We’re in for another exciting week of Big 12 action, and I thought it would be fun to rank the games based on how much I’m interested in each one. From big-time matchups to total duds and everything in between, here are my best-to-worst games for the weekend.
No. 22 Houston at No. 13 Texas Tech
Before the season started, I listed this Big 12 game as one of the three biggest games of the year. One of the big reasons why is that this is arguably the toughest conference game on Texas Tech’s schedule since they don’t play BYU or Utah this season.
This is a chance for Houston to turn the Big 12 completely upside down and establish themselves as the new top dog. As for Tech, a win here would keep them in the driver’s seat as they look to repeat as conference champs.
Arizona State vs. Kansas (London)
This is the second conference matchup of the weekend as the Sun Devils will face the Jayhawks across the pond in London. It feels weird just saying that, but both teams must prove that they want to be there after both had disappointing outcomes last weekend against SEC opponents. While I don’t see either team competing for a Big 12 title, this is an opportunity to get back on track and kick off conference play the right way.
Colorado at Northwestern
Out of all the non-conference games this weekend, this is only one of two games where the Big 12 team is an underdog. After beating Georgia Tech on the road in week one, a lot of people (including myself) are buying stock in the Buffaloes. Well, this is another chance for them to prove the haters wrong if they can go on the road, as an underdog and notch another win against a Power Four opponent.
West Virginia at No. 25 Virginia
The Mountaineers are heading to Charlotte to face a Top 25 Virginia squad in the Duke’s Mayo Classic. Virginia is favored by double digits this weekend, which means West Virginia is my underdog of the week. I am not sure what to make of this West Virginia team quite yet, but I think we are going to find out just how improved they really are in year two under Rich Rod.
No. 11 BYU at Colorado State
To me, this is where the game quality starts to fall off quite a bit, as we are going to see the Big 12 teams favored by at least two touchdowns from here on out. It’s not often we see Power Four teams hit the road to play in a group of six stadium, but here we are. It’s important for BYU to not look ahead, and sometimes it can be tricky playing on the road in these kinds of stadiums.
No. 6 Miami (Ohio) at Cincinnati
The only reason I put this game here is that the Bearcats are a 14.5-point favorite, which is the lowest out of any non-conference group of six games. Plus, I want to see more of this Cincinnati offense against a defense that has some life.
Tulane at Kansas State
For whatever reason, it seems like Kansas State has struggled with the higher-end group of six teams over the last few seasons. However, so far under Collin Klein, the Wildcats have been dominant from start to finish in both of their games. The last time Tulane rolled into the Bill, Klein was on the staff as the Green Wave took down the Cats. And don’t think he has forgotten about that game.
Georgia State at UCF
With Alonza Barnett III out, it looks like Keyone Jenkins is going to take over in his place. I must admit, I don’t know much about Jenkins since we saw so little of him last weekend, but I am interested to see what this offense looks like against Georgia State.
Louisiana Tech at Baylor
We didn’t see DJ Lagway play last weekend, and it makes me wonder if we will get to see him suit up this weekend. If not, that means we will likely see backup Nate Bennett once again.
Arkansas State at TCU
Just like the Baylor game, this one doesn’t do a whole lot for me. Arkansas State got crushed by Memphis a couple of weeks ago, and I think the same is going to happen in Fort Worth as the Frogs look to get right before Big 12 play.
Bowling Green at Iowa State
While I am excited to see more of Iowa State’s offense, I wonder how much playing time the starters will get in the second half because Bowling Green is not very good at all. I am just glad this game got moved to Ames instead of seeing the Cyclones traveling to Ohio.
Murray State at Oklahoma State
The only reason I have a slight interest in this game is that I am curious to see how Oklahoma State responds after riding the high of highs last weekend after beating Oregon. Which Oklahoma State team will we get this weekend?
Utah State at No. 17 Utah
Is this a real rivalry in the state of Utah? I am not sure, but what I am sure of is that the Utes are going to roll over the Aggies like they did against the Hogs last week. While Utah State did give Washington a game, they also managed to fall to Idaho State in week one.
Northern Illinois at Arizona
There’s a reason why the Wildcats are favored by over 35 points, and it’s because NIU is one of the worst teams in the FBS. They are awful, and I look at this like a glorified practice game for Arizona.
