Big 12: road trip 2013
We're continuing our march across Big 12 country with your dream trek for 2013. Want to see the best of the best in the Big 12 this season? Come along with us.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 12 schedule across the Big 12:
My pick: Oklahoma State at Texas
Last year's game was a classic, and you can bet Oklahoma State will be angry after losing that matchup on a disputed touchdown in the final minute by Joe Bergeron. It was a back and forth game with a whole lot of drama, and this year, we can probably expect the same. What makes it better?
Both teams should be much improved, and both might be in the top 15 late in the season. It'll be a November classic and at the very least, one of these teams will be in the hunt for the Big 12 title. I'd say both being in the mix will be more likely, and one team could win the deciding advantage in the title race on this weekend. A loss might mean elimination.
Oklahoma State beat Texas in Austin in consecutive years in 2010 and 2011 and did so decisively, but the Longhorns were a huge mountain that OSU never quite climbed when Texas was an elite Big 12 team and OSU was trying to prove itself under Mike Gundy before he finally won a Big 12 title. Those wins were nice, but those weren't good Texas teams. This one should be. And beating Texas in Austin would mean a whole lot more this time, especially if it means an eventual Big 12 title.
As for Texas, a win may be a huge step in regaining their status as a Big 12 power, and perhaps a national power. Time to re-establish the, uh, establishment in the Big 12? This game could end up being a lot bigger than just 60 minutes in Austin.
Honorable mention: Texas Tech vs. Baylor; TCU at Kansas State
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 12 schedule across the Big 12:
- Iowa State at Oklahoma
- Oklahoma State at Texas
- West Virginia at Kansas
- Texas Tech vs. Baylor at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas
- TCU at Kansas State
My pick: Oklahoma State at Texas
Last year's game was a classic, and you can bet Oklahoma State will be angry after losing that matchup on a disputed touchdown in the final minute by Joe Bergeron. It was a back and forth game with a whole lot of drama, and this year, we can probably expect the same. What makes it better?
Both teams should be much improved, and both might be in the top 15 late in the season. It'll be a November classic and at the very least, one of these teams will be in the hunt for the Big 12 title. I'd say both being in the mix will be more likely, and one team could win the deciding advantage in the title race on this weekend. A loss might mean elimination.
Oklahoma State beat Texas in Austin in consecutive years in 2010 and 2011 and did so decisively, but the Longhorns were a huge mountain that OSU never quite climbed when Texas was an elite Big 12 team and OSU was trying to prove itself under Mike Gundy before he finally won a Big 12 title. Those wins were nice, but those weren't good Texas teams. This one should be. And beating Texas in Austin would mean a whole lot more this time, especially if it means an eventual Big 12 title.
As for Texas, a win may be a huge step in regaining their status as a Big 12 power, and perhaps a national power. Time to re-establish the, uh, establishment in the Big 12? This game could end up being a lot bigger than just 60 minutes in Austin.
Honorable mention: Texas Tech vs. Baylor; TCU at Kansas State
We're continuing our march across Big 12 country with your dream trek for 2013. Want to see the best of the best in the Big 12 this season? Come along with us.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 11 schedule across the Big 12:
Expectations are very different for these two programs, but Texas constantly carries a bull's-eye on its back in Big 12 play, regardless of its record. The attention and cash the program rakes in by the bushel is a big reason, but Texas is a brand, the flagship program in a talent-rich state with great tradition and big names.
Ask TCU and West Virginia what beating Texas last season meant. It was the best victory for both teams all season, and made for special trips home for both programs. This time, it'll produce a great atmosphere at Milan Puskar Stadium, one that represents everything special about college football. Expect a gold rush for the burnt orange Horns coming to town and a big-time atmosphere to match. West Virginia may just be fighting for a bowl bid and Texas could be traveling to Morgantown in a must-win situation in the Big 12 title race. That's a lot on the line for both teams, and this late in the season, you can expect sharp performances with a lot of effort and emotion. Sounds awesome.
Be there for this one.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma at Baylor
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 11 schedule across the Big 12:
- Oklahoma at Baylor
- TCU at Iowa State
- Kansas State at Texas Tech
- Kansas at Oklahoma State
- Texas at West Virginia
Expectations are very different for these two programs, but Texas constantly carries a bull's-eye on its back in Big 12 play, regardless of its record. The attention and cash the program rakes in by the bushel is a big reason, but Texas is a brand, the flagship program in a talent-rich state with great tradition and big names.
