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The Big 12 currently ranks No. 2 in ESPN.com's conference power rankings, trailing only the SEC (and the gap is shrinking). As the Big 12 enters the home stretch of nonconference action it's important not to lose any momentum. Or risk opening the door to disappointment, yet again, when the College Football Playoff bracket is released.
Yet, that momentum largely falls on the shoulders of teams not expected to be in the College Football Playoff fight. Texas Tech travels to Arkansas and Texas hosts California on Saturday, clear opportunities for both teams and the conference as a whole. After a 2-5 bowl season which saw the Big 12 disappoint a year ago, capturing unexpected nonconference wins could be the key to the league cementing a spot on college football's grandest stage.
Texas is a home underdog against Cal (44.2 projected win percentage) and Texas Tech is projected to fall at Arkansas (29.6 projected win percentage). A win in either game could do wonders.
"There's no doubt this will be our biggest test," said Texas Tech's Kliff Kingsbury, whose team has wins over Sam Houston State and UTEP to open the year. "It's such a step up in competition."
Yet, that momentum largely falls on the shoulders of teams not expected to be in the College Football Playoff fight. Texas Tech travels to Arkansas and Texas hosts California on Saturday, clear opportunities for both teams and the conference as a whole. After a 2-5 bowl season which saw the Big 12 disappoint a year ago, capturing unexpected nonconference wins could be the key to the league cementing a spot on college football's grandest stage.
Texas is a home underdog against Cal (44.2 projected win percentage) and Texas Tech is projected to fall at Arkansas (29.6 projected win percentage). A win in either game could do wonders.
"There's no doubt this will be our biggest test," said Texas Tech's Kliff Kingsbury, whose team has wins over Sam Houston State and UTEP to open the year. "It's such a step up in competition."
