What nonconference games can resurrect the reputation of the Big 12 in 2016? My top 10 most important nonconference games this year. Opinions welcome.
#10 OSU @ Pitt Cowboys easily go 3-0 in nonconference.
# 9 UT @ Cal Losing to both ND and Cal could lead to 6 or 7 losses and Strong's demise.
# 8 Iowa @ ISU Would be great to see ISU pull a big upset and win the state.
# 7 WVU @ Missouri Any time the Big 12 beats the SEC is a good day in my book.
# 6 Tech @ ASU The key game to a possible 6-0 start.
# 5 Ark @ TCU Defensive struggle will show how strong the Toads really are. Another Big 12/SEC
# 4 KSU @ Stanford Anything but a total rout would be a success.
# 3 OU @ UH Cougs will start as a top 15 team. A must win for Bowl Championship bid at year end.
# 2 Notre Dame @ UT Will Buechel be ready and can they get revenge for last year's slaughter? Hope so.
# 1 Ohio State @ OU Win here and over UH would easily put them at #1 in the nation. I hate the Buckeyes
I dislike UT immensely but would love a Horn win over ND for the conference. Not sure this is the year for them to schedule ND, UTEP, and Cal. UT could easily lose 2. UTEP can make their season with a win. Scheduled between ND and Cal, if Buechel isn't ready, the Miners might. Opening conference at OSU and the Red River Shootout could leave UT at 1-4. OUCH.
OU was probably looking at UH as a walkover but its anything but that now. This is UH's game of the decade and they'll be ready to show they're good enough for the Big 12. Facing Ohio State 2 weeks later is tough. Two wins and OU will become #1. But... there is a distinct possibility of them losing 2 and out of the national picture in the first 3 weeks. Huge games for the Big 12.
ASU is a huge game for Tech. A win could vault Tech to a 6-0 start, top 15 ranking, and make a 9 win season a definite possibility.
#10 OSU @ Pitt Cowboys easily go 3-0 in nonconference.
# 9 UT @ Cal Losing to both ND and Cal could lead to 6 or 7 losses and Strong's demise.
# 8 Iowa @ ISU Would be great to see ISU pull a big upset and win the state.
# 7 WVU @ Missouri Any time the Big 12 beats the SEC is a good day in my book.
# 6 Tech @ ASU The key game to a possible 6-0 start.
# 5 Ark @ TCU Defensive struggle will show how strong the Toads really are. Another Big 12/SEC
# 4 KSU @ Stanford Anything but a total rout would be a success.
# 3 OU @ UH Cougs will start as a top 15 team. A must win for Bowl Championship bid at year end.
# 2 Notre Dame @ UT Will Buechel be ready and can they get revenge for last year's slaughter? Hope so.
# 1 Ohio State @ OU Win here and over UH would easily put them at #1 in the nation. I hate the Buckeyes
I dislike UT immensely but would love a Horn win over ND for the conference. Not sure this is the year for them to schedule ND, UTEP, and Cal. UT could easily lose 2. UTEP can make their season with a win. Scheduled between ND and Cal, if Buechel isn't ready, the Miners might. Opening conference at OSU and the Red River Shootout could leave UT at 1-4. OUCH.
OU was probably looking at UH as a walkover but its anything but that now. This is UH's game of the decade and they'll be ready to show they're good enough for the Big 12. Facing Ohio State 2 weeks later is tough. Two wins and OU will become #1. But... there is a distinct possibility of them losing 2 and out of the national picture in the first 3 weeks. Huge games for the Big 12.
ASU is a huge game for Tech. A win could vault Tech to a 6-0 start, top 15 ranking, and make a 9 win season a definite possibility.
