The Big 12 kicks off their season tonight as Baylor and Kansas State take the field, while the eight teams get their seasons started this weekend. Here's how we predict all of those games will go:
#23 Baylor Bears vs. Northwestern State Demons
Fri, Sept. 2 - 7:30 pm ET, FSN
Prediction: Baylor Bears
Baylor's football program is very much looking forward on starting the new season and turning the chapter on their offseason mess and the Art Briles scandal. They'll get a blowout win over a lowly FCS team in Northwestern State.
Kansas State Wildcats at Stanford Cardinal
Fri, Sept. 2 - 9:00 pm ET, FS1
Prediction: Stanford Cardinal
Kansas State will be a much improved team this year, as long as they don't suffer the huge rash of injuries they plagued them last year. Stanford has their sights on making the College Football Playoff, and running back Christian McCaffrey's Heisman campaign will get off to a good start in this one.
#3 Oklahoma Sooners vs. #15 Houston Cougars
Sat, Sept. 3 - 12:00 pm ET, ABC
Prediction: Houston Cougars
What a way to kick off the Saturday, huh? Don't sleep on Houston. The Cougars beat Florida State to end the season, and they're a CFP dark horse, while Oklahoma is the Big 12 favorite - meaning this could end up serving as Week 1 College Football Playoff elimination game. Even though this is a neutral site game, it's being played at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Both of these teams are have very experienced offenses, so the difference will come down to which defense can make more plays. Oklahoma has plenty more question marks on that side of the ball than Houston does, and since the Cougars are essentially playing a home game, they win a close game.
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Missouri Tigers
Sat, Sept. 3 - 12:00 pm ET, FS1
Prediction: West Virginia Mountaineers
WVU head coach Dana Holgorsen enters this season firmly on the hot seat, and a loss to Mizzou is something he can't afford. Luckily, Missouri should be one of the worst offensive teams in the country. The Mountaineers win easily.
#21 Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Southeastern Louisiana Lions
Sat, Sept. 3 - 3:30 pm ET, FSN
Prediction: Oklahoma State Cowboys
Another ranked team going up against another FCS opponent means a blowout win for Oklahoma State.
Rhode Island Rams vs. Kansas Jayhawks
Sat, Sept. 3 - 7:00 pm ET, ESPN3
Prediction: Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas didn't win a single game last season - and they're favored to win this game by over 20 points. That tells you how bad Rhode Island is.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Northern Iowa Panthers
Sat, Sept. 3 - 8:00 pm ET
Prediction: Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State is rebuilding in the first year under new head coach Matt Campbell, and they'll use this game to try out several players at numerous positions. It won't matter though - they'll win comfortably.
#13 TCU Horned Frogs vs. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Sat, Sept. 3 - 8:00 pm ET, FSN
Prediction: TCU Horned Frogs
ANOTHER ranked team against a FCS opponent. TCU may like it while they break in a new quarterback in Kenny Hill, and he should have a very easy time.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Stephen F. Austin Jackrabbits
Sat, Sept. 3 - 8:00 pm ET, FSN
Prediction: Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech's defensive struggles won't matter in this one. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes will put up crazy numbers in a blowout win for the Red Raiders.
Texas Longhorns vs. #10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Sun, Sept. 4 - 7:30 pm ET, ABC
Prediction: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame blew out Texas last year, and it's unclear if this matchup will be any different. Texas has a brand new offense, and could start a true freshman QB in Shane Buechele. Playing at home should help Texas. With no NFL in this week, this game is on Sunday.
This game won't be a blowout, but the winner won't change. The Longhorns are a much improved team, but Buechele is bound to make a few mistakes as a true freshman. Plus, Notre Dame has plenty of talent returning, headlined by quarterback DeShone Kizer.
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