Ranking all 15 Big 12 Conference football games in Week 2 – Pacific Daily News
TCU gets a week of rest after it trounced Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels, leaving the conference with 15 games. Here are all 15 games ranked from least to most intriguing.
All games are scheduled for Saturday, September 6, and all times are Mountain Time.
15. Utah vs. Cal Poly
4:00 p.m., ESPN+
I covered Big Sky Conference football for two years in college, so you can trust me when I say Cal Poly is not a quality FCS opponent for Utah. The Utes‘ new offense looks to be the best they’ve had in years, rolling through UCLA with ease in their opener. Devon Dampier makes his debut in Rice-Eccles Stadium in what should be a blowout.
14. UCF vs. North Carolina A&T
An equally poor FCS competitor, who went 1-11 last year, presents an opportunity for the Knights to get back on the right track after a scare against Jacksonville State. UCF started slow last week, scoring its first points late in the third quarter. They cannot afford that kind of sluggishness, but should still handle the Aggies with ease.
13. Arizona vs. Weber State
8:00 p.m., ESPN+
I put Arizona on upset alert against Hawaii last week, and the Wildcats made me look a fool for doing so. A 40-6 win over the Rainbow Warriors on the back of a potent rushing attack from Quincy Craig is exactly what the doctor ordered for Arizona. Weber State is a better Big Sky foe for Arizona, but if they looked like they did in week 1, this will be an easy victory.
12. Texas Tech vs. Kent State
10:00 a.m., TNT, truTV and HBO Max
No. 23 Texas Tech should open a bakery with all the cupcakes on the schedule to start 2025. The Red Raiders posted a 60-point win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff last week, and I envision a future where they achieve a similar result against Kent State. While the Golden Flashes are coming off their first win in a calendar year, they don’t have much of a chance in this one.
12. Colorado vs. Delaware
1:30 p.m., Fox
Colorado needs a bounce back after how their season opener ended, and they land softly into the arms of a team in its FBS infancy. While Delaware handled business last week against their in-state rivals, it wasn’t a blowout. The Blue Hens can keep this game close early, but Colorado’s talent in the trenches will be too much. The only reason non-Colorado fans might want to tune into this one is to see true freshman Julian Lewis’ debut, but with uncertainty around how much he’ll play, even that can only boost this game so high.
10. Kansas State vs. Army
5:00 p.m., ESPN
Kansas State is off to a turbulent start to the year, which should improve facing an Army team that just lost to FCS opponent Tarleton State. The Wildcats themselves nearly fell victim to their FCS matchup against North Dakota, but Army looks to be far worse than the Fighting Hawks squad that pushed Kansas State to the brink. The silver and purple should get back on track with an easy win, but that’s what I said last week as well.
5:00 p.m. ESPN+
Houston served up a shoutout of Stephen F. Austin (FCS) in their opener, but things get a little more interesting against in-state foe Rice. The Owls come off a close win over a Louisiana that many considered a Group of 6 playoff contender, so this has all the makings of a solid game. While there will be good football to be had, the battle doesn’t present much intrigue at the top of the conference or college football world.
1:30 p.m., ESPN+
Cincinnati impressed, but fell just short to Nebraska at Arrowhead Stadium last week. Now hosting Bowling Green, they have a solid chance to respond against a lesser opponent. The Falcons looked okay in their week one victory over Lafayette, but the Bearcats boast much more talent than the Leopards. Cincinnati should handle Bowling Green with ease, but some factors lead me to believe this one will be closer than on paper.
7. West Virginia at Ohio
2:00 p.m., ESPNU
Yes, you read that right, West Virginia is going to Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio, to face the Bobcats. Sickos will enjoy seeing West Virginia in that classic MAC venue, and the Bobcats played a Power 4 team, Rutgers, incredibly close on the road last week. While the game lacks overall stakes, this should be an enjoyable shootout and a fun game to look back on in 10 years.
