Betting the Big 12: Week 1

Over the course of the next thirteen or so weeks, I will be guessing the score of every game involving a Big 12 football team. Will I use logic? Maybe. Will I play NCAA Football 13 to determine a winner? Probably at some point. All times listed will be Central Time.

Feel free to join in with your predictions in the comments.

Brody Schmidt / AP

Tulsa @ #20 Oklahoma State | August 31st, 6:30PM - FS1 | Line: -17 OSU

Oklahoma State has a really good football team coming back this season. Mason Rudolph conducts what should be the best Oklahoma State offense since 2011. In another nod to that 2011 team, that was the last time Oklahoma State played Tulsa, winning 59-33 in Tulsa.

Tulsa is undergoing a rebuilding season this year after finishing 10-3 last season. The only returning member of the 3,000-yard passer, two 1,000-yard receivers, and two 1,000-yard rushers club from last season’s Tulsa team is D’Angelo Brewer, part of a deep running backs corps.

Brewer, a 5’9” Tulsa native averaged 119.6 rushing yards a game last year, and having an average carry of 5.4 yards. Oklahoma State as a whole defense last year allowed 193.5 rushing yards a game last year, so if this game is close, that would be thanks to Tulsa’s rushing attack. Watch for freshman quarterback Luke Skipper to make some waves late in the game.

Oklahoma State, on the other hand, has two wide receivers named James Washington and Jalen McCleskey, each of whom are among the best in the country. Look for the duo to pair up with running back Justice Hill. The Cowboys also have two high end safeties in Tre Flowers and Ramon Richards.

Oklahoma State 42 - Tulsa 24

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Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images

Maryland @ #17 Texas | September 2nd, 11AM - FS1 | Line: -17 Texas

Hot take: Maryland will score more points against Texas in this game than in any of the previous three meetings. The most recent meeting between the two teams was the 1978 Sun Bowl. Texas won that game 42-0.

Seeing that Maryland is wearing these later this year, that gives me reason to believe they’ll lose. Also, having to play against Tom Herman AND at Texas gives me reason to believe the Terrapins will be beat.

The Longhorns in this game should have a path to victory as clear as Tom Herman says their urine should be.

Texas 28 - Maryland 6

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Chris Landsberger / The Oklahoman

UTEP @ #4 Oklahoma | September 2nd, 2:30PM - FOX | Line: -44.5 OU

Whoa lad, what a line. Oklahoma by 1,000. That may sound wild and optimistic, but take into account the Miners are the 120th best team in the FBS out of 130. UTEP has an alright O-Line, but they are primed for a not-so-good season. (also yikes, orange on orange uniforms)

This will not be a good game to watch unless you want to relive 2002 horrors of Oklahoma blowing out teams. Obviously I’m talking about their 68-0 win over UTEP that year and not a game that only had a line of 9 points for Oklahoma.

But to glance at Oklahoma, they have Baker Mayfield who is really great at completing passes, hovering near 70% completion rate for his career. The Sooners no longer have Dede Westbrook, but will still win this game handily.

Oklahoma 69 - UTEP 0

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(FCS) #4 Eastern Washington @ Texas Tech | September 2nd, 3PM |

The last time (and only time) the Red Raiders faced the red-turfed Eagles was back in 2008 when Michael Crabtree and company won 49-24 in front of 49,887 people.

Eastern Washington’s 2016 season ended at the hand of receiver Kevin Rader in the FCS Playoffs, and Texas Tech’s season ended when they tried to waltz into Jack Trice Stadium.

Shimonek will lead the Red Raiders to an always potent offense, and there will maybe be some defense? Just kidding. August Fools.

Texas Tech 42 - Eastern Washington 38

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(FCS) Southeast Missouri State @ Kansas | September 2nd, 6PM |

2014 was the last time these two schools faced off, and the Jayhawks escaped with a 34-28 victory over the Redhawks. That same season, they tore down the goalposts after some win, but that’s not important. What is important is that both Kansas and Southeast Missouri State are coming off not ideal seasons. SEMO last year went 3-8 and Kansas went 2-10, but they beat Texas!!

Kansas 17 - Southeast Missouri State 3

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Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

(FCS) Liberty @ Baylor | September 2nd, 6PM - FS2 | Line: -15 Baylor

Matt Rhule is the new coach at the school from Waco after being head coach at Temple since 2013.

I don’t really like talking about Baylor so here’s a prediction.

Baylor 35 - Liberty 21

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(FCS) Central Arkansas @ #20 Kansas State | September 2nd, 6:10PM - ESPN3 |

Central Arkansas went 10-3 last season, finishing second in the Southland Conference. Kansas State went 9-4 including a Texas Bowl win over Texas A&M. Expect Jesse Ertz & Co. to run over the Bears.

Kansas State 49 - Central Arkansas 7

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Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

(FCS) Jackson State @ (RV) TCU | September 2nd, 7PM - FOX |

Jackson State is coming off a 3-8 season with second year head coach Tony Hughes back for some more SWAC football. TCU is coming off an AutoZone Liberty Bowl loss to Georgia, Kenny Hill is back for his senior season at quarterback. TCU should win this game by a healthy margin.

Photo by G. N. Lowrance/Getty Images

Fun Jackson State fact: former Iowa State defensive back LaMarcus Hicks is in his second season as the safeties coach at JSU. Hicks had a pick-6 against Iowa in 2005.

TCU 23 - Jackson State 3

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(FCS) #20 Northern Iowa @ Iowa State | September 2nd, 7PM - Cyclones.TV |

Iowa State has lost four games against Northern Iowa since 1985. Iowa State is trying to outdo their performance from last season, whereas the Panthers are trying their damnedest to make me hate college football. (Spoiler: not happening) ISU has 11 returning starters on offense, and 9 on the defense (according to our 2017 fact book). Hopefully it’s a great time out at Jack Trice Stadium.

Iowa State 35 - Northern Iowa 17

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Joe Sadlek | The Associated Press

#22 West Virginia @ #21 Virginia Tech | September 3rd, 6:30PM - ABC | Line: -4.5 VT

Did you know this is a rivalry game? I didn’t. The winner gets The Black Diamond Trophy, sponsored by Rish Equipment Company, which is a nod to the rich coal heritage these states share. These teams last met in 2005 when the #3 Hokies won 34-17, but our Riot Bros actually lead the all-time series: 28-22-1. This year’s edition will be the first time the game has not been played in either Virginia, because it’ll be played at FedExField (home of the Redskins).

Will Grier will be the QB for West Virginia, but I don’t feel that’s enough for the Mountaineers to win this one.

Virginia Tech 27 - West Virginia 20