Ask TCU and West Virginia what beating Texas last season meant. It was the best victory for both teams all season, and made for special trips home for both programs. This time, it'll produce a great atmosphere at Milan Puskar Stadium, one that represents everything special about college football. Expect a gold rush for the burnt orange Horns coming to town and a big-time atmosphere to match. West Virginia may just be fighting for a bowl bid and Texas could be traveling to Morgantown in a must-win situation in the Big 12 title race. That's a lot on the line for both teams, and this late in the season, you can expect sharp performances with a lot of effort and emotion. Sounds awesome.
Be there for this one.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma at Baylor
We're continuing our march across Big 12 country with your dream trek for 2013. Want to see the best of the best in the Big 12 this season? Come along with us.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 10 schedule across the Big 12:
Not a fantastic slate of games in Week 10 across the Big 12, but heading out to Lubbock where many a Big 12 title bid has died a difficult death should be really fun. West Texas was the beginning of the end for West Virginia last year, and the Red Raiders developed a reputation for being the only team in the Big 12 who could beat Oklahoma and Texas when the league's two national programs were at the height of their respective powers.
OSU has taken care of business during its last two trips to Lubbock in 2010 and 2011, but Kliff Kingsbury's talked over and over about returning the "swagger" to Texas Tech that seemed to have exited with Tommy Tuberville's arrival. That means not being afraid of anyone, and OSU could come to Lubbock atop the Big 12 standings. You should see plenty of great offense in this game, and two teams that love to play as fast as anyone in the league. First team to 100 offensive snaps wins?
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 10 schedule across the Big 12:
- West Virginia at TCU
- Iowa State at Kansas State
- Kansas at Texas
- Oklahoma State at Texas Tech
Not a fantastic slate of games in Week 10 across the Big 12, but heading out to Lubbock where many a Big 12 title bid has died a difficult death should be really fun. West Texas was the beginning of the end for West Virginia last year, and the Red Raiders developed a reputation for being the only team in the Big 12 who could beat Oklahoma and Texas when the league's two national programs were at the height of their respective powers.
OSU has taken care of business during its last two trips to Lubbock in 2010 and 2011, but Kliff Kingsbury's talked over and over about returning the "swagger" to Texas Tech that seemed to have exited with Tommy Tuberville's arrival. That means not being afraid of anyone, and OSU could come to Lubbock atop the Big 12 standings. You should see plenty of great offense in this game, and two teams that love to play as fast as anyone in the league. First team to 100 offensive snaps wins?
We're continuing our march across Big 12 country with your dream trek for 2013. Want to see the best of the best in the Big 12 this season? Come along with us.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 8 schedule across the Big 12:
If you can get yourself out of a fried stupor from last weekend at the State Fair of Texas (this is easier said than done), there's going to be a heck of a game a little more than four hours north up in Stillwater. To me, these are the two most complete teams to start the season, and while it's still way too early to view this game as a real Big 12 title game, I'd be surprised if we didn't look back on it in December as a night that had a profound impact on the race for the trophy.
I feel bad for TCU, which travels to Stillwater in two consecutive seasons because of a quirk in the Big 12 schedule that forced it to inherit what would have been Texas A&M's schedule. Gary Patterson told me one big focus for the Frogs this season is eliminating the rough performances you'll see from young teams, and there wasn't a worse one for TCU than last season's game in Stillwater. It led 14-9 at the half before being outscored 27-0 in the second half. This game will hold a special significance for TCU, but expect this game to be prime time, and when the stakes are this high, OSU fans rise to the occasion.
This should be a great atmosphere and an even better game. Two teams with good defenses and good offenses, and the talent to make 2013 a very special season in school history. They'll have to go through each other to do it, though.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 8 schedule across the Big 12:
- TCU at Oklahoma State
- Iowa State at Baylor
- Texas Tech at West Virginia
- Oklahoma at Kansas
If you can get yourself out of a fried stupor from last weekend at the State Fair of Texas (this is easier said than done), there's going to be a heck of a game a little more than four hours north up in Stillwater. To me, these are the two most complete teams to start the season, and while it's still way too early to view this game as a real Big 12 title game, I'd be surprised if we didn't look back on it in December as a night that had a profound impact on the race for the trophy.
