Big 12 Approaches Massive Non-Con Weekend

In a neverending pursuit of respect and equal footing, the Big 12 Conference and its fans have basked in the glow of moving from death's door to conference killer over the last two years. Not only did the league survive past another expiration date, but it's gone on the attack. It changed the face of the American, decimated the Pac and now the league circles the Atlantic Coast like curious vultures, eyeing every opportunity that can ensure further survival. 

The odds of ever catching the Big Ten or SEC in money or prestige are slim to none, but the opportunities to change narratives, become the best of the rest and close the gap are numerous. Those opportunities are earned on the field, and this weekend presents a plethora of chances for the Big 12 to make a significant leap in perception and potentially the rankings. 

PLAYOFF ACCE$$ 

The league has never felt more harmonious yet competitive in its history. However, as a new era of conference pride beams, the Big 12 is guaranteed one spot but nothing more in the 12-team Playoff every year. That means less guaranteed access, opportunity, exposure, and ultimately, money at the bargaining table than their peers. 

The only way to change that perception and carve out more real estate is to win big games on big stages parallel to Brett Yormark’s marketing. Big stakes equal big stages, rankings, games, ratings and money. 

Look no further than this weekend as the 16-team slate features matchups against three SEC teams, three Big Ten teams, two ACC teams, and 1/2 of the Pac 2, along with a top dog from the G5. 

Beyond bragging rights or big-picture implications, it's just fun to have a competitive league, making conference play and the chase for the championship more intense and exciting. 

NON-CON SCORECARD

• 1-0 vs. ACC 
• 0-1 vs. Big Ten 

In week one, TCU earned a terrific debut win on the road against ACC Stanford. Elsewhere, West Virginia's bark was no match for the Nittany Lions' bite, as the Mountaineers looked a class or two below Penn State. Stanford is whatever, but PSU could make the CFP for all we know. 

That was just an appetizer of non-con opportunities, as week two features an entire main course. 

BIG 12 vs. ACC (2 games) 

• BYU @ SMU 
• Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh 

If the Big 12 vultures eventually swoop in on the ACC, SMU is S.O.L., and Pitt is not a priority. Kalani Sitake could do all of us a real solid in Dallas on Friday night and temper some of the arrogance and trash talk emanating from the Ponies in University Park. Doubtful though. Thanks to the Frogs beating the Cardinal, the Big 12 is already up 1-0. 

BIG 12 vs. BIG TEN (3 games) 

• Colorado @ Nebraska 
• Iowa State @ No. 21 Iowa  
• No. 19 Kansas @ Illinois 

That's right. All three teams are on the road in B1G country but in prime national viewing windows on major networks. I am most fascinated by the Colorado-Nebraska matchup: Deion opposite Rhule, Shedeur dueling Raiola, etc. It's also the Saturday night Big Ten game on Peacock, so they're hoping for a vast audience. If the game's competitive, I bet it will deliver. Elsewhere, the Cy-Hawk is usually a heated slugfest won by the Hawkeyes. That's a big CBS afternoon game. And KU has a fancy No. 19 ranking to uphold on FS1 Saturday night. So, again, there are enormous opportunities for positive exposure but also the inverse. 

BIG 12 vs. SEC (3 games) 

• #16 Oklahoma State vs. Arkansas 
• Houston @ No. 15 Oklahoma 
• Arizona State vs. Mississippi State 

Everyone should be a Pokes fan this weekend. The last thing the league needs is a Top 20 squad falling at home on ABC to the SEC's 14th-best team. Houston, forget about it. ASU takes on the SEC tandem of Blake Shapen-Jeff Lebby in super intriguing Big 12 After Dark action on ESPN. Count me in. 

BIG 12 vs. PAC-2 (1 game) 

• Texas Tech @ Washington State 

After last week, all bets are off when it comes to the Red Raiders, especially in a weird late-night game in Pullman, Washington. That's a main FOX broadcast, though. Wazzu would love a Big 12 invite in the future, so here's a chance for them to make a positive impression. 

** BIG 12 vs. AAC

• No. 17 Kansas State @ Tulane 

One of these conferences is unlike the others, but the 'Cats are playing a respectable program that beat them at home two years ago. Willie Fritz is no longer in New Orleans but in the Big 12. Nevertheless, Jon Sumrall was a terrific replacement hire. KSU should win, but it's an exciting non-con road opponent worth highlighting in another national window on ESPN. 

OTHER THOUGHTS

Baylor @ Utah also gets prominent FOX real estate and would have been on this list as another Power 4-5 matchup if not for unexpected realignment. Same for Arizona vs. Kansas State in a couple of weeks. 

In the Bears-Utes case, that No. 11 ranking for Utah spices things up for Saturday, in place of actual conference stakes.  

This weekend is poised to be a blast, and the oddsmakers lean towards a .500 record as the likely outcome. 

If you want respect and the benefit of the doubt, earn it by winning marquee games. For the league, these contests are not just about the points on the scoreboard; they are about shaping the narrative and reputation of the Big 12. 

Commissioner Brett Yormark has talked the talk in media messaging this summer about their status as a top-three league, purposefully shading the ACC. This weekend is a prime opportunity to walk the walk and prove him right all day long in front of the entire country.