Big 12 looked like a bunch of underwhelming matchups. And this week is looking quite similar. 2 intriguing matchups and a College Gameday appearance.
But outside of that, it’s part 2 of low level Non-Power 5’s and FCS schools are on the agenda. If you haven’t already, make sure and check out our Week 1 Preview. As well as, our recap of the conference and what we learned.
West Virginia at. Missouri 12 PM EST ESPN2
Two teams with two different expectations heading into the season. One had an expected close game against a Powerhouse FCS school. The other? Well, they lost a game they weren’t suppose too.
With Kelly Bryant in his debut game, there was some expectations for the Tigers. But instead, it was a revenge game for Wyoming after losing by 27 last season. Wyoming outscored Mizzou 24-7 in the 2nd quarter and they couldn’t bounce back.
The clear weakness for the Tigers is stopping the run. They gave up almost 300 rushing yards (including 120 from QB Sean Chambers). West Virginia rushed for a marginal 34 yards. That doesn’t play in the Mountaineers favor. Two transfer QB’s battling it out with two rather below average defenses.
Prior to week 1, I think Missouri handles WV. But from what I saw, it looks like a tossup.
Missouri 27, West Virginia 21
Kansas State vs. Bowling Green 12 PM EST
After Kansas State laid the smack down on Nicholls, they return home for a date with MAC foe Bowling Green.
In a week where half of the Big 12 disappointed, K-State did not. Kansas State went and throbbed Nicholls 49-14. The Wildcats rushing attack ran wild for 361 yards, led by James Gilbert.
The transfer from Ball State ran for 115 yards and a score. Bowling Green did blow out Morgan State 46-3 and gave up just 70 yards.
Nothing to take away, that kind of defensive performance is rare. But K-State is a much different level.
Although I do believe this game will be close for a half, Kansas State’s defense buckles down and gives up just 7 points in the 2nd half.
Kansas State 34, Bowling Green 17
Baylor vs. UTSA 4 PM EST
Baylor quietly steamrolled a rebuilding Stephen F. Austin in week 1. While UTSA found the future of the program in a 35-7 win over Incarnate Word.
UTSA QB Frank Harris had a wale of a game, passing for 3 TD’s. Harris also was the leading rusher with 123 yards. Incarnate Word is new to FCS and not very good, but was held to just 209 total yards.
Baylor had 2 players with 3 TD’s and their first team unit held SFA to 159 yards. Charlie Brewer threw for 199 yards and 3 touchdowns. HB Trestan Ebner had 7 touches the entire game. 3 of those plays finished in the end zone.
I expect UTSA to be competitive in this game and test Baylor’s defense. Frank Harris will impress and score a couple TD’s. But Baylor’s offense will be overwhelming and they start 2-0.
Baylor 45, UTSA 20
#4 Oklahoma vs. South Dakota 7 PM EST
After accumulating 500+ yards, you would think Jalen Hurts would be ecstatic. But it was quite the opposite after Oklahoma gave up 31 points and looked lost in the 2nd half.
Hurts going from Alabama to Oklahoma is drastic in that he’s going to have to work harder for wins. Because of Oklahoma’s below average defense, most games will be high scoring.
South Dakota competes in the toughest conference in FCS in the Missouri Valley. They played Montana well, but lost 31-17. Jalen Hurts should have somewhat of a similar day against SD. The defense will give up a few touchdowns, but this should be a tune up game for next week in Los Angeles.
Oklahoma 55, South Dakota 17
Kansas vs. Coastal Carolina 7 PM EST ESPN+
The Les Miles didn’t start off with a dominating win by any means. Nonetheless, he started his campaign with a win. Something Jayhawk fans aren’t used too.
Coastal Carolina came up short in a 30-23 contest against Eastern Michigan. Giving this kind of excuse isn’t common and shouldn’t be brought up much.
However, with all of the talk of the hurricane, that could be something in the back of CC’s mind.
With Pooka’s debut, I believe Kansas will be more explosive. And with Charlot having a great game, KU goes 2-0.
Kansas 35, Coastal Carolina 20
Oklahoma State vs. McNeese State 7 PM EST ESPN+
Spencer Sanders showed out in a big way this past week in Corvalis. He put up monster numbers and fed Tylan Wallace early and often.
Sanders finished with 203 yards and 3 touchdowns in the contest. Wallace had 5 catches for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns.
While Oklahoma State’s offense was a well-oiled machine, the defense was not. Oregon State has a solid offense, but not one that would put up 36 points,
QB Jake Luton was able to throw the ball around and WR Isiah Hodges had a whale of a game.
McNeese is coming off a close win over Southern. Oklahoma State’s defense should bounce back and the Cowboys roll.
Oklahoma State 45, McNeese 14
#10 Texas vs. #6 LSU 7:30 EST ABC
By far, the game of the season in the non-conference slate is hands down Texas-LSU. This game has potential Conference title and CFP implications.
Both teams steamrolled their opponents in Week 1 (Louisiana Tech and Georgia Southern).
It’s the first time Gameday has been to Austin in nearly a decade and DKR should be rocking on a Saturday night, There are interesting matchups with the QB’s and how the O-Line’s will play.
The biggest battle to watch is by far Texas’s WR’s vs. LSU’s DB’s. Highlighted by Collin Johnson and Devin DuVernay, UT’s receiving core is top 2 in the conference. While LSU’s DB’s of Grant Delphit, Derek Stingley, and Kristian Fulton.
In a rocking environment and an atmosphere not seen there in years, Texas begins their CFP push and pulls off the “upset”.
Texas 27, LSU 21
Texas Tech vs. UTEP 8 PM EST
UTEP is among one of the worst FBS teams in all of CFB. They narrowly defeated Houston Baptist at home, 36-34. Meanwhile, Texas Tech blew out Montana State 45-10.
Alan Bowman showed last year wasn’t a fluke as he’s already the most efficient thrower. He threw for 436 yards and a couple touchdowns.
This game should be very similar to last week for Tech. Bowman throws for 4 TD’s and Armand Shyne runs for 2 and nearly 150 yards. The Red Raiders feast on a bad defense and get a few turnovers of their own.
Texas Tech 52, UTEP 14
Image Credit: https://www.burntorangenation.com/2019/8/31/20843077/collin-johnson-jordan-whittington-texas-longhorns-suffer-minor-injuries-vs-louisiana-tech
