They say that road trips are a metaphor for the journey of life. [Cue “Against the Wind”] Well, this season it’s going to be a metaphor for Big 12 teams’ journeys through the 2018 college football season. Each week I’ll be taking a quick trip around the conference, briefly recapping Big 12 games and looking ahead to the following week’s action. Obviously this week there’s only the lookahead, instead of a recap I’ve linked Seth’s Preseason Previews. See ya down the road!

Week 1 Game of the Week:

South Dakota State Jackrabbits @ Iowa State Cyclones

I know there are a couple of other compelling games between two FBS opponents but they have a lot of unknowns with teams looking to answer big questions. I want a game of the week that I think is most likely to produce a fun and exciting watch. The Jackrabbits are a perennial FCS Playoff contender and boasted a prolific offense last season. Their running back-by-committee approach lends itself to continued production despite losing a senior back to graduation, and their senior quarterback shouldn’t miss a step. Iowa State is poised to take a big step forward offensively with nine starters returning. Their defensive play may be the deciding factor, especially in the secondary, in what could be a slug-fest if everyone shows up to play.

Missouri State @ Oklahoma State

Last Week:	Staking the Plains OSU Preseason Preview
Date & Time:	Thursday, August 30 @ 7:00 p.m.
Location:	T. Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK
Television:	FS1
Line:	N/A
All-Time Record:	N/A
Overview & Breakdown:	Missouri State is an FCS team that competes in the Missouri Valley Football Conference with perennial power North Dakota State. The Bears went 3-8 (2-6) in 2017, winning only one road game. Missouri State faced one Power 5 school last season, Missouri, in their season opener and lost 72-43. I understand teams like to get things warmed up, but this is a bad team even by FCS standards. The Cowboys went 10-3 (6-3) last season, closing out with a win over #22 Virginia Tech in the Camping World Bowl. Oklahoma State averaged almost 46 points per game in 2017, scoring more than 50 points five times and going 4-1 in those games. They are returning eight starters on offense and seven on defense and come into the season riding a nine-game winning streak. With running back Justice Hill returning they’ll have a 1,500-yard running back in the backfield, and he’s only a junior. Their offense is potent and I don’t see them slowing down. One of the surprises of camp has been Taylor Cornelius locking up the starting quarterback job. Cornelius is a former walk-on and fifth-year senior but it was assumed Hawai’i graduate transfer and two-year starter Dru Brown would grab the role. The Cowboys also have four-star freshman Spencer Sanders out of Denton Ryan waiting in the wings too. But Cornelius is 6’6″ and 232lbs, quick on his feet, and he has the support of the locker room. It will be interesting to see if he solidifies his role with his play. Biggest Question: The Cowboys have a new defensive coordinator in Jim Knowles and he’ll be implementing an aggressive 4-2-5 that will be a completely new look for Oklahoma State. Knowles has a lot of depth to work with all over the field, but will have a young group in the secondary that will need to grow up quickly in the pass-happy Big 12. If Knowles’s fast-paced defense comes together it could really be fun to watch and a formidable unit for any Big 12 offense to face. My Pick: Obviously, there’s not a lot of hope for the Bears in this contest. Look for the Cowboys to use this one to tune up their offense and get playing time for the lower end of the depth chart. This one certainly won’t be a must-watch game, but it’s always worth a few check-ins just to see how the mullet is looking under the lights.

Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech

Last Week:	Staking the Plains Ole Miss Preseason Preview
Date & Time:	Saturday, September 1 @ 11:00 a.m.
Location:	NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Television:	ESPN
Line:	Texas Tech -2
All-Time Record:	Texas Tech 2-0-3 Ole Miss
Overview & Breakdown:	The Ole Miss Rebels/Black Bears/Landsharks went 6-6 (3-5) in a season with no bowl game. Their season woes were characterized by a 66-3 blowout loss to #1 Alabama. The departure of Hugh Freeze a few days before fall camp definitely hampered this team last year. Due to a self-imposed ban, their win over rival Mississippi State in The Egg Bowl wouldn’t even award them a postseason bowl berth. Based on their 2017 outing, Ole Miss is better compared to a middle-of-the-road Big 12 team than they are to other SEC teams. Much like the Red Raiders, success this season will hinge on their defense and the play of returning quarterback Jordan Ta’amu. Additionally, at least a couple sources have ranked Ole Miss as having the best receiving corps in the country. The defense was truly bad in 2017, allowing 73 plays from scrimmage of 20 yards or more and 245.3 yards rushing per game. The Red Raiders went 6-7 (3-6) in 2017 in a season colored by three losses of 7 points or less, including an overtime loss at home to Kansas State and a 4-point loss to USF in the Birmingham Bowl. The Red Raiders expect to take another step forward defensively and outside of questions at quarterback and wide receiver, look to improve in every position group with multiple returning starters. As far as wideouts go, T.J. Vasher is the obvious top target, and the only returning receiver to catch for more than 150 yards in 2017. It’s interesting that WR Ja’Deion High made the trip to Big 12 Media Days and has been voted a captain by his teammates. It’s a strong indicator of the shift in program culture, focus, and the current strengths of this team that team captains include two offensive linemen, a defensive lineman, defensive back, linebacker, and wide receiver. I also want to say kudos to Kliff and company for scheduling quality opponents. Texas Tech obviously still has growing to do, but scheduling Power 5 opponents is better for football, team development, and for fans. Biggest Question: Tech is facing a question of “what comes next?” Coming off of the first back-to-back losing seasons in over 30 years Red Raider Nation is ready to see progress, and that includes Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt. Quarterback play is a concern this year, none of the starting options appeared to really shine and fans are nervous about McClane Carter after seeing him play at Texas last season. Coupling unsure quarterback play with a depth chart of unproven wide receivers and now we’ve entered an alternate reality where the offense is in question and Tech’s defense (particularly the secondary) look to be strong and getting stronger. My Pick: Texas Tech will win this game if their offense is running at even 80% efficiency. Ole Miss will surely be improved on defense but just a few years ago they were 7th in the country in yards per play and were 99th last year, so even a step forward isn’t enough improvement. The running game will be key for Texas Tech. I believe Tech’s stable of running backs to be strong and underrated and the experience at offensive line will be an asset for that production. Ole Miss’s offense is unproven and hoping for their quarterback to have a breakout season (although they still have an NCAA mandated year of postseason suspension). If Tech can get pressure on the quarterback and show defensive improvements as expected I feel like this is a win for the Red Raiders.

