Week 2: Big 12 Predictions

The Big 12 shrunk to 9 official teams last weekend, making it even less likely that the conference can survive another year. With everyone looking for a way out, it will be nice to focus on football for a change. This week, the Big 12 goes with quality over quantity. With only 5 games on the slate it will be a short week for Big 12 fans.

Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon

#8 Oklahoma State vs. Arizona
Prediction: Oklahoma State 42, Arizona 14
Oklahoma State is one of my favorite teams to watch, their offensive firepower is usually pretty impressive and they are a pretty good team in most aspects. Arizona would normally be a good test for them, even at home, but this year's Arizona team is so riddled with injuries that it probably won't be close at halftime. The Cowboys looked impressive last week, expect more of the same this week at home.

#19 Missouri @ #23 Arizona State
Prediction: Missouri 10, Arizona State 28
Missouri looked very unimpressive last week against Miami(OH). This week they have to play a much stronger Arizona State team, on the road. The Sun Devils may be ranked a little to prematurely, but this weekend I expect them to prove their ranking this weekend against Missouri. Missouri is still a good football team who should end up ranked, but they will suffer against Arizona State this weekend.

Iowa State vs. Iowa
Prediction: Iowa State 14, Iowa 35
This match up between in-state rivals has been fairly lopsided in the last few years. Iowa has run Iowa State down by big margins in the last 4 games. This year, Iowa State will get Iowa at home for what should be...another blowout. Iowa State barely fended off Northern Iowa last weekend, so its completely unfair to think Iowa won't be able to handle them again this year.

#22 Texas vs. BYU
Prediction: Texas 24, BYU 28
This is my upset of the week, and a candidate for my game of the week (I know, I know, BYU isn't ranked). The Cougars barely escaped at Ole Miss last weekend, but they did earn some valuable experience against a massive crowd. Texas defeated Rice last week and looked fairly impressive in doing so, but I fear that the first weekend weak opponent will be a downfall for them this week against BYU. BYU can win a close game in hostile territory, they proved it at Ole Miss, and I have them winning a tight one in Texas Memorial Stadium this week.

Kansas vs. Northern Illinois
Prediction: Kansas 21, Northern Illinois 31
Kansas barely managed 3 wins last year (two of those over Colorado and New Mexico State) while losing games to North Dakota State and Southern Miss. This year, Northern Illinois looks poised to beat the Jayhawks at home. Northern Illinois dismantled Army last weekend, and while Kansas may be a slightly tougher opponent, the outcome should still favor Northern Illinois in the end.