I feel bad for TCU, which travels to Stillwater in two consecutive seasons because of a quirk in the Big 12 schedule that forced it to inherit what would have been Texas A&M's schedule. Gary Patterson told me one big focus for the Frogs this season is eliminating the rough performances you'll see from young teams, and there wasn't a worse one for TCU than last season's game in Stillwater. It led 14-9 at the half before being outscored 27-0 in the second half. This game will hold a special significance for TCU, but expect this game to be prime time, and when the stakes are this high, OSU fans rise to the occasion.
This should be a great atmosphere and an even better game. Two teams with good defenses and good offenses, and the talent to make 2013 a very special season in school history. They'll have to go through each other to do it, though.
We're continuing our march across Big 12 country with your dream trek for 2013. Want to see the best of the best in the Big 12 this season? Come along with us.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 7 schedule across the Big 12:
My pick: The Red River Rivalry
No discussion to be had here and no honorable mention to be handed out. Fire up the fryers and somebody get me a corny dog and a fried Snickers as soon as possible. I don't live a mile from the fairgrounds anymore (marriage will do that in Dallas), but the city gets absolutely buzzing the entire weekend. There's an anticipation and the burnt orange and crimson comes out everywhere in the city, from the fairgrounds to downtown, uptown and even the surrounding cities.
Once game day arrives, that excitement peaks. The early afternoon kickoffs are a lot more fun than the 11 a.m. kickoff, but beware of the legendary traffic. These games haven't been the classics we've hoped for the past couple years, but this year's version should be solid and the atmosphere will be fantastic, as usual. Texas fans have caught some flack the past few years for hitting the exits to the State Fair of Texas fairgrounds early, but Mack Brown and the Longhorns will have their reputations to play for in this game. Another beatdown courtesy of the Sooners is the last thing Brown and his team need.
The fan split at the 50-yard line is one of the seminal images in the sport, and this special, special day will be exactly that once again in 2013. If you're a Big 12 fan, you need to experience this at least once. Even if you're not a Texas or an Oklahoma fan, this is a college football bucket list game.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 7 schedule across the Big 12:
- Kansas at TCU
- Iowa State at Texas Tech
- Baylor at Kansas State
- Oklahoma vs. Texas at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas
My pick: The Red River Rivalry
No discussion to be had here and no honorable mention to be handed out. Fire up the fryers and somebody get me a corny dog and a fried Snickers as soon as possible. I don't live a mile from the fairgrounds anymore (marriage will do that in Dallas), but the city gets absolutely buzzing the entire weekend. There's an anticipation and the burnt orange and crimson comes out everywhere in the city, from the fairgrounds to downtown, uptown and even the surrounding cities.
Once game day arrives, that excitement peaks. The early afternoon kickoffs are a lot more fun than the 11 a.m. kickoff, but beware of the legendary traffic. These games haven't been the classics we've hoped for the past couple years, but this year's version should be solid and the atmosphere will be fantastic, as usual. Texas fans have caught some flack the past few years for hitting the exits to the State Fair of Texas fairgrounds early, but Mack Brown and the Longhorns will have their reputations to play for in this game. Another beatdown courtesy of the Sooners is the last thing Brown and his team need.
The fan split at the 50-yard line is one of the seminal images in the sport, and this special, special day will be exactly that once again in 2013. If you're a Big 12 fan, you need to experience this at least once. Even if you're not a Texas or an Oklahoma fan, this is a college football bucket list game.
We're continuing our march across Big 12 country with your dream trek for 2013. Want to see the best of the best in the Big 12 this season? Come along with us.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 6 schedule across the Big 12:
This was a tough call. I've attended Kansas State's game against Oklahoma State in each of the past two years, and both have been great games, but I also saw TCU and Oklahoma play in person last year when the Sooners clinched a Big 12 title on the season's final weekend.
This season, we might have a midseason game that helps shape the Big 12 title race. An early-season game between Kansas State and OU did exactly that last year, and I'm thinking this game might be very similar. Both teams will have played one conference game before this matchup. Oklahoma will host West Virginia and TCU travels to Texas Tech, but the Sooners will get an additional test the week before this game against Notre Dame.
