Big 12 Non-Conference Games to Watch This Fall

Not sure which non-conference games you need to circle on your calendars this fall? Don’t worry. The five following games are match-ups you definitely won’t want to miss:

Missouri vs. Illinois, Aug. 30 7:30 PM CT at Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis

Missouri and Illinois finally renewed their Arch Rivalry series last season after taking a four year break, and the two teams did not disappoint. After the Tigers built a 37-13 lead late in the third quarter, the Illini stormed back and nearly pulled off a shocking comeback. Thanks to an interception by safety Pig Brown to seal the game in the final minute, Mizzou escaped with a 40-34 win. This year’s Arch Rivalry game could produce the same type of drama. Although the Illini won’t be able to completely stop Mizzou’s high-powered offense, their best bet is to control the clock with their outstanding rushing game. In the end, this is Missouri’s game to lose, but Illinois has the ability to put a severe dent in the Tigers’ title hopes early on.

Kansas at South Florida, Sep. 12 7:00 PM CT

As impressive as Kansas’ 12-1 season was, the Jayhawks inflated their record with an extremely weak non-conference schedule. In 2008, Kansas will face a formidable Big East opponent in South Florida, who started 6-0 last year but collapsed down the stretch. Although the Bulls couldn’t capitalize on their hot start, they will provide the Jayhawks with a tough early-season test. The outcome of this game will give us some clues about both teams. Were Kansas’ and South Florida’s performances in 2007 flukes, or will the two programs continue to improve?

Colorado vs. West Virginia, Sep. 18 7:30 PM CT

Dan Hawkins enjoyed modest success in his second season at Colorado, which resulted in a trip to the Independence Bowl and a 6-7 overall record. Even though the Buffaloes couldn’t come away with a win, they did take a positive step after finish 2-10 in Hawkins’ first season. With an improving program, Colorado could be a team to watch in 2008. We’ll get to find out right away just how dangerous they could be as the Buffs will take on West Virginia in mid-September. Even with the loss of head coach Rich Rodriguez and running back Steve Slaton, the Mountaineers should compete for a BCS bowl berth. Colorado beat Oklahoma at home last season, so if West Virginia takes the Buffs lightly, it may be next upset victim to fall in Boulder.

> Check out the 2008 Missouri Tigers football preview along with the Kansas Jayhawks 2008 preview online at College Sports Fans!

Nebraska vs. Virginia Tech Sep. 27 TBA

Nebraska football hit rock bottom last season, as the Cornhuskers not only finished with a 2-6 mark in the Big 12, but also lost by 30 points or more in four games. Bill Callahan was immediately canned following last year’s disaster, so now it’s Bo Pelini’s turn to turn things around in Lincoln. With a new coaching staff and a pretty talented roster, Nebraska could sneak up on Virginia Tech, who will be in the mix for an ACC title. The Hokies will obviously enter the game as the heavy favorites, but don’t count out the Huskers, which has a dangerous offense and a defense that may improve under Pelini’s new staff.

> Find Nebraska football apparel as well as Colorado football hats & merchandise online through Big 12 Fans.

 

Oklahoma vs. Cincinnati Sep. 6 2:30 PM CT

Oklahoma suffered a lot of personnel losses, especially on defense, so the Sooners may not be the team to beat in the Big 12 anymore. After finishing with a surprising mark of 11-3 last season, Cincinnati’s program is on the rise. The Bearcats also lost some key players from last season, however, included quarterback Ben Mauk and defensive end Anthony Hoke. Cincy will most likely regress a bit in 2008, but that doesn’t mean it can’t give Oklahoma a scare.

By Daniel Spewak
Big 12 Fans Missouri Correspondent