Big 12 has solid week as most teams close out the non-conference schedule

1. Oklahoma- While it would’ve been nice to have seen a 3rd ranked Oklahoma team beat up on Nebraska, people who watch college football know that the Cornhuskers are a solid team that tends to underperform. This week they welcome in the West Virginia Mountaineers, a team fresh off of an upset win over Virginia Tech.
2. Baylor- After winning the first conference game of the season, the Baylor Bears welcome in 14th ranked Iowa State. If the Bears want to establish themselves as a contender in the Big 12, taking down the Cyclones and remaining undefeated is a solid first step.
3. Kansas State- Being the third team in the Big 12 to be ranked, Kansas State has had a few solid wins and finds itself in its first conference game against Oklahoma State. They haven’t been as explosive on offense as you’d like to see, but their defense has shut down every team that they’ve faced. Both teams are right on the edge of being contenders with Iowa State and Oklahoma, so this should be a good game to decide which team could be forreal.
4. Texas Tech- With an offense that has now found its groove, and a defense that has kept them in the games the offense failed to, it’s time to see if the Red Raiders are a legitimate team or if they just took advantage of some weaker opponents. They head to Austin to take on the Longhorns, and if it’s anything like last year then we should be in for a barn burner.
5. Iowa State- Getting on track against UNLV was good for the Cyclones, now they get to invite possibly the new belle of the ball in Baylor to Ames for one of the more intriguing matchups in the Big 12 this week. If the Cyclones want to be in the Big 12 title race then they’ll have to get past the Bears this week.
6. TCU- After an early bye-week, the Horned Frogs find themselves matched up against SMU. The Mustangs are one of the better non-power 5 teams in the nation, so TCU needs to be on its A-game in its final non-conference game.
7. Oklahoma State- The Cowboys have had one of the weirdest 3-0 starts that we have seen. Close games to Missouri State and Tulsa lead to an even closer win against Boise State who is always a formidable opponent. Now they get to welcome in Kansas State, who is ranked and should be one of their tougher opponents.
8. Texas- The Longhorns bounced back in a big way against Rice after being embarrassed by Arkansas. They now find themselves in a game that they probably should’ve lost last year but found a way to win in overtime as they invite the Red Raiders of Texas Tech to Austin. This game should be nothing short of entertaining and will likely boost the winner into the rankings.
9. West Virginia- Losing a Week 1 game to Maryland isn’t something to be ashamed of, as they are still undefeated themselves. Beating a 15th ranked Virginia Tech team is what gets you back on the right track. They head to Norman this week to see if they’re really going to be a part of the Big 12 picture or if they’ll be in the middle of the pack the rest of the season.
10. Kansas- It would’ve been nice to see the Jayhawks put up a bit more of a fight against the Baylor Bears, but that was not the case as they were completely destroyed. If they can bounce back against Duke this weekend then that would be good for their confidence, but I don’t see them winning any games in the conference this season.

Key Matchups- The best matchup of this week would have to be Texas vs Texas Tech as that one is always exciting. Both teams have new starting quarterbacks and have a lot on the line for this game. Kansas State vs OK State will also be intriguing, although I think the Cowboys have a lot more to prove as they haven’t been as exciting offensively as I thought they’d be.