The Big 12 has a chance to prove itself on multiple occasions in 2017, with numerous impactful out of conference games on tap.
The Big 12 is consistently the most looked down upon of all the Power Five conferences in college football. The combination of a fewer schools and the lack of representatives in the College Football Playoff seem to have doomed the conference’s national reputation.
There’s three teams in the Big 12 that have the best shot at bringing home the title this season: the Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys and Kansas State Wildcats. Consequently, those are the most important teams to pay attention to. In terms of national spotlight, both the Sooners and the Texas Longhorns have matchups against teams like the Ohio State Buckeyes and USC Trojans that are extremely important.
Even the Cowboys and Wildcats have rather strong out-of-conference schedules that could have national implications early in the season. However, it is important for college football fans to pay attention to all Power Five conferences early in the season to gauge what each conference’s members look like playing against outside competition.
Debates like which conference is best can somewhat be settled with non-conference matchups. Even if Bowl season seems to ultimately settle that debate. The Big 12 needs a solid overall performance in both the out-of-conference portion of the college football season and Bowl season.
The conference has enough of an uphill battle to get their biggest brand name schools into the College Football Playoff. Teams like the TCU Horned Frogs and Baylor Bears in 2014 and the Oklahoma Sooners in 2016 were left on the outside looking in for the Playoff.
10. TCU vs. Arkansas
Date: September 9
Most Recent Result: 41-38 (2OT) Arkansas, 2016
Location: Fayetteville, AR
The Arkansas Razorbacks host TCU on the back end of a home-and-home series that started last season. Quarterback Kenny Hill and the Horned Frogs did not get the result they were hoping for in their 2016 meeting with the Razorbacks. It was a somewhat early look at things to come for a mediocre TCU squad in 2016 altogether.
It’s hard to think that TCU head coach Gary Patterson would let the Frogs slip up for two consecutive seasons, considering his past pedigree with the program. A victory at Razorback Stadium against Arkansas would put TCU back on the right track to success once again. Out of the Frogs’ first three games on the regular season schedule, this is by far the toughest.
If TCU does manage to defeat Arkansas in Fayetteville it could mean a 3-0 start. TCU’s other opponents to start the season include the Jackson State Tigers out of the FCS and the SMU Mustangs. Neither of those teams should present too much of a problem for the Frogs.
Moreover, the Frogs have an extremely tough start to their 2017 conference slate. Two of their first three Big 12 games come on the road. And there’s a good chance that each of their first three conference opponents will be ranked. They start off against a potential top 10 opponent in the Oklahoma State Cowboys, in Stillwater.
Arkansas will be a tough out this year. They return quarterback Austin Allen to what could be a potential sleeper team in the SEC West in 2017. Watch out for another tremendously entertaining outcome between TCU and Arkansas once again this Fall.
9. West Virginia vs. Virginia Tech
Date: September 3
Most Recent Result: 34-17 Virginia Tech, 2005
Location: Landover, MD
This game should be one to pay attention to for Big 12 fans because it gives an early season look at what the West Virginia Mountaineers could be in 2017. WVU had their best season since they joined the Big 12 last season, finishing with 10 wins. The challenge for head coach Dana Holgorsen is to not only replicate what he was able to do in Morgantown last year but improve upon that.
WVU has the quarterback to be successful in 2017. Florida transfer Will Grier takes the reigns to the Mountaineer offense that was led by Skyler Howard over the past two seasons. Grier and the Moutaineers face a Justin Fuente-led Virginia Tech squad that will put up a fight. The Hokies finished 10-4 in 2016, showing improvement after a less than impressive end to former head coach Frank Beamer’s tenure in Blacksburg. Fuente seems like the perfect guy for the job.
The Big 12 has quite a few chances to establish themselves on the national stage during non-conference play. And this game is one of those chances. Virginia Tech figures to be a contender in the ACC with at least compete in the Championship Game. Yet, West Virginia is looking at a projected fourth or fifth place finish in the Big 12. Having what could be a “middle of the road” Big 12 team beating a team from the ACC that won their division could pay huge dividends for the Big 12.
8. Oklahoma State vs. Pittsburgh
Date: September 16
Most Recent Result: 45-38 Oklahoma State, 2016
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh Panthers were easily one of the most underrated teams in college football last season. They were the only team to defeat the eventual National Champion Clemson Tigers. Moreover, this is another chance for a quality Big 12 team to defeat a good team from the ACC. Defeating both Pitt and Virginia Tech would give the Big 12 two quality wins over one of the best conferences in college football.
