The Big 12 Primer: Week 5

September, 26, 2012
9/26/12
4:00
PM CT

My predictions will be up, as always, first thing tomorrow morning. For now, though, here's your look at when and where you can find this weekend's game, along with a few brief thoughts.

Let's hear your predictions in the comments (all times ET):

No. 7 Kansas State, Kansas and No. 16 Oklahoma are all off this week.

Baylor at No. 9 West Virginia (noon, FX): Prepare for a shootout? These two squads have played decent nonconference schedules compared to the rest of the Big 12 and combine to average 98 points a game. The Big 12's two best receiving corps go head to head, and quarterbacks Nick Florence (Baylor) and Geno Smith (West Virginia) are more than qualified to let the pass-catchers shine here. Keep an eye on Terrance Williams and Tevin Reese for Baylor, but WVU's Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey are even better. West Virginia's first-ever Big 12 game should be a fun one, and Morgantown will be hopping all weekend.

No. 15 TCU at SMU (7 p.m., Fox Sports Net): The Battle for the Iron Skillet has never had any Big 12 relevance until now. The old Southwest Conference rivalry is renewed in Dallas for the first time since the Frogs nabbed a coveted spot in the Texas-based BCS league. SMU brings the bragging rights into this one, though. The Mustangs upset TCU in Fort Worth last season, but this year, June Jones' squad has been blown out by two other old Southwest Conference rivals: Baylor and Texas A&M.

Texas Tech at Iowa State (7 p.m., Fox College Sports): Last week, the teacher (Bill Snyder) got the best of his pupil (Bob Stoops) for just the second time ever when K-State beat Oklahoma. This week, Tommy Tuberville will try to duplicate Snyder's feat and beat his former defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads for the first time as Texas Tech coach. The Red Raiders are leading the nation in total defense after finishing 114th in 2011. How long can they keep it up? We'll find out as conference play starts for the Red Raiders.

No. 12 Texas at Oklahoma State (7:30 p.m., FOX): Oklahoma State has beaten Texas in Stillwater just once in the school's history, and Texas went 4-7 that year (1997). The Cowboys host Texas after beating the Horns in Austin in 2010 and 2011, but all eyes will be on Oklahoma State's starting quarterback, whoever it is. Wes Lunt's knee is mobile again, but is he healthy enough to reclaim his status as starter? J.W. Walsh showed he was capable when he came in for Lunt in a win over Louisiana-Lafayette. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State's defense will get a test from an improving, balanced Texas offense.

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