Big 12 Preview: Top Conference Games of 2013
Dec 1, 2012; Ft. Worth, TX, USA; Texas Christian Horned Frogs receiver Skye Dawson (11) makes a catch in the first quarter against Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Demontre Hurst (6) at Amon G Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
10. Texas vs. Iowa State (Sept. 30)
The Cyclones have been a team on the rise throughout the last few years and this will likely be a game between two undefeated teams based on their scheduled. Texas will have to get through a Kansas State squad two weeks before, but a bye week inbetween will give the Longhorns an opportunity to get ready for this one. Iowa State faces Northern Iowa, Iowa and travel to Tulsa before facing Texas, all winnable games for Iowa State heading into this Thursday night showdown.
9. West Virginia vs. TCU (Nov. 2)
The Horned Frogs pulled the inaugural Big 12 contest out of their hats by knocking of the Mountaineers in overtime in 2012. This time they face-off in Fort Worth in the second edition of the battle between the Big 12 newcomers. TCU will be coming off a game against Texas the week before and pending how that goes for the Frogs, could set up for in big games at Amon Carter Stadium.
8. Oklahoma vs. Kansas State (Nov. 23)
A late season game, there is no telling what may be on the line between the Wildcats and Sooners. However, revenge will be on the table for Oklahoma as Kansas State was all that stood between the Sooners and the BCS in 2012. The Wild Cats went into Norman and used the victory to shoot up the polls. This time around, it might not be for the same prize, but it still will be a good one to watch.
7. TCU at Texas Tech (Sept. 12)
The Red Raiders and Horned Frogs meet in Lubbock for each team’s Big 12 opener on a Thursday night on ESPN. TCU and Tech played what was a top-5 game in 2012 as the Frogs stormed back from a double digit deficit to force overtime, before falling in the third go-around. The Frogs have never been a great team on Thursdays and the Raiders will be rowdy in the stands.
6. Oklahoma State vs. Texas (Nov. 16)
The pair have become secondary rivals to each other over the last few years as Oklahoma State and Texas have played in some memorable shootouts over the last 5 years. This year, Oklahoma State will likely be entering Austin as a favorite, but the Longhorns could be entering with a three-game winning streak if things fall correctly for Texas.
5. West Virginia vs. Baylor (Oct. 5)
West Virginia will be playing what will be its third Big 12 game while this is the conference opener for Baylor. It is set up to be important for both teams as WVU very welly could be 0-2 in conference play entering this one with games at OU and vs. Oklahoma State. Baylor is wanting to prove that it is not a pretender in 2013 and has this one circled on the schedule to begin conference play. Waco is going to be rowdy for this one.
4. TCU vs. Oklahoma State (Oct. 19)
This one is going to be the Big 12 game of the week, if not a national telecast between two teams that may be playing an early season version of the conference championship. TCU is playing in Stillwater for the second consecutive year due to scheduling issues entering the conference and are hoping to avenge a second half last season that let a win slip away. Oklahoma State and TCU could be undefeated at this point (at least in conference play) and will be playing for a pivotal spot in the end of the year standings.
3. TCU vs. Oklahoma (Oct. 5)
A great one in Fort Worth in 2012, the Horned Frogs return to Norman for the first time since knocking off the ranked Sooners in 2005. Oklahoma had to survive a late rally by TCU last year and both teams will have a lot to play for on the field. OU is coming off a week in which it travels to face Notre Dame while TCU plays SMU the week before. Following this showdown, Oklahoma travels to Dallas for its Red River date, will the Sooners be looking ahead?
2. Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State (Dec. 7)
Bedlam in 2012 was crazy. Overtime had to split the two with the Sooners taking it on a run into the end zone. This time around the showdown will take place in Stillwater and its the last game of the season for both teams. If a conference championship, or even national standing, is on the line, this may be the game of the year in the Big 12. Oklahoma State will likely be the favorite coming in, but the same could have been said in 2012.
1. Texas vs. Oklahoma (Oct. 12)
There are not two teams in college sports that hate each other more. The Red River Rivalry could have a game between two winless teams and it would still be a game of fireworks on the field. Oklahoma embarrassed Texas in 2012 and the Longhorns are hoping for some revenge. Texas could very well be undefeated heading into this one and OU is coming off a game against TCU. In 2012, all but one Big 12 team fell the following week after facing TCU and that could be a factor coming into this one.