Oklahoma State defeated Pitt last season in a 45-38 contest at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, OK. Wide receiver James Washington posted more than 290 receiving yards and two touchdowns, dominating the Pitt secondary. A repeat performance from Washington and quarterback Mason Rudolph would possibly put too much pressure on Pitt to put up the same type of offense.
Pitt loses quarterback Nathan Peterman and running back James Conner, which are tough losses to replace. They need answers fast if they want a chance to complete with the high-flying Oklahoma State offense. Furthermore, this matchup with OK State is sandwiched between two other tough games for Pitt. They also face Penn State and Georgia Tech in what could be one of the toughest three game stretches any team faces in the country in 2017.
The strength of Pitt’s running game will test OK State as they look to answer one of the biggest questions they had in the offseason, their defense. If the Cowboy run defense can shut down Pitt’s rushing attack that could be a sign of great things to come.
7. Texas vs. Oklahoma State
Date: October 21
Most Recent Result: 49-31 Oklahoma State, 2016
Location: Austin, TX
The first all-Big 12 matchup on this list might not be the one you expected. Texas looks to respond from another down season with a strong 2017 campaign under first-year head coach Tom Herman. That could start with a victory over possible Big 12 favorite Oklahoma State.
The Cowboys have been a tough out for the Longhorns since 2011. OK State has won five of the last seven contests against Texas. However, Herman looks to usher in a new era, returning the Longhorns to glory atop the Big 12. This game against OK State comes during a very tough and possibly season-defining four game stretch. During this four game stretch the Longhorns also face the Kansas State Wildcats, Oklahoma Sooners, and Baylor Bears.
A slow start to the season could cost Texas a bowl berth again in 2017. The Longhorn fan base would not be too thrilled about that. Yet, this game in particular should be a fun one to watch. Sophomore quarterback Shane Buechele will have to have to best game against senior quarterback Mason Rudolph to keep up with OK State’s offense. Buechele has a great chance to exploit the young Cowboy secondary.
If nothing else, the last few matchups between Texas and Oklahoma State have been incredibly entertaining. Between the special teams gaffe for the Longhorns in 2015 and the high-scoring contest in 2016, the 2017 meeting between these two teams is sure to be exciting.
Fans of any Big 12 team should pay attention to this game because of the Big 12 Title stakes in place. OK State needs to pass this tough road test before they also face West Virginia and Oklahoma in the weeks following. However, Texas needs to take advantage of this opportunity at home to gain some momentum in their quest to return to the top of the conference.
6. Kansas State vs. Oklahoma
Date: October 21
Most Recent Result: 38-17 Oklahoma, 2016
Location: Manhattan, KS
The third Saturday in October is the famous rivalry between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers. Yet, the third Saturday in October in the Big 12 will be incredibly fun to watch as well. Not only do the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Texas Longhorns face off in Austin but the Oklahoma Sooners will travel to Manhattan to face the Kansas State Wildcats on the same day.
OU took care of business last season, cruising to a 38-17 victory over K-State. However, the Wildcats look to unseat both OU and Oklahoma State on their quest to the Big 12 Title in 2017. Quarterback Jesse Ertz will have a lot of pressure on him to perform this season in what might be one of the last seasons for head coach Bill Snyder with Kansas State.
The quarterback matchup in this game should deliver huge result with OU’s Baker Mayfield and K-State’s Jesse Ertz. The coaching matchup in this game is interesting as well. One of the most experienced and respected coaches in the country in Bill Snyder goes head to head with first-year coach Lincoln Reilly with one of his biggest chances to prove himself.
Kansas State has the chance to defeat the Sooners for the first time since 2014. That will be no easy feat. Even with Oklahoma State and Kansas State looking like real challengers in the Big 12 in 2017, OU still has to be the favorite.
5. Texas vs. Oklahoma
Date: October 14
Most Recent Result: 45-40 Oklahoma, 2016
Location: Dallas, TX
The Red River Rivalry has become less important on the national stage in recent years. Texas declining over the past few seasons gave way to less implications with the annual rivalry game. Oklahoma, once again, looks like the favorite to in this matchup.
In recent years, the Texas Longhorns put up a great fight against the Sooners. They were the only team to defeat OU in the regular season in 2015. In 2014, the Longhorns came up short against the Sooners by only five points, same as 2016. A change of fortunes would turn the Big 12 on its head with the Longhorns looking like a real dark horse in the conference title race.
Red River also kicks off the most important four game stretch of the season for OU. After they play Texas, OU faces Texas Tech, Kansas State then Oklahoma State. There’s a great chance that OU will face one of those teams again in the Big 12 Championship Game.
If Texas wants to rise back to national prominence under Tom Herman, they’ll have to pull off some upsets in games like this. The Cotton Bowl will have many eyes watching this year because of the two highest profile head coach hires during the offseason.
