game of the season. … Rice coach Ken Hatfield said the Owls will be able to build around an offense that returns both quarterbacks and has three big-play receivers coming back after a 4-7 season. Hatfield was particularly high on redshirt freshman receiver Marcus Battle, who was pressed into action when Gavin Boothe suffered through an injury-plagued season that started off with a preseason spider bite. The good news is that Boothe will redshirt and should be back at full strength. … SMU halfback Keylon Kincade needs 105 yards rushing to have the most rushing yards in a season by someone not named Eric Dickerson. Kincade has 1,174, currently fifth behind Dickerson and Reggie Dupard, who each had two seasons of at least 1,200 yards. Dickerson holds the school record with 1,617 in 1982. … San Jose State quarterback Scott Rislov's 21 completions against Tulsa broke Mike Perez' school season mark of 243 set in 1987. Rislov has 257. … Nevada receiver Nate Burleson had 207 yards receiving, one of 10 receivers to get into triple digits in receiving yards last weekend. Burleson needs 156 yards against Boise to break Hawaii receiver Ashley Lelie's WAC record of 1,713 set last year. … Tulsa is mourning the death of Glen Dobbs, 82, a single-win tailback who became the Golden Hurricane's first consensus All-American in 1942 and who later served as the school's coach and athletic director.

Mark Wangrin covers college football for the San Antonio News-Express.