5:30 p.m., ESPN2
The first Power 4 matchup on this list marks the true beginning of No. 10 Arizona State’s Big 12 title defense. Mississippi State struggled to pull away from a renovated Southern Miss team, and it doesn’t bode well for their chances against Arizona State. The Sun Devils are heading into an SEC environment that can disrupt a new offense focused on passing, but they should have no problem handling the Bulldogs.
5. BYU vs. Stanford
8:15 p.m., ESPN
Bear Bachmeier faces his first game against real competition when the team he initially committed to, the Stanford Cardinal, comes to Provo. While the true freshman did the right things against Portland State, this game will give viewers a glimpse into whether or not BYU will be a true Big 12 contender this year.
4. Oklahoma State at Oregon
1:30 p.m., CBS
A very unique matchup sees the Cowboys visiting Autzen Stadium for a matchup that might have been generational just a couple of years ago. Oklahoma State’s defense showed enough talent in their opener, where you could talk yourself into a close game in this one. Oregon destroyed an FCS contender, Montana State, and is projected to rout Oklahoma State as well, but this one could get interesting for the No. 5 team in the nation.
10:00 a.m., The CW Network
Baylor put up a disappointing performance in their opening loss to Auburn, and their schedule doesn’t get any easier with a trip to No. 16 SMU on deck. The Mustangs were a playoff team last year, but they left with a lot to prove about their program. Expect a fired-up SMU team looking for its first real win of 2025. However, if the Bears play up to their preseason potential and do a better job at stopping the run, there’s upset potential brewing in University Park.
2. Kansas at Missouri
1:30 p.m., ESPN2
The Border War couldn’t have been brought back at a better time, in the first iteration of the rivalry since 2011, both teams are receiving votes, and in the conference title race. Kansas has looked excellent, with Jalon Daniels playing near-perfect football to begin 2025, a promising start for a Jayhawks team that found their footing at the end of last year. Expect a challenging, grind-it-out rivalry game filled with animosity, which is what college football is all about.
10:00 a.m., Fox
Unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, truly a tale as old as time. The No. 18 Cyclones roll into the 72nd Cy-Hawk game looking like the favorites to win the Big 12 behind quarterback Rocco Becht. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes are out for revenge after a loss last season and debuting a new offense that posted 34 points against the University of Albany (FCS) last week. That sets up for a matchup that cannot disappoint, no matter the outcome.
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Big 12 Football Week 2 Preview: Must-See Games, Rivalries, and Upset Alerts
The Big 12 Conference kicked off the 2025 season with a bang, delivering thrilling near-upsets, nail-biting finishes, and a statement blowout of North Carolina by TCU that had the entire college football world watching.
While the non-conference schedule still features some expected mismatches, Week 2 proves that even these games can hold surprises—just ask Kansas State, who barely survived its opener. Add in heated out-of-conference rivalries with higher stakes than ever, and this weekend’s slate is a treat for any Big 12 fan.
With TCU on a bye, the conference has 15 games on Saturday, September 6. We’ve ranked them all from least to most intriguing.
All times listed are Mountain Time.
The Tune-Up Games: Expected Blowouts
These matchups offer teams a chance to refine their strategies before conference play begins in earnest.
15. Utah Utes vs. Cal Poly Mustangs
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4:00 p.m., ESPN+
After effortlessly rolling through UCLA in their opener, Utah’s new offense looks like the best it’s had in years. Cal Poly is not a quality FCS opponent, making this a likely blowout and a perfect debut for quarterback Devon Dampier at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
14. UCF Knights vs. North Carolina A&T Aggies
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5:00 p.m., ESPN+
The Knights seek stability after a sluggish start against Jacksonville State. Facing an Aggies team that went 1-11 last year provides a prime opportunity to get back on track. UCF cannot afford another slow start, but should still win easily.
13. Arizona Wildcats vs. Weber State Wildcats
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8:00 p.m., ESPN+
Arizona made a strong statement with a 40-6 win over Hawaii last week, powered by a potent rushing attack from Quincy Craig. While Weber State is a stronger FCS foe, Arizona should handle business comfortably if they maintain their Week 1 form.
12. Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Kent State Golden Flashes
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10:00 a.m., TNT, truTV, and HBO Max
No. 23 Texas Tech continues its soft opening schedule after a 60-point rout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Despite Kent State snapping a long losing streak last week, they stand little chance against the Red Raiders’ offensive firepower in Lubbock.
Games With a Little More Intrigue
These contests have minor storylines or potential for a competitive quarter or two.
11. Colorado Buffaloes vs. Delaware Blue Hens
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1:30 p.m., Fox
Colorado needs a bounce-back performance after a disappointing end to its opener. New FBS member Delaware presents a soft landing. The main draw? The potential debut of true freshman quarterback Julian Lewis, though his playing time remains uncertain.
10. Kansas State Wildcats vs. Army Black Knights
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5:00 p.m., ESPN
After a shocking scare against North Dakota, Kansas State faces an Army team that just lost to an FCS opponent itself. The Wildcats should get back on track with a win, but their turbulent start makes nothing a guarantee.
9. Houston Cougars vs. Rice Owls
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5:00 p.m., ESPN+
This in-state matchup got more interesting after Rice’s close win over a respected Louisiana team. Houston looked strong in its opener, but the Owls will provide a stiffer test in what should be a solid, if under-the-radar, game.
8. Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Bowling Green Falcons
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1:30 p.m., ESPN+
Cincinnati impressed many in a narrow loss to Nebraska at Arrowhead Stadium. They are heavily favored against a Bowling Green team that looked just okay in its win. This is a prime “get right” game for the Bearcats.
The Must-Watch Contests
This is where the real action is, featuring Power 4 clashes and historic rivalries.
7. West Virginia Mountaineers at Ohio Bobcats
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2:00 p.m., ESPNU
West Virginia traveling to a classic MAC venue is a treat for hardcore fans. Ohio took Rutgers to the wire on the road last week, proving they can compete. This has the makings of a fun, high-scoring shootout.
6. Arizona State Sun Devils at Mississippi State Bulldogs
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5:30 p.m., ESPN2
No. 10 Arizona State begins its Big 12 title defense in a tough SEC environment. Mississippi State struggled with a rebuilt Southern Miss team, which doesn’t bode well for its chances against the Sun Devils’ potent attack.
5. BYU Cougars vs. Stanford Cardinal
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8:15 p.m., ESPN
All eyes will be on true freshman QB Bear Bachmeier as he faces the team he initially committed to. After a smooth debut against an FCS opponent, this game will reveal if BYU is a true contender in the Big 12 this season.
4. Oklahoma State Cowboys at Oregon Ducks
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1:30 p.m., CBS
The Cowboys’ stout defense showed promise in Week 1, which could make this road game against No. 5 Oregon more interesting than projected. The Ducks are heavy favorites, but Oklahoma State has the potential to keep it close.
3. Baylor Bears at SMU Mustangs
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10:00 a.m., The CW Network
Baylor seeks redemption after a disappointing loss to Auburn. The task won’t be easy against No. 16 SMU, a playoff team from a year ago with something to prove. If Baylor’s defense shows up, an upset is possible.
The Main Event: Rivalry Week Kicks Off
Two of the nation’s most passionate rivalries headline the weekend slate.
2. Kansas Jayhawks at Missouri Tigers
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1:30 p.m., ESPN2
The Border War is back for the first time since 2011, and both teams are receiving Top 25 votes. With QB Jalon Daniels playing near-perfect football, Kansas looks like a force. Expect a brutal, grind-it-out game filled with the animosity that makes college football great.
1. Iowa State Cyclones vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
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10:00 a.m., Fox
The Cy-Hawk rivalry is the week’s undeniable top game. No. 18 Iowa State, led by QB Rocco Becht, looks like a Big 12 favorite. Iowa is out for revenge and debuting a new offense that finally showed life. It’s an unstoppable force vs. an immovable object.
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