#23 Texas vs. Maryland

Last Week:	Staking the Plains UT Preseason Preview
Date & Time:	Saturday, September 1, 11:00 a.m.
Location:	FedExField, Landover, MD
Television:	FS1
Line:	Texas -13
All-Time Record:	Texas 3-0-1 Maryland
Overview & Breakdown:	The Terrapins went 4-8 (2-7) in 2017. Maryland opened last season with a win over Texas, but then suffered the loss of their first and second string quarterbacks to ACL tears. Their defense struggled mightily allowing more than 37 points per game and twice giving up more than 60 points (Ohio State and Penn State). They are obviously looking to bounce back from a rough season, however, they are now dealing with the tragic loss of teammate Jordan McNair from heatstroke over the summer. Head coach D.J. Durkin and members of the Maryland training staff have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation. McNair’s parents are calling for Durkin’s firing and total banishment from coaching. It is now also being reported that Durkin hired an outside lawyer with his discretionary budget funds to represent two Maryland players accused of sexual assault. As the pressure (and uncertainty) mounts so will the impact on a team that was already looking at another tough season. Texas lost their 2017 season opener to Maryland 51-41 but it appears we’re looking at two very different teams at this point from a development and stability standpoint. The Longhorns went 7-6 (5-4) in 2017, capping off with a win over Missouri in the Academy Sports & Outdoors Texas Bowl. The Longhorns lost four games by five points or less last season and went 1-2 in overtime games, two of which went to double overtime. Sam Ehlinger has been named the starting quarterback for the season opener and should chew up yardage with his legs against Maryland. I can only assume that with experience, he’ll begin taking better care of the football, a huge weakness of his last season. Ehlinger committed late-game turnovers in losses to USC, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech. All games in which Texas was leading in the fourth quarter. The Texas defense kept the team in games last year and looks to continue that momentum in 2018. The defense will be returning 13 players with starting experience and another 16 returning for the offense. Mix in a #3 ranked recruiting class and suddenly it’s starting to look like Texas will be what they have no excuse not to be. Biggest Question: Texas lacks depth at linebacker and will be relying on Gary Johnson and Malcolm Roach to stay healthy. Defensive coordinator Todd Orlando will have his work cut out for him in managing the depth issues at both inside and outside linebacker. The Longhorns have gotten more banged up in camp than other Big 12 teams, they’ll need to hope for getting players back and avoiding major injuries. My Pick: If Texas has made any improvement over last season this game should not be a struggle considering the difficulties Maryland is facing. It is a neutral site game being played at the home of the Washington Redskins, so it’s in Maryland’s backyard. That’s a long road trip to start the season, but at the very least, kudos to the Longhorns for scheduling a Power 5 opponent.

