Predicting the Big 12 Season: Baylor's Rematch With Auburn Headlines Week 1

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Welcome back! It’s time to project the Big 12 season for every team once again. Over the coming weeks, I will go through each Big 12 team's upcoming season, pick the conference champion and make bowl projections. 

Obviously, there is still a lot that can change, but barring significant injuries for any of the teams, we are in a good spot for some predictions. With that said, let’s do this!

Headliners

Saturday, August 29

• North Carolina 20 vs. TCU 28 (Dublin, Ireland)

It’s a rough start for the Horned Frogs’ offense in Dublin against a decent Tar Heel defense. Jaden Craig throws for 300 yards, but the Horned Frogs go 1-for-4 on fourth down conversions, and Craig turns it over twice. The run game also goes nowhere in this one as UNC bottles them up. Unfortunately for Bill Belichick, the Tar Heels offense gets completely stifled by Paul Oyewale and the rest of the Frogs defensive line. They pile up six sacks and force two fumbles that swing the game in TCU's favor, allowing them to win overseas.

Thursday, September 3

• Colorado 23 at Georgia Tech 29

This is going to be a bit of an ugly game between two offenses still trying to figure things out. Julian Lewis does the young quarterback thing by throwing for 250 yards in this, but turning the ball over twice. Georgia Tech scores 14 points off those turnovers. The Colorado defense hangs in there even with the offense's mistakes, but it isn’t enough to get the win. Lewis has the ball down six but can’t lead the Buffs to a final-second win.

Saturday, September 5

• Baylor 21 vs. Auburn 24 (Atlanta)

I picked Baylor to win a close one last year at McLane Stadium, and they blew a golden opportunity. Now they have to go to Atlanta for a neutral-site road matchup with the Tigers under new head coach Alex Golesh. Both teams are going to be very physical on both sides of the ball this season, which should lead to a bit of a slugfest. I expect both quarterbacks to have their ups and downs while both teams try to establish the line of scrimmage. I simply trust Auburn’s offensive line more than I trust Baylor’s, which is the difference. DJ Lagway has a decent performance, but the struggles to run the ball take a little bit of a toll on the pass game. He ends up with 250 total yards of offense as the Bears become a little too one-dimensional. Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown runs in a late touchdown to give Auburn a 10-point lead, and they hang on for the win.

• Oregon State 17 at Houston 36

The Beavers had every chance to win last year's game and probably should have. The Cougars will be more talented and ready this year. Conner Weigman has himself a day with 250 total yards of offense and three touchdowns. Amare Thomas comes down with two of those touchdowns as their connection is on display early. Oregon State hits on a couple of big plays to score some points, but struggles to move the ball consistently and turn it over twice. The Cougars roll in a situation where the score is a little closer than it actually is.

• Coastal Carolina 24 at West Virginia 38

Welcome to Morgantown, Cam Cook! Coastal Carolina will not be good against the run again this year after allowing 208 rushing yards per game last year. Cook feasts for 180 yards and two scores as he guides the offense to a really strong first game of the season. Michael Hawkins gets the start and takes care of the football in a solid outing. Coastal Carolina is able to move the football in this one to keep within striking distance, but the Mountaineers ultimately keep a two-score lead on the way to a win.

• Boston College 13 at Cincinnati 17

Ugly, ugly, ugly game with two teams who can’t get out of their way on offense and are disruptive on defense. The Cincy offense runs for over 250 yards, but three turnovers and terrible red zone efficiency keep this game close. Zion Johnson leads the way with 150 of those rising yards. The Boston College offense doesn’t do much against the Bearcats at all. This game is way more lopsided than the score, but Cincy just keeps missing chances, and Boston College hangs around.

Rest of the Slate

Bethune-Cookman 10 at UCF 37

Idaho 6 at Utah 41

Long Island 3 at Kansas 33

Southeast Missouri State 13 at Iowa State 38

Abilene Christian 9 at Texas Tech 48

Nicholls 10 at Kansas State 34

Utah Tech 8 at BYU 44

Morgan State 12 at Arizona State 45

Northern Arizona 17 at Arizona 37

Oklahoma State 52 at Tulsa 17

Big 12 Standings

1. Kansas State — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Kansas — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Iowa State — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Arizona State – 1-0 (0-0)

1. Oklahoma State — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Arizona – 1-0 (0-0)

1. Utah – 1-0 (0-0)

1. TCU — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Texas Tech — 1-0 (0-0)

1. BYU — 1-0 (0-0)

1. UCF — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Houston — 1-0 (0-0)

1. West Virginia — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Cincinnati — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Colorado – 0-1 (0-0)

1. Baylor — 0-1 (0-0)