Win this game, and you officially announce yourself as a Big 12 title contender, I say. Lose it, and the battle for a title is far from over, but it's certainly going to be uphill. These are the kinds of games you have to win to nab a Big 12 title. It's the kind of game TCU didn't win last year. A win here would be a sign that TCU is serious about a title and the Sooners have a chance to keep their status as the Big 12's kingpin on the field.
Should mean a great game and a better atmosphere. Can't wait.
Honorable mention: Kansas State at Oklahoma State; West Virginia at Baylor
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 6 schedule across the Big 12:
- Texas at Iowa State
- Texas Tech at Kansas
- TCU at Oklahoma
- Kansas State at Oklahoma State
- West Virginia at Baylor
This was a tough call. I've attended Kansas State's game against Oklahoma State in each of the past two years, and both have been great games, but I also saw TCU and Oklahoma play in person last year when the Sooners clinched a Big 12 title on the season's final weekend.
This season, we might have a midseason game that helps shape the Big 12 title race. An early-season game between Kansas State and OU did exactly that last year, and I'm thinking this game might be very similar. Both teams will have played one conference game before this matchup. Oklahoma will host West Virginia and TCU travels to Texas Tech, but the Sooners will get an additional test the week before this game against Notre Dame.
Win this game, and you officially announce yourself as a Big 12 title contender, I say. Lose it, and the battle for a title is far from over, but it's certainly going to be uphill. These are the kinds of games you have to win to nab a Big 12 title. It's the kind of game TCU didn't win last year. A win here would be a sign that TCU is serious about a title and the Sooners have a chance to keep their status as the Big 12's kingpin on the field.
Should mean a great game and a better atmosphere. Can't wait.
Honorable mention: Kansas State at Oklahoma State; West Virginia at Baylor
We're continuing our march across Big 12 country with your dream trek for 2013. Want to see the best of the best in the Big 12 this season? Come along with us.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's how the Week 5 schedule in the Big 12 looks:
A lot of good games this week in the Big 12, but this one has no competition. Notre Dame should be salty once again, less than a year after knocking off the Sooners in Norman to keep its run to the national title game rolling. Colleague Mark Schlabach has Notre Dame at No. 9 in his Too-Early top 25, but this matchup is all about the ambience.
The Irish have tough matchups against Michigan and Michigan State before hosting the Sooners. As someone who's been to the storied stadium in South Bend only once on a random July morning, I'd love to take a trip north and see a game at Notre Dame Stadium for the first time. The history there is palpable, and getting to experience it in person would certainly be special.
It'll be a heck of a game, too. Oklahoma gets a week off before it faces the Irish, but would need to knock off West Virginia in Norman and beat Tulsa on the road to be undefeated. If Notre Dame survives, too, both teams might be in the top 10 when this game kicks off.
Hard to beat a matchup between two top 10 teams on any ultimate road trip relating to college football. There are only so many of those games. Let's hope this is one of them.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's how the Week 5 schedule in the Big 12 looks:
- Iowa State at Tulsa
- TCU vs. SMU
- Oklahoma State at West Virginia
- Oklahoma at Notre Dame
A lot of good games this week in the Big 12, but this one has no competition. Notre Dame should be salty once again, less than a year after knocking off the Sooners in Norman to keep its run to the national title game rolling. Colleague Mark Schlabach has Notre Dame at No. 9 in his Too-Early top 25, but this matchup is all about the ambience.
The Irish have tough matchups against Michigan and Michigan State before hosting the Sooners. As someone who's been to the storied stadium in South Bend only once on a random July morning, I'd love to take a trip north and see a game at Notre Dame Stadium for the first time. The history there is palpable, and getting to experience it in person would certainly be special.
It'll be a heck of a game, too. Oklahoma gets a week off before it faces the Irish, but would need to knock off West Virginia in Norman and beat Tulsa on the road to be undefeated. If Notre Dame survives, too, both teams might be in the top 10 when this game kicks off.
Hard to beat a matchup between two top 10 teams on any ultimate road trip relating to college football. There are only so many of those games. Let's hope this is one of them.
We're continuing our march across Big 12 country with your dream trek for 2013. Want to see the best of the best in the Big 12 this season? Come along with us.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be each week of the season. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 4 schedule in the Big 12:
My pick: Kansas State at Texas
No question about this one. First off, it's the lone Big 12 game of the week, but it'll also be my first look at the Longhorns, who have a lot to prove in a season that feels a whole lot like "Big 12 title or bust" for the less patient among the burnt orange supporters.
