Big 12 Football Mailbag: Texas Tech’s Non-Con, Big 12 Network, and Future Games in Provo
Welcome to the HCS Big 12 mailbag. This mailbag is for all you football junkies out there who root for a Big 12 school who not only have questions about your team, but other teams in the conference as well. So, join me, grab a cold brew or your favorite drink and relax as I answer all your Big 12 questions in my mailbag.
I want to thank each one of you who submitted a question this week and for tonight’s drink of choice? Some Elijah Craig bourbon, cheers!
Before we begin, we decided to give our Facebook readers a chance to ask questions for the evening. I want to thank our Facebook folks out there and maybe we can do this again sometime. Enjoy!
Dave asks: What is Texas Tech’s record before Big 12 play begins?
Duke: Let’s take a look at the non-conference schedule for Texas Tech. They play Murray State to start the season and will host Houston as well. Then they travel to NC State on September 17th before conference play. Without a doubt, they will beat Murray State. However, Houston is a really good football team and so is NC State who will be sneaky good this season. I’ll say Texas Tech goes 1-2 before their game against Texas. It’s a tough non-conference schedule and it’s only year one of the Joey McGuire era. I love the hire, but he will need some time to get the program back where it needs to be.
Carlos asks: Which Big 12 team isn’t getting enough attention in the preseason?
Duke: Kansas State has been everyone’s dark horse team in the Big 12 and while I do like that pick, there is another team people are sleeping on. That would be the West Virginia Mountaineers. It’s funny you ask this because I just wrote an article talking about West Virginia and how good they can be this season. They have the weapons on offense for new quarterback JT Daniels and they will be very good up front on both sides of the ball. Plus, I really like the way their schedule sets up. The more I look at this West Virginia team the more I start to like them.
John asks: Does the Big 12 need a TV network?
Duke: I am no expert when it comes to revenue or anything like that, but I am going to say no. The Big 12 currently has ESPN+ for their third-tier rights and I believe that has been going well so far. Although sometimes the broadcast itself has issues and at times seems a little low budget. Streaming seems to be a better option than just one network. That’s just my two cents on the matter.
Austin asks: When you make the trip to Provo for a conference game, what Big 12 team do you want to see play BYU? What is your dream matchup for the first time in Provo?
Duke: Honestly, I would love to see any Big 12 team play there. In fact, I was planning on going to the Baylor/BYU game this year but had something come up. However, I will be heading to Salt Lake City on vacation in December so I will have a chance to check out Provo when I am up there. I think Texas going to Provo would be fun or maybe Baylor again when they go up. When I go to games on the road, all I can ask for is a good game. I would be happy to see them play anyone in the Big 12 and I will make it a point to get to Provo when they officially join the Big 12 next season.
Mark asks: Do you care about week zero?
Duke: It’s college football so of course, I care. Do I care about the teams playing? Not really, but when I look at the list of games, they aren’t exactly those big-time matchups we all love but there is some good news. COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK BABY!
