Big 12 Week 2 Matchups and Predictions

This week almost kicks off conference play. Though Baylor and Utah play, it is not a conference matchup.

Aug 29, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) warms up before the game against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images / Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Week 2 of college football has arrived, and this week, the Big 12 plays eight games against Power 4 opponents.

There is no conference game this week, even though Baylor and #11 Utah play each other.

Both the Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati and the Texas Tech vs. Washington State games have a 2-point spread, which is the closest in any of the Big 12’s matchups. The largest spread of any game is Arizona hosting North Arizona, where Arizona is a 44.5-point favorite.

Big 12 Week 2 Games and Predictions

All times listed are Central Time.

BYU at SMU

Friday, 6:00 p.m., ESPN2

The Mustangs play their first game against a Power 4 opponent this week, and this should be a good game to gauge where they stand. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is coming off the best game of his career and hopes to continue his success against SMU’s stout defense. SMU opened as a 9.5-point favorite and will look to keep the fiery momentum from the last game.

Pick: SMU

Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati

Saturday, 11:00 a.m., ESPN2

This game is going to be very close. It really could go either way. I have more faith in Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi and quarterback Eli Holstein. Both teams had decisive wins last week and will push each other to their limits.

Pick: Pittsburgh

Arkansas vs. #16 Oklahoma State

Saturday, 11:00 a.m., ABC

Both teams looked great last week. Arkansas scored a touchdown on every drive, and OSU beat the defending FCS national champions. This is going to be a close game, and it will come down to how many stops each defense can have against each team's explosive offenses. Oklahoma State will pull away and win.

Pick: Oklahoma State

#17 Kansas State at Tulane

Saturday, 11:00 a.m., ESPN

Kansas State is playing at Tulane after each team came off a dominant victory last week. KSU’s physical defensive trench gameplay will make this game challenging for Tulane's offense. Kansas State opens as 10.5 point-favorites over Tulane and should win this game. Tulane’s new head coach, John Sumrall, made a statement by winning last week by 52. Kansas State will win this game.

Pick: Kansas State

Iowa State vs. #21 Iowa

Saturday, 2:30 p.m., CBS

The Cy-Hawk Showdown is here! The Hawkeyes offense looked great during week 1 of the season. New transfer quarterback Cade McNamara ran the offense very well. Iowa State looked good last week and will keep this game interesting.

Pick: Iowa State

Baylor vs. #11 Utah

Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Fox

Yikes! Utah is coming off an excellent performance, reminding the country of their skill when Cam Rising is healthy. Rising through five touchdowns in the first half last week. The Utes are going to beat the Bears badly. This game was on the schedule before conference realignment and is a nonconference game between two Big 12 teams.

Pick: Utah

Albany vs. West Virginia

Saturday, 5:00 p.m., ESPN+

The Mountaineers played Penn State last week and were crushed. West Virginia will take care of business this week and win handily.

Pick: West Virginia

Sam Houston vs. UCF

Saturday, 5:30 p.m., ESPN+

UCF is coming off a win against New Hampshire, and quarterback K.J. Jefferson looked rather unimpressive. Running backs R.J. Harvey and Penny Boone should physically crush Sam Houston. The Knights should beat the Bearcats.

Pick: UCF

#19 Kansas vs. Illinois

Saturday, 6:00 p.m., FS1

This is Jalon Daniels's first test of the year. Illinois's defense looked tough against Eastern Illinois. The Fighting Illini are led by quarterback Luke Altmyer, who transferred from Ole Miss in the offseason. He performed well last week and should make this a good game. Kansas should win this game due to the gap in talent and explosiveness.

Pick: Kansas

Colorado vs. Nebraska

Saturday, 6:30 p.m., NBC and Peacock

Last week, Colorado had a close win over North Dakota State and looks to keep moving forward. Nebraska’s first-year quarterback Dylan Raiola looked great last week and is giving hope to their fans. Nebraska will win this game and set the pace early on.

Pick: Nebraska

Houston vs. #15 Oklahoma

Saturday, 6:45 p.m., SEC Network

Houston is coming off a terrible loss to UNLV and hopes to improve on last week. Oklahoma is going to blow out the Cougars in Norman. Houston just needs to play to improve; this will not be a close game at all.

Pick: Oklahoma

Long Island State vs. TCU

Saturday, 7:00 p.m., ESPN+

TCU is coming off a solid win at Stanford and looks to improve on last week. The team had many drops, fumbles, and penalties, so this should be a sign of what is to come for the year if it continues. TCU should win this game easily.

Pick: TCU

North Arizona vs. #20 Arizona

Saturday, 9:00 p.m., ESPN+

Arizona’s offense looked fantastic, while the defense leaves much to be desired. Quarterback Noah Fifita looked great last year with receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who had over 300 receiving yards. Arizona is favored by 46.5 points and should win this game.

Pick: Arizona

Texas Tech vs. Washington State

Saturday, 9:00 p.m., FOX

To honor Mike Leach, Washington State is placing him in its Hall of Fame before the game. Leach coached at both schools and is credited with popularizing the air raid offense. This is the first season Washington State is playing after the dissolution of the Pac 12. This game is going to be a Mike Leach-esque shootout, and I think the Red Raiders will win.

Pick: Texas Tech

Mississippi State vs. Arizona State

Saturday, 9:30 p.m., CBS

Arizona State thumped Wyoming 48-7 last week and is showing signs of a potent offense. Quarterbacks Sam Leavitt and Blake Shapen played well last week and should make for a good duel this week. ASU should win this game, but it will not be easy.

Pick: Arizona State

If you are counting after all that, I have the Big 12 going 11-5 in Week Two.