Last year's game was entertaining, but the Wildcats stretched their record against Texas to 7-2 all time in Big 12 play, a streak that even included the Ron Prince Era, so don't solely blame Bill Snyder's wizardry. After three games it should win handily, the trip to Austin to face the Longhorns will be the first real test for the reigning Big 12 champs, the first time it'll take the field not as a heavy favorite.
As for Texas, it needs quality wins to win the league and needs to prove it truly has a team that can contend for a championship, and winning this game would be a solid step in doing so. The Longhorns will be much more tested than K-State at this point in the season after a trip to BYU and hosting an upstart Ole Miss team. Those are two very losable games, but they're also wins that would give Texas one of the best nonconference résumés in the Big 12 and in the nation this early in the season.
A win over Kansas State would validate that résumé and give Texas a really good win heading into the thick of Big 12 play.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be each week of the season. Circumstances change as games happen, of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 4 schedule in the Big 12:
- Texas Tech vs. Texas State
- Kansas vs. Louisiana Tech
- West Virginia vs. Maryland in Baltimore, Md.
- Kansas State at Texas
- Baylor vs. Louisiana-Monroe
My pick: Kansas State at Texas
No question about this one. First off, it's the lone Big 12 game of the week, but it'll also be my first look at the Longhorns, who have a lot to prove in a season that feels a whole lot like "Big 12 title or bust" for the less patient among the burnt orange supporters.
Last year's game was entertaining, but the Wildcats stretched their record against Texas to 7-2 all time in Big 12 play, a streak that even included the Ron Prince Era, so don't solely blame Bill Snyder's wizardry. After three games it should win handily, the trip to Austin to face the Longhorns will be the first real test for the reigning Big 12 champs, the first time it'll take the field not as a heavy favorite.
As for Texas, it needs quality wins to win the league and needs to prove it truly has a team that can contend for a championship, and winning this game would be a solid step in doing so. The Longhorns will be much more tested than K-State at this point in the season after a trip to BYU and hosting an upstart Ole Miss team. Those are two very losable games, but they're also wins that would give Texas one of the best nonconference résumés in the Big 12 and in the nation this early in the season.
A win over Kansas State would validate that résumé and give Texas a really good win heading into the thick of Big 12 play.
We're continuing our march across Big 12 country with your dream trek for 2013. Want to see the best of the best in the Big 12 this season? Come along with us.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be each week of the season. Circumstances change as games happen of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 3 schedule in the Big 12:
What a great week of games in Week 3 in the Big 12. I hate missing out on what could be another classic in Ames, Iowa, with a fantastic atmosphere, and I'd love to see Texas take on Ole Miss' headline-making recruiting class early on in its career. I've done two games in one week a few times before, and this week might be a good time to do it, following up on my first pick with a trip north to Ames to see a great in-state rivalry.
If we're picking one game, though, I've got to go with a great Big 12 rivalry that's picked right back up where it left off when TCU joined the Big 12 last season. There's no love lost between these two programs, and they played a classic a year ago, with Seth Doege clinching the triple-overtime win with his seventh touchdown pass of the game. These should be two great teams with a ton to prove in this game, but depending on how TCU's game with LSU goes, the onus might be on Tech a bit more in this one.
TCU could re-establish itself as a Big 12 front-runner with a solid win in Lubbock if it loses the Cowboys Stadium opener, but the impact of the win over Tech would be lessened a bit if the Frogs knock off LSU in the season opener.
Tech, meanwhile, will be completely untested before this game. If TCU beats LSU in the opener, this one will be gigantic. TCU might be as high as a top-five team, but even with a loss, the Frogs are likely to be a top-20 team while Tech is probably just outside the Top 25. The Kliff Kingsbury era would get a huge start with a win over the Frogs, who many (yours truly included) consider one of the Big 12 title favorites.
Tech fans can create some of the best atmospheres in the entire Big 12, and you can believe they'll have a ton of energy in this one for the first big test for Kingsbury and the Red Raiders. I'd love to be there to see it.
