Week 1 of the college football season is here.
We’re in store for another exciting season of Big 12 action, and I thought it would be fun to rank the games based on my interest each week. Between big-time matchups, total duds, and everything in between, here are my best-to-worst games for the weekend.
1. Baylor at Auburn
Anytime we have a Big 12 vs SEC matchup, it will always likely take the top spot on my list. The conference doesn’t get many opportunities against the SEC so each chance we get is extremely important. And after Baylor got crushed last season, they need to come out swinging in the dome in Atlanta. Revenge will be sweet.
2. Colorado at Georgia Tech
Speaking of revenge, Colorado probably didn’t forget about their game against Georgia Tech last season. They made a ton of mistakes and got crushed up front. Well, now they get to go to Atlanta and prove to everyone that they can handle the physicality of a team like Georgia Tech. Plus, if anyone needs a big win, it’s Deion Sanders.
3. Boston College at Cincinnati
This is the last power four matchup for the Big 12 and while it may not steal a ton of national headlines, it’s still important for the conference. Both Boston College and Cincinnati are likely bottom tier teams in their own conferences but it’s still crucial to get a power four non-conference win. Plus, this is the only power four matchup that a Big 12 team is favored in this weekend.
4. Oklahoma State at Tulsa
The Cowboys are two touchdown favorite as they head to nearby Tulsa. But the real story here is the major overhaul that Oklahoma State has gone through with new head coach Eric Morris. Now we get to see what Drew Mestemaker and this projected high flying offense looks like.
5. Oregon State at No. 23 Houston
A few years ago this would have been a power five matchup, but the Pac-12 is now a glorified group of six program. Houston has a ton of talent on their roster and return Connor Weigman. This Cougar team is better than last year’s and I don’t see them getting off to a slow start this time around.
6. Coastal Carolina at West Virginia
Not that long ago, this would have been a huge game but both programs are shells of themselves from years ago. However, Rich Rod looks to make a splash in year two of his return and with plenty more to work with this year, I don’t see them struggling a bunch against the Chanticleers.
7. Southeast Missouri State at Iowa State
It’s a new era of Iowa State football under Jimmy Rogers and I truly don’t have a clue as to what to expect from this team on Saturday. But I do know that SEMO is not a good football team so the Cyclones should pick up an easy win.
8. Bethune-Cookman at UCF
These are where the blowouts start in my mind and to be honest, I already know that the Knights are going to win by thirty plus but I do want to see what new quarterback Alonza Barnett III looks like and if he can take his program to the next level.
9. Long Island at Kansas
For a minute there, I completely forgot that Long Island had a football program. So yeah, I wouldn’t put too much stock into this one.
10. Nicholls at Kansas State
Will this game be close? Probably not but I do want to see what Avery Johnson looks like under new head coach Collin Klein. Plys, with some injuries up front, I would like to see Kansas State run the football and for once, play above their competition unlike last season.
11. Morgan State at Arizona State
I am not going to lie; I am very interested to see what this new look Arizona State team will look like with so many new faces across the board. However, I have a feeling that everyone is going to look good because they are playing Morgan State.
12. Idaho at No. 21 Utah
If you are looking for a mismatch up front then this is the game for you. Last weekend, I watched Idaho lose to Cal Poly and now they are traveling to Salt Lake City to take on the Utes. Good luck.
13. Northern Arizona at Arizona
It’s another year of Noah Fifita for the Wildcats and while there will be some new faces for them, I don’t see them struggling much against Northern Arizona. However, I do think Northern Arizona is a decent program so it’s a nice little test for the Wildcats.
14. Abilene Christian at No. 12 Texas Tech
The talent gap in this game is the size of an ocean between these two teams. Texas Tech will flex their muscles and the only thing that gets me a bit excited about in this game is watching Will Hammond play.
15. Utah Tech at No. 14 BYU
With a spread of over 50 points, are we really going to learn anything about BYU here? I would be shocked if BYU’s starters played more than three quarters in this game and will be a chance for backups to get some reps.
