Predicting the Big 12 Season: Week 1

Welcome back! It’s time to project the Big 12 season for every team once again. Over the next couple of months, I will go through the entirety of the upcoming season for each team in the Big 12, 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!

Week 1

Thursday, September 1st

West Virginia 21 at Pittsburgh 17

No doubt this is the game of the week. The Backyard Brawl is back for the first time in 11 seasons and it is a battle between two transfer QBs who were on the same team at USC. JT Daniels vs Kedon Slovis, let the fireworks begin….right? Not so fast. This is going to be exactly as the title says, a brawl. Both of these teams struggle to move the ball consistently but the better quarterback finds a way to pull this one out. Pitt is up 17-14 with just over five minutes left in the game. JT Daniels puts together a memorable early season drive as he completes seven passes for 55 yards and hits Kaden Prather in the corner of the end zone with 35 seconds left as the Mountaineers shock Pitt in the final seconds. 

Central Michigan 21 at Oklahoma State 37

The Chippewas come in to Stillwater on a five game winning streak from last season but that streak ends. The Cowboys defensive line wrecks havoc with eight sacks to start the season Spencer Sanders scores three touchdowns while freshman Ollie Gordon runs for two scores. This game is low scoring early but OSU is able to find the offensive momentum in the second half.

Friday, September 2nd

Tennessee Tech 10 at Kansas 30

The Jayhawks come out in their wide zone offense and RUN THE FOOTBALL against the worst defense they will face this season. Devin Neal runs for 125 yards and two scores while Jalon Daniels starts strong with a commanding performance as he throws for 250 yards and completes 65% of his passes. The defense gives up a couple explosive plays but they keep Tennessee Tech from doing too much damage. Kansas gets to 1-0.

TCU 27 at Colorado 23

On the road at 9 pm at night in Sonny Dykes first game as head coach, this is going to be tough. Luckily for the Frogs, Colorado is not a good team and likely won’t make a bowl this year. Chandler Morris gets the start and plays well the first week of the season as he totals over 300 yards as the Buffs are weak in the secondary. Quentin Johnston goes for 100 yards and a score. The defense has issues but Colorado’s weak offense can’t expose them significantly enough to get the win. Frogs survive.

Saturday, September 3rd

SE Missouri State 10 at Iowa State 44

This is going to be a blow out as the Cyclones defense forces three turnovers and the offense takes advantage of a terrible defense on the other side. Hunter Dekkers throws three touchdowns and the Cyclones pile on 450 yards of total offense in the rout.

UTEP 17 at Oklahoma 48

The Sooners get things started in the right way as they absolutely trounce the Miners. Dillon Grabriel throws for 320 yards and three scores while Eric Gray runs for 100 yards and two scores. The defense suffocates UTEP and forces three turnovers as this is a great start to Brent Venables career at OU.

South Dakota 20 at Kansas State 37

This is the toughest FCS matchup on the slate but it still won’t be too challenging for the Wildcats. RB Deuce Vaughn explodes for three scores and QB Adrian Martinez scores twice as well. The defense plays well and contains South Dakota.

Albany 9 at Baylor 52

Albany gave up 62 points against Syracuse a year ago…Baylor is about to run all over this team and then hit on some play action strikes as well. Taye McWilliams runs for over 100 yards but the story of the game is Sqwirl Williams’ four touchdowns to start the season. Blake Shapen eases into the season with just 17 pass attempts before he is pulled  as the Bears pull away early.

Murray State 21 at Texas Tech 66

If there is one team hoping and trying to run up the score on a team it will be the Red Raiders. A night game in Lubbock, Joey McGuire and Zach Kittley’s first game with Tech, and a crowd ready to burst onto the scene. The Red Raiders QB’s combine for six touchdown passes as all three play in this game. The defense gets gashed a couple times but this is going to be a blow out.

UL Monroe 20 at Texas 52

UL Monroe gave up 45 points or more three times last season and the Longhorns takes advantage. Quinn Ewers throws three touchdowns with one to Xavier Worthy and one to Isaiah Neyor. Bijan Robinson has a filed day in week one as rushes for 150 yards and three scores. The defense gives up a few too many big plays but they get stops when they need to and force some turnovers. The Longhorns look good heading into a big matchup next week.

Big 12 Standings

1. Baylor — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Iowa State — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Kansas — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Kansas State — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Oklahoma — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Oklahoma State — 1-0 (0-0)

1. TCU — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Texas — 1-0 (0-0)

1. Texas Tech — 1-0 (0-0)

1. West Virginia — 1-0 (0-0)