Six Games the Big 12 Could Host For College GameDay
Recently Sports Illustrated came out with College GameDay prediction piece where they try and figure out where the crew is headed to each week. Their list had four Big 12 teams featured on the show.
While that would be better that most years, I thought it would be fun to look at some potential matchups in the Big 12 that are worthy of hosting College GameDay. While there is a great matchup almost every week in the conference, six particular games stuck out to me. Here is the order they fall in by date.
1. Iowa at Iowa State (September 11th)
How about a little Cy-Hawk to kick off the GameDay party in the Big 12? This has been one of the most underrated rivalries in all of college football and the heat continues to turn up in this series with Matt Campbell brining Iowa State football to new heights. While Campbell has yet to beat the other team in the state, keep in mind that these two did not play last season due to COVID-19. No matter what happens, I know that Jack Trice will be rocking for this one as Iowa State will look to beat Iowa for the first time since 2014.
2. Oklahoma at Kansas State (October 2nd)
This game may fly under the radar to some, but we all know that Oklahoma desperately wants revenge in this game. Kansas State has knocked off the Sooners two years in a row and has been a thorn in the side of Lincoln Riley for whatever reason. Now the Sooners have their best team in over a decade and will make the trip to a rowdy crowd at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats are a bit of an unknown this year but what I do know is that this game should be a fun one to watch no matter who you root for.
3. Oklahoma vs Texas (October 9th)
If the Oklahoma/Kansas State doesn’t get the GameDay crew than this one should. Two of the biggest programs in the Big 12 potentially meeting for the last time in the Big 12 conference. The Cotton Bowl has had plenty of memories over the years but this one could be extra special due to outside circumstances. This is perhaps one of the best rivalries in the sport and come October 9th, you can toss out the records because this will be one heck of a matchup with high stakes and bragging rights for a year. I mean who doesn’t want to wear that golden hat?
4. Oklahoma State at Texas (October 16th)
Some may look past this game, but I think it could be a huge turning point for both teams. Oklahoma State will likely be 5-0 when this game rolls around and Texas will be fresh off back-to-back games against TCU and Oklahoma. If the Cowboys can pull out a win down in Austin, that could put them at 6-0 and become a serious threat for Big 12 title contention. Meanwhile for Texas, a loss could spiral their season down the drain but if Texas has one loss going in, this game could also catapult them into the conversation for conference title contention.
5. Iowa State at Oklahoma (November 20th)
Out of all the games on this list, this one must make the cut for College GameDay. This will likely be a top ten matchup and could very well end up being a rematch two weeks later with a Big 12 title on the line. These teams played twice last season with Iowa State winning in the regular season and Oklahoma winning the conference title game. While this may not be the most important game these two play against each other, this matchup should be a good test to see where these teams are late in the season. Keep in mind, a lot can happen between now and late November, but all signs point to this one being the biggest regular season game in the Big 12.
6. Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (November 27th)
Speaking of the last time for things, could this be the last time Oklahoma State hosts Bedlam? If Oklahoma leaves for the SEC sooner than expected, this game could potentially go away for a bit. Oklahoma should be in the driver’s seat for the Big 12 title but if Spencer Sanders has a great season, could this be a big game for Oklahoma State potentially sneaking their way into a trip to Jerry World? I have no clue what will happen, but this is always a fun game to watch, and Stillwater will be jam packed for this one.
