Big 12 football is back, with every team in action this week.
The league kicked off college football (week 0) with an international rivalry matchup between No. 17 Kansas State, and No. 22 Iowa State last Saturday, giving the entire country a taste of ‘Farmageddon” rivalry.
Instead of having the rivalry games at the end of the year during “rivalry week”, the Big 12 has opted to put the rivalry games throughout the year as a way to ensure the conference has a headline game every week to help generate more views and eyeballs for the league.
Without further ado, here’s a look at the predictions this week. Last week I went 1-1, but this week should be much better.
Cincinnati vs. Nebraska
Date: Thursday, August 28
Time: 7:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN
Odds: Nebraska -6.5
Nebraska will win this as the Huskers take another step forward with quarterback Dylan Raiola and head coach Matt Rhule. Hopefully Cincinnati can pull of the upset to give the Big 12 a win over the Big ten, but I don’t think it will happen. the Bearcats will keep it close, but close isn’t enough.
Prediction: Nebraska 23, Cincinnati 20
UCF vs. Jacksonville State
Date: Thursday, August 28
Time: 5:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN+
Odds: UCF -16.5
I’m a little surprised that UCF is favored by more playing at home. UCF should have no problem taking down the Gamecocks as they look to rebound after last year’s disappointing season.
Prediction: UCF 34, Jacksonville State 14
Oklahoma State vs. UT Martin
Date: Thursday, August 28
Time: 5:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN+
Odds: Oklahoma State -19.5
Oklahoma State fans, it’s time to breathe a sigh of relief. It’s a new year and season and with Mike Gundy at the helm, I think a bounceback season is in order and it’s starts with a big win over UT Martin.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 30, UT Martin 10
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Houston vs. Stephen F. Austin
Date: Thursday, August 28
Time: 6:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN+
Odds: Houston -22.5
Houston is a team on the upswing and they’ll have no trouble taking care of business at home this week.
Prediction: Houston 30, Stephen F. Austin 10
Baylor vs. Auburn
Date: Friday, August 29
Time: 6:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: FOX
Odds: Auburn -1.5
I have no doubt that Baylor’s offense will put up points, but how will the defense hold up? With a big season-opening game at home, I think Baylor can escape with a last-minute victory with the home field advantage.
Prediction: Baylor 30, Auburn 27
Kansas vs. Wagner
Date: Friday, August 29
Time: 5:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN+
Odds: Kansas -45.5
Yes, the schedule has been full of cupcakes so far, however, Kansas is taking care of business like it should, and the oddsmakers know it too. Kansas is one of my sleeper picks in the Big 12, including BYU and Utah.
Prediction: Kansas 47, Wagner 7
Colorado vs. Georgia Tech
Date: Friday, August 29
Time: 6:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN
Odds: Georgia Tech -4.5
This will be a big game for the Buffaloes, who are entering a new era under Deion Sanders, following the departures of stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Georgia Tech is favored with a verteran quarterback, and while the Buffaloes are playing at home, I think the Yellowjackets walk out with the win. It will be close, but Georgia Tech will do just enough.
Prediction: Georgia Tech, 23 Colorado 20
West Virginia vs. Robert Morris
Date: Saturday, August 30
Time: Noon (MT)
TV: ESPN+
Odds: West Virginia -38.5
No need to say much. This is a cupcake game where everyone will get to play. I expect a blowout win under newly head coach Rich Rodriguez.
Prediction: West Virginia 40, Robert Morris 6
No. 22 Iowa State vs. South Dakota
Date: Saturday, August 30
Time: 1:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: FOX
Odds: Iowa State -15.5
Despite being ranked and taking down a ranked opponent in its season opening, Iowa State is only favored by two touchdowns against South Dakota. Does Vegas know something we don’t, or are oddsmakers just expecting Iowa State to have a big hangover after a big rivalry win? I don’t think so.
Prediction: Iowa State, 30, South Dakota 10
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No. 17 Kansas State vs. North Dakota
Date: Saturday, August 30
Time: 5:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN+
Odds: Kansas State -25.5
The Wildcats look to get back on track after losing a heartbreaking game last week to Iowa State. I expect Kansas State to win convincingly as the team prepares for a game against Army next week.
Prediction: Kansas State 37, North Dakota 10
No. 23 Texas Tech vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Date: Saturday, August 30
Time: 5:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN+
Odds: Teas Tech -52.5
With the Red Raiders favored by 52+, the question isn’t if Texas Tech will win, it’s by how much. With a loaded roster that is among the most expensive in all of college football, the Red Raiders need to put together a dominant performance.
Prediction: Texas Tech 50, Arkansas- Pine Bluff 3
BYU vs. Portland State
Date: Saturday, August 30
Time: 6:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN+
Odds: BYU -44.5
With a freshman starting quarterback who just joined the team this spring, the cupcake schedule to begin the season is just what the doctor ordered for the Cougars who look to build off of last year’s strong run.
Prediction: BYU 41, Portland State 6
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No. 11 Arizona State vs. Northern Arizona
Date: Saturday, August 30
Time: 8:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN+
Odds: Arizona State -28.5
With star running back Cam Skattebo now off to the NFL, it will be interesting to see how Arizona State’s offense runs this year. QB Sam Leavitt returns and is electric, but will he take a step back with defenses keying on him now and not Skattebo?
Prediction: Arizona State 31, Northern Arizona 7
Arizona vs. Hawaii
Date: Saturday, August 30
Time: 8:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: TNT
Odds: Arizona -10.5
Hawaii comes in having just beaten Stanford last week, however, Arizona should be a much better team than its former Pac-12 rival. Head coach Brent Brennan is on the hot seat and needs to show improvement if he wants to save his job. And it all starts against Hawaii this week.
Prediction: Arizona 30, Hawaii 20
Utah @ UCLA
Date: Saturday, August 30
Time: 9:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: FOX
Odds: Utah -3
The Big 12 has another opportunity to get a signature win against a Big Ten opponent and it starts late Saturday night as the Utes travel to the Rose Bowl to take on a former Pac-12 foe. Utah is a solid program and I expect Utah to bounce back this year and contend for a Big 12 title.
Prediction: Utah 27, UCLA 24
TCU @ North Carolina
Date: Monday, September 1
Time: 6:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN
Odds: TCU -3.5
The Big 12 will look to get an ACC win on Labor Day as the Horned Frogs look to extend last years’ winning streak over the last four games. Oddsmakers feel it will be a close game, and I expect it will be as well.
Prediction: TCU 30, North Carolina 27
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