Honorable mention: Iowa State vs. Iowa, Texas vs. Ole Miss
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be each week of the season. Circumstances change as games happen of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 3 schedule in the Big 12:
- TCU at Texas Tech (Thursday)
- Oklahoma State vs. Lamar
- Iowa State vs. Iowa
- Texas vs. Ole Miss
- Kansas State vs. UMass
- Oklahoma vs. Tulsa
- Kansas at Rice
- West Virginia vs. Georgia State
What a great week of games in Week 3 in the Big 12. I hate missing out on what could be another classic in Ames, Iowa, with a fantastic atmosphere, and I'd love to see Texas take on Ole Miss' headline-making recruiting class early on in its career. I've done two games in one week a few times before, and this week might be a good time to do it, following up on my first pick with a trip north to Ames to see a great in-state rivalry.
If we're picking one game, though, I've got to go with a great Big 12 rivalry that's picked right back up where it left off when TCU joined the Big 12 last season. There's no love lost between these two programs, and they played a classic a year ago, with Seth Doege clinching the triple-overtime win with his seventh touchdown pass of the game. These should be two great teams with a ton to prove in this game, but depending on how TCU's game with LSU goes, the onus might be on Tech a bit more in this one.
TCU could re-establish itself as a Big 12 front-runner with a solid win in Lubbock if it loses the Cowboys Stadium opener, but the impact of the win over Tech would be lessened a bit if the Frogs knock off LSU in the season opener.
Tech, meanwhile, will be completely untested before this game. If TCU beats LSU in the opener, this one will be gigantic. TCU might be as high as a top-five team, but even with a loss, the Frogs are likely to be a top-20 team while Tech is probably just outside the Top 25. The Kliff Kingsbury era would get a huge start with a win over the Frogs, who many (yours truly included) consider one of the Big 12 title favorites.
Tech fans can create some of the best atmospheres in the entire Big 12, and you can believe they'll have a ton of energy in this one for the first big test for Kingsbury and the Red Raiders. I'd love to be there to see it.
Honorable mention: Iowa State vs. Iowa, Texas vs. Ole Miss
We're continuing our march across Big 12 country with your dream trek for 2013. Want to see the best of the best in the Big 12 this season? Come along with us.
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be each week of the season. Circumstances change as games happen of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 2 schedule in the Big 12:
No contest here. I love early-season conference games that break up the monotony of terrible nonconference blowouts, which we'll see plenty of elsewhere in the league this week in 2013. West Virginia is in position to struggle a bit this season, and even Oklahoma looks like it may be somewhat average by Sooners standards this season, but there's no competition for conference play, even when teams elsewhere in the league play teams who could compete in a major conference.
These two teams played a classic a year ago, but they both have a little to prove in this game. A win for West Virginia would be monumental and give plenty of reason for optimism and shifted expectations for the Mountaineers, who can't feel great about coming into Year 2 in the Big 12 with a still-leaky defense and an offense that lost three of the five best players in the Big 12 from last year.
It'll be the first of many big games for two new quarterbacks in Oklahoma's Blake Bell and either Paul Millard or Ford Childress, and Oklahoma could make a statement with a blowout.
On the flip side, a close loss for West Virginia might be reason for encouragement, too. Either way, in a month usually devoid of quality matchups for the Big 12, the Mountaineers' trip to Norman will be a welcome break from the usual boredom of September.
Honorable mention: Texas at BYU
We don't make the final decisions about where we spend our fall Saturdays, but I'm walking week by week through the 2013 season and forecasting where I'd like to be each week of the season. Circumstances change as games happen of course, but here's how I'd project the season. Road nonconference games count. Let's move on with the next week.
More 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip.
Here's the Week 2 schedule in the Big 12:
- Texas San-Antonio vs. Oklahoma State at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
- Southeastern Louisiana vs. TCU
- Baylor vs. Buffalo
- Kansas State vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
- West Virginia at Oklahoma
- Texas Tech vs. Stephen F. Austin
- Kansas vs. South Dakota
- Texas at BYU
No contest here. I love early-season conference games that break up the monotony of terrible nonconference blowouts, which we'll see plenty of elsewhere in the league this week in 2013. West Virginia is in position to struggle a bit this season, and even Oklahoma looks like it may be somewhat average by Sooners standards this season, but there's no competition for conference play, even when teams elsewhere in the league play teams who could compete in a major conference.
These two teams played a classic a year ago, but they both have a little to prove in this game. A win for West Virginia would be monumental and give plenty of reason for optimism and shifted expectations for the Mountaineers, who can't feel great about coming into Year 2 in the Big 12 with a still-leaky defense and an offense that lost three of the five best players in the Big 12 from last year.
