Through the first few weeks, the Big 12 has done well. However, the competition has not been very good to say the least.
That cranks up in Week 3 with 7 games against Power 5 schools. For the first time ever, College Gameday will be in Ames, Iowa. And for the first time in a very long time, they will be in Big 12 locations back to back weeks.
Hopefully, this week’s gameday ends well for the home team unlike last week’s slugfest.
Friday:
Kansas at. Boston College 7:30 EST ACCN
Kansas, Kansas, Kansas. After one of the more hyped up off-seasons since 2007, Kansas has looked the same. After surviving Indiana State in week 1, Kansas couldn’t get past Coastal Carolina. Yes, Coastal Carolina at home.
Boston College looked very impressive in week 1, defeating Virginia Tech. They were also able to blow out Richmond last week, 45-13. From a talent perspective, it’s not even close that Boston College should win this game.
I want to see if Kansas can compete and show the flashes from last year. Explosive plays from Pooka and Herbert and forcing turnovers on defense. If they can do that, I believe they could cover and maybe even make it close.
But for now, both of these teams are heading in two directions. Easy win for the Eagles.
Boston College 38, Kansas 14
Saturday:
Kansas State at. Mississippi State 12 PM EST ESPN
Kansas State has looked dominant through their first two games. Granite, that was against Bowling Green and Nicholls. They have played very well, but the difficulty will be turned up significantly in Starkville.
Ironically, Mississippi State is in the similar position as Kansas State. They played ULL and Southern Miss. However, neither of those games, MSU didn’t look super impressive. They nearly got upset by ULL. It took the Bulldogs a while to pull away from USM.
Kylin Hill will be the first challenge for K-State’s front 7. K-State projected to have a top 3 D-Line in the conference. So, that’s the main worry K-State should have, because Tommy Stevens doesn’t look too impressive.
With all of that being said, I do think Mississippi State pulls it out. It’s Chris Klieman’s first time on the road and his Wildcats fight. But are unable to pull it out.
Mississippi State 28, Kansas State 24
West Virginia vs. NC State 12 PM EST FS1
The first step of the process is to accept what position you are in. For West Virginia, it’s time to accept the fact that this is a year for experience. WV is playing with house money, knowing they won’t be favorites in any game this year except for Kansas.
West Virginia looked very bad against Missouri and the offense was so out of sink. This plays right into North Carolina State’s hands. Although they did play two cupcakes, NC State gave up 6 points in total. And average rush defense of 25 yards. I don’t care who you are playing, that is impressive.
In two games alone, West Virginia averages a whopping 32 yards per game rushing. The rebuild is officially beginning and there is a chance for some optimism. This is a home game, but the score will make it much closer than it actually was.
North Carolina State 35, West Virginia 17
Oklahoma State at. Tulsa 3:30 PM EST ESPN2
Oklahoma State looked very good against McNeese as Tylan Wallace had 180 yards and 3 touchdowns. Although it has been awful defenses, Spencer Sanders has looked more comfortable throwing down field than I had originally thought.
A middle of the afternoon road game against an AAC school is kind of odd. Tulsa looked good on the road against San Jose State last week. They competed with Michigan State in week 1 on the road and looked impressive on defense.
Costly turnovers from Baylor Transfer QB Zach Smith were the downfall to the Golden Hurricanes. Smith bounced back for a 283 yard, 1 touchdown performance in Week 2.
I believe this will be pretty high scoring, considering I don’t trust Oklahoma State’s defense yet. Giving up 36 points to lowly Oregon State isn’t super attractive looking. I also want to see if Oklahoma State can find a #2 target behind Wallace. Okie State pulls away late makes sure it doesn’t get close.
Oklahoma State 45, Tulsa 23
TCU at. Purdue 7:30 EST BTN
This matchup features two of the top playmakers in all of College Football. Rondale Moore vs. Jalen Reagor will be two exciting players that will impact this game. TCU got a bye after struggling with Arkansas Pine Bluff.
TCU just could not finish drives as they settled for 6 Field Goals and only scored one touchdown in the entire first half. With Delton and Duggan swapping out, there isn’t a for sure on who will start this contest.
Meanwhile for Purdue, they got upset in week 1 by Nevada on the road. The Boilermakers bounced back against a SEC opponent in Vanderbilt 42-24.
Purdue’s stadium can get loud as seen last year with their upset of Ohio State. I don’t know enough about the Horned Frogs to trust them to win a road game. Especially with the inexperience at QB if Duggan does play majority of the snaps. It’s a close game, but Purdue wins.
Purdue 27, TCU 20
#5 Oklahoma at. UCLA 8:00 EST FOX
Under year 2 of Chip Kelly, UCLA fans expected more. Cincinnati and SDSU have been consistent solid Non-Power 5 programs. While saying that, with the resources Kelly has, it has been a disaster of a start.
Oklahoma’s offense isn’t an issue whatsoever and should feast. It spells disaster when UCLA gives up nearly 400 total yards per game. UCLA’s offense has been out of sync and the run game has been an issue.
No issue for the Sooners here as they slap around UCLA. The Bruins have 2 road games against #20 Washington State and Arizona. They could fall to 0-5, considering their upcoming slate. Oklahoma wins big.
#5 Oklahoma 49, UCLA 14
#12 Texas vs. Rice 8:00 EST CBSSN
Rice surprised a lot of people by competing with Army and nearly beating them on the road. Tom Stewart replaced Wiley Green after taking a huge shot in Week 2. They competed for a half before losing to Wake Forest.
It’s very strange to have a neutral site game for a Blueblood and a Non-Power 5. However, this game is being played at NRG Stadium (home of the Houston Texans). While Rice has played well, Texas will come into this game pissed.
After feeling like they should’ve won last week, UT is going to take their anger out on Rice. This one shouldn’t be close and the backups will be in by the beginning of the 4th quarter.
#12 Texas 48, Rice 14
Texas Tech at. Arizona 10:30 EST ESPN
From a predictions standpoint, the Big 12 doesn’t look to be in great shape against the Power 5’s. I believe Texas Tech can be a sleeper this year.
It’s pretty apparent to say Kevin Sumlin is a QB’s worst nightmare. This isn’t meant to be a hate Sumlin piece, but QB’s don’t succeed in his system.
Kevin needed Kliff Kingsbury to help Johnny Manziel become who he was. Kenny Thrill (Hill), left and had better success at TCU. Kyler Murray didn’t get the proper coaching and left to win a Heisman.
And now, it’s Khalil Tate’s turn. To be fair, Tate has become more of a passing QB, his electricity has fizzled out. So did Arizona’s chances of competing for a Pac 12 title.
Texas Tech has been very good the first two weeks and Alan Bowman is the future. With TJ Vasher and the best secondary in a decade for Tech, I think Matt Wells gets a huge win.
Texas Tech 38, Arizona 28
Image Credit: https://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/college/osu/osu-mcneese-state-tylan-wallace-has-career-high-three-td/article_f17dd10d-9f7a-5d6a-ad69-181ff8ff6e23.html