4. Texas vs. USC
Date: September 16
Most Recent Result: 41-38 Texas, 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Not only will many Big 12 fans be watching this game, but the entire college football landscape in general. Two blue-blood football programs meet for a rematch of one of the greatest BCS Title Games of all time at the Coliseum. USC is likely to be the overwhelming favorite as a top five ranked team entering this game.
We’ll see if the Texas Longhorns can get another victory over a significant non-conference opponent. Last season, the Longhorns defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a thrilling overtime victory. However, ND proved that they were not a strong team in 2016, not even reaching bowl eligibility.
The last time Texas and USC met up was in the 2006 BCS Title Game where former Longhorn quarterback Vince Young pulled off one of the most memorable plays in college football history. USC entered that matchup as the favorite as well, looking to win their third straight national title. But the Horns had something else to say about that.
Texas can play a similar role in this year’s matchup, with USC looking like the favorite to walk away with the PAC-12 Title in 2017 and possibly get a berth in the College Football Playoff.
3. Oklahoma vs. Ohio State
Date: September 9
Most Recent Result: 45-24 Ohio State, 2016
Location: Columbus, OH
Oklahoma and Ohio State’s 2016 matchup was not even close. It was expected to be a game between two possible College Football Playoff contenders. However, Ohio State dominated the game through and through, giving OU their second loss in their first three games of the 2016 season.
The Sooners are likely to come into this game with a chip on their shoulder because of the 21 point defeat at Gaylord Family Oklahoma-Memorial Stadium last year. Yet, “The Shoe” is no easy place to play for any opponent.
This is one of the few out of conference matchups that are both high-profile and provide a repeat of the same high-profile quarterback battle from the previous year as both Ohio State’s J.T. Barrett and Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield return for their senior seasons.
Ohio State owns the 2-1 edge all-time in this matchup against the Sooners. But a simple victory in 2017 would put Oklahoma back at .500 with the Buckeyes. And there’s a good chance that the winner of this game makes it to the College Football Playoff.
Last year’s winner of this matchup did end up going to the College Football Playoff, even if they did get dominated by the eventual National Champion Clemson Tigers. Moreover, if Oklahoma had come out on top last season they likely would have been in the Playoff as well.
2. Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma
Date: November 4
Most Recent Result: 38-20 Oklahoma, 2016
Location: Stillwater, OK
Bedlam has become a staple of the Big 12 football schedule each season. Oklahoma State and Oklahoma have finished in the top two in the Big 12 in three of the last four seasons. Moreover, Bedlam has become the de-facto Big 12 Title match for the last two years.
The Sooners have bested the Cowboys in dominant efforts in each of the last two seasons. And OU has dominated this rivalry all-time with an 86-18 edge. Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph and head coach Mike Gundy could really use their first victory against the Sooners since Rudolph’s freshman campaign back in 2014.
The interesting part about the 2017 matchup between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State is the fact that they could meet more than once this season. With the Big 12 adding a championship game at the end of the regular season, both OU and OK State could meet again at the beginning of December.
Baker Mayfield and Mason Rudolph are not only two of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12 but they are also two of the best in the entire country. Every person that watches this Bedlam game will be treated to an offensive showdown with the best senior quarterback walking away with the final victory.
1. Big 12 Championship Game
Date: December 1 or 2
Most Recent Result: 23-20 Oklahoma over Nebraska, 2010
Location: Arlington, TX
Even though the Big 12 decided against expansion, they did decide to add back a Championship Game at the end of the regular season for the first time since 2010. The last time the Big 12 had a title game, the Oklahoma Sooners defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 23-20 in 2010.
However, the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Colorado Buffaloes jumped ship after the 2012 season for the Big 10 and Pac 12, respectively. The Missouri Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies followed suit in 2012 for the SEC. That, along with the addition of West Virginia and TCU, brought the Big 12 to 10 teams which it still has today. Yet, adding another game could bring an interesting result for the Big 12 in 2017.
On one hand, it could add another quality win for whatever the eventual Big 12 Champion is. But it could end up knocking off the only team worthy of a spot in the College Football Playoff from the Big 12. That would, once again, leave the Big 12 out of the Playoff, for the third time in four seasons.
The likely contenders for the Big 12 Title include the Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Kansas State Wildcats, Texas Longhorns, West Virginia Mountaineers and TCU Horned Frogs. OU claimed the last two Big 12 Titles after defeating OK State in two straight de-facto Bedlam Big 12 Championship Games.
Next: Texas A&M Football Preview 2017
Oklahoma and Oklahoma State could once again meet up for the Big 12 Title Game. Only this time, the Cowboys and Sooners would face off against each other twice in the same season.