It'll be the first of many big games for two new quarterbacks in Oklahoma's Blake Bell and either Paul Millard or Ford Childress, and Oklahoma could make a statement with a blowout.
On the flip side, a close loss for West Virginia might be reason for encouragement, too. Either way, in a month usually devoid of quality matchups for the Big 12, the Mountaineers' trip to Norman will be a welcome break from the usual boredom of September.
Honorable mention: Texas at BYU
The 2013 Ultimate Big 12 Road Trip: Week 1
March, 26, 2013
Mar 26
11:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
We kicked this off last year for the first time ever, and you, the readers, loved it. Let's try again for 2013. Imagine for a second that yours truly made all the decisions about where the Big 12 Blog would be posted up each week.
I don't make the call, and circumstances change each season as games are played (who would have thought I'd be at Kansas State/Baylor instead of Oklahoma/West Virginia on Nov. 17, 2012), but right now, this is how it'd look if it were up to me. I'll include road nonconference games, too.
Let's get started.
Here's the Big 12's Week 1 slate in 2013:
My pick: TCU vs. LSU at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas
There's really no contest here, even though Oklahoma State and Mississippi State is a solid game in its own right. TCU and LSU carry on the tradition of great season openers in Cowboys Stadium. We saw Alabama and Michigan last year, a season after LSU dispatched Oregon easily on the way to an undefeated regular season.
Might TCU or LSU launch a similarly impressive campaign with a win here? The Big 12 and SEC matched up just twice last season, and every time the two best leagues in college football get together, plenty of bragging rights are on the line. Texas blew out Ole Miss in Oxford last season before SEC newbie Texas A&M thrashed Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl.
Consider this the next chapter in that rivalry that's been a bit one-sided of late. The atmosphere should be solid, but it'll be interesting to see the distribution of fans in the stadium. TCU has proximity, but a small fan base and an LSU contingent that loves to travel (and packed the house for the 2011 Cotton Bowl and the win vs. Oregon) could mean a homefield advantage against the Frogs.
The Big 12's had a pretty weak first weekend the past few seasons, but that's absolutely not the case in 2013. That's a welcome development.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma State vs. Mississippi State, Texas Tech at SMU
I don't make the call, and circumstances change each season as games are played (who would have thought I'd be at Kansas State/Baylor instead of Oklahoma/West Virginia on Nov. 17, 2012), but right now, this is how it'd look if it were up to me. I'll include road nonconference games, too.
Let's get started.
Here's the Big 12's Week 1 slate in 2013:
- Kansas State vs. North Dakota State
- West Virginia vs. William and Mary
- Iowa State vs. Northern Iowa
- TCU vs. LSU at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas
- Oklahoma vs. Louisiana-Monroe
- Baylor vs. Wofford
- Oklahoma State vs. Mississippi State at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas
- Texas vs. New Mexico State
- Texas Tech at Southern Methodist
My pick: TCU vs. LSU at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas
There's really no contest here, even though Oklahoma State and Mississippi State is a solid game in its own right. TCU and LSU carry on the tradition of great season openers in Cowboys Stadium. We saw Alabama and Michigan last year, a season after LSU dispatched Oregon easily on the way to an undefeated regular season.
Might TCU or LSU launch a similarly impressive campaign with a win here? The Big 12 and SEC matched up just twice last season, and every time the two best leagues in college football get together, plenty of bragging rights are on the line. Texas blew out Ole Miss in Oxford last season before SEC newbie Texas A&M thrashed Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl.
Consider this the next chapter in that rivalry that's been a bit one-sided of late. The atmosphere should be solid, but it'll be interesting to see the distribution of fans in the stadium. TCU has proximity, but a small fan base and an LSU contingent that loves to travel (and packed the house for the 2011 Cotton Bowl and the win vs. Oregon) could mean a homefield advantage against the Frogs.
The Big 12's had a pretty weak first weekend the past few seasons, but that's absolutely not the case in 2013. That's a welcome development.
Honorable mention: Oklahoma State vs. Mississippi State, Texas Tech at SMU
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ubben
Ubben joined ESPN.com in March 2010 after covering Big 12 football for two seasons at the Columbia Missourian and The Oklahoman. Ubben, a native of Springdale, Ark., lives in Dallas.
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