Predicting the Big 12 Season: Red Raiders Take On Cougars in Top 25 Week 3 Matchup

Another year of "Predicting the Big 12 Season" is here! SicEm365's Grayson Grundhoefer predicts each game in the Big 12 season week by week in this yearly feature.

Previous: Week 1 | Week 2

Conference

Houston 13 at Texas Tech 26 (Friday, September 18)

There is undoubtedly going to be a ton of build-up for this game on a Friday night. Both of these teams have aspirations to win the Big 12 title. The Red Raiders showed what they are about last season and will be trying to replicate that, while Houston is hungry for a shot at building off last year. Will Hammond comes out signing the football around and running the ball for the first time all season. He looks healthy and leads Tech on two touchdown drives in the first half. Conner Weigman has a couple scoring drives of his own, including a 50-yard touchdown strike to Amare Thomas. The game is 17-10 Tech at half. In the second half, things flip as the defenses really ratchet things up. Tech extends the lead to 20-10 after Austin Romaine forces a fumble. Weigman can’t answer and is intercepted by Brice Pollock, followed by another Tech field goal. The Cougars can’t find any room to run the football or really move it much in general. Tech feeds Cameron Dickey the football to run the clock out and end the game.

Arizona State 27 vs. Kansas 17 (England/Saturday, September 19)

True toss-up game due to the location. This game is going to be weird and likely lead to a slow start for both. I am expecting less than 20 first half points and a close one at halftime. In the second half things open up for both sides, but it is the receivers for the Sun Devils who flip the game. Omarion Miller and Reed Harris come down with touchdowns, and Jalen Thompson gets a huge strip sack to complete the big win overseas. 

Non-Conference 

Louisiana Tech 10 at Baylor 34

I expect this to be a weird game for Baylor as Louisiana Tech is a well-coached group with relatively high expectations in its first year in the Sun Belt. They will also be coming off a major test and loss to LSU, so they will be looking to bounce back. The issue is La Tech’s strength is running the ball, but Baylor’s defensive line with Hosea Wheeler and Jamaal Whyce will be up to the test. The Bulldogs will be forced to throw the ball a lot, which will be a problem for their inconsistent passers. DJ Lagway and the Baylor offense start the game slow against a good Bulldog defense. Eventually, Dre’lon Miller hits on a big-play touchdown that opens things up for the offense while the defense shuts things down for most of the day. Baylor doesn’t look great for stretches but shows some toughness against a likely bowl team.

Tulane 23 at Kansas State 33

The Green Wave aren’t what they were last year, and while they should still compete well in the American, this isn’t a good matchup. The Wildcats are going to run the ball very well in this game with Avery Johnson and Joe Jackson leading the way. Kansas State piles up over 200 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. This rushing effort keeps them ahead of the chains and in a good spot offensively most of the day. Tulane running back Jamauri McClure has a big day, and the Green Wave score some points but not enough.

Colorado 14 at Northwestern 24

The more physical team is going to win this game, especially in Evanston, Illinois. Unfortunately, that has not been common for Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes during his tenure. The Wildcats have a strong offensive line, a really good running back room, and a mobile quarterback with Aidan Chiles. This is a problem. Julian Lewis hits on some explosive plays, but the lack of a run game forces him into a couple turnovers. The Buffs can’t survive this one on the road.

West Virginia 27 vs. Virginia 38 (Charlotte)

The Mountaineers have a chance to score a big win for the conference and for their early-season momentum. But this is not an easy matchup. Virginia quarterback Beau Pribula absolutely kills West Virginia with his legs in this one as the Cavaliers have a strong advantage up front. The Mountaineers move the football with Michael Hawkins and Cam Cook answer some of the challenges to keep up, but the defense hemorrhages points. West Virginia competes but isn’t good enough on defense in this one.

Bowling Green 17 at Iowa State 24

There is a very good chance the Cyclones get upset in this game, but due to their defense, I can’t pick it. Iowa State has players on that side of the ball and an established culture there. That will help them survive this game against a Bowling Green team that should be in contention for bowl eligibility. Jaylen Raynor throws a couple of touchdowns, and the run game does enough to put the game out of reach.

Miami (OH) 10 at Cincinnati 20

The Bearcats need to be very careful here as the Redhawks have a terrific defense and return a ton of key contributors from last year's MAC Championship runner-up. This is going to be a defensive slugfest between two programs that don’t like each other. If you want to watch a rock fight, this is the game for you. JC French makes some key throws in timely situations and shows his veteran leadership by not turning the football over. The Bearcats' offensive line flexes its muscle late as Cincy dominates time of possession and eventually breaks through in the second half to get a lead. That small separation is all they need to win this one.

Rest of the Slate

Utah State 17 at Utah 36

Georgia State 10 at UCF 37

Murray State 17 at Oklahoma State 59

BYU 41 at Colorado State 9

Arkansas State 18 at TCU 38

Northern Illinois 12 at Arizona 36

Big 12 Standings

1. BYU — 3-0 (1-0)

1. Texas Tech — 3-0 (1-0)

1. Arizona State – 2-1 (1-0)

4. Kansas State — 3-0 (0-0)

4. Utah – 3-0 (0-0)

4. TCU — 3-0 (0-0)

4. Cincinnati — 3-0 (0-0)

4. West Virginia — 2-1 (0-0)

4. Baylor — 2-1 (0-0)

4. UCF — 2-1 (0-0)

4. Iowa State — 2-1 (0-0)

4. Oklahoma State — 2-1 (0-0)

4. Colorado – 2-1 (0-0)

14. Houston — 2-1 (0-1)

14. Arizona – 2-1 (0-1)

14. Kansas — 1-2 (0-1)