Florida Atlantic @ #7 Oklahoma

Last Week:	Staking the Plains OU Preseason Preview
Date & Time:	Saturday, September 1 @ 11:00 a.m.
Location:	The Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
Television:	FOX
Line:	Oklahoma -20.5
All-Time Record:	No Previous Matchups
Overview & Breakdown:	Florida Atlantic went 11-3 (8-0) in Conference USA in 2017. They suffered early-season losses to Navy and Wisconsin and a 3-point loss to Buffalo, then reeled off 10 wins in a row capped off by a 50-3 win over Akron in the Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl (can’t make this stuff up). FAU’s lead rusher Devin Singletary rushed for more than 1,900 yards and 32 touchdowns last season, something that could help in equalizing what is surely a talent gap with the Sooners. FAU’s quarterback retired from football and their season starter transferred to Duquesne. They are now left with a competition between a Florida State transfer in De’Andre Johnson and OU transfer Chris Robison. However, the offensive production generally isn’t a problem when playing Oklahoma, whose defense has continued to struggle since Mike Stoops (who is inexplicably still employed there) became the defensive coordinator in 2012. Oklahoma went 12-2 (8-1) last season, losing a heartbreaker to Georgia in the CFP Semifinal 54-48 (2OT). The Sooners biggest offensive weapon, 2017 Heisman Trophy recipient Baker Mayfield, left for the NFL. It remains to be seen how Kyler Murray’s skill set and the rest of the offense will adjust to Mayfield’s absence, but with Murray’s considerable skill set and plenty of playmakers, it shouldn’t be out of the question to continue the production of what was probably one of the best offenses in years. Murray is arguably the best Texas high school quarterback ever and was a five-star recruit when he headed to Texas A&M. Murray was also drafted #9 overall by the Oakland A’s, a pick valued at $4,761,500. Surely injury concerns will be on Murray’s mind. Oklahoma’s defense was not a strength for the Sooners, ranking 82nd in yards allowed per play and 67th in total defense. They were 101st in the nation in Football Outsiders Defensive S&P+ ranking. Biggest Question: The defense remains a huge question mark for this team. Many cannot understand how Mike Stoops has retained his job as the defensive coordinator for the Sooners with the apparent lack of improvement his unit has shown. They do appear to have added depth at inside linebacker and now have more options and pieces to move around. They desperately need better pressure from the line this season and they’ll be replacing two safeties as well. My Pick: Oklahoma has no excuse not to win this game. Lane Kiffin is not a miracle-worker and despite an FAU player dubbing the Owls the “Alabama of Florida” they are not at the level of talent at this point to overcome Oklahoma’s powerhouse offense, if it is indeed a powerhouse under Kyler Murray. FAU could sneak up and surprise OU but I also don’t see the Sooners sleeping on the Owls in week one. Lincoln Riley said this will be the most talented team since he arrived in Norman in 2015, that’s high praise, but with those kinds of tools come high expectations for success.

Southern @ #17 TCU

Last Week:	Staking the Plains TCU Preseason Preview
Date & Time:	Saturday, September 1 @ 11:00 a.m.
Location:	Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX
Television:	N/A
Line:	N/A
All-Time Record:	N/A
Overview & Breakdown:	The Southern Jaguars are an FCS team competing in the SWAC. They finished the 2017 season 7-4 (5-2) and finished second in their division behind Grambling State University. Southern played two FBS opponents in 2017, losing on the road to Southern Miss 45-0 and to UTSA 51-17. Due to NCAA violations, the Jaguars were ineligible to participate in the SWAC Championship or the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl. TCU went 11-3 (7-2) in 2017, capping off their season with a victory over the Stanford Cardinal in the Valero Alamo Bowl 39-37. TCU faced one FCS opponent in 2017, defeating Jackson State 63-0. As with many FBS schools, an early FCS opponent is an opportunity to tune the team on all sides of the ball, avoid injuries, and get younger players some time on the field. TCU has named sophomore Shawn Robinson the starting quarterback for this game, but Gary Patterson has also indicated that Penn transfer Michael Collins will play as well. Many believe TCU may be a dark horse to win the Big 12 and pursue a CFP spot based on the incoming talent they have. I’m not that bullish on TCU, especially not when hoping for the immediate impact of young players. Biggest Question: Injuries severely diminished TCU’s depth in spring camp and that has extended to fall as well. Eight starters are currently dealing with injuries, however, most should be available for the opener. One major loss is the season-ending achilles injury suffered by Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year Ross Blacklock. The  6’4″ 326lb Blacklock figured to be an anchor on the Frogs’ defensive line this season. My Pick: TCU has a lot of holes to fill at skill positions and on the offensive line (four linemen are in NFL camps). I don’t think this is a trap game for TCU, but they have plenty to figure out as a team. I don’t think this one will be close but I think it’ll be a chance to see TCU try to figure out what kind of team they’re going to be when the lights come on.

Tennessee vs. #17 West Virginia

Last Week:	Staking the Plains WVU Preseason Preview
Date & Time:	Saturday, September 1 @ 2:30 p.m.
Location:	Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Television:	CBS
Line:	West Virginia -10
All-Time Record:	No Previous Matchups
Overview & Breakdown:	The Volunteers haven’t finished in the AP Top 10 since 2001 and finished the 2017 season 4-8 (0-8). They are returning eight starters on offense and seven on defense but had only one All-SEC selection, a freshman offensive lineman with 2nd team honors. Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt took the head coaching job eight months ago and entered with a lot of work to do to rebuild a once-successful program. There’s a lot to consider with that many changes. In my experience a new coaching staff, renewed focus, new systems, energy, etc. are fantastic for a program and can inject excitement. However, college football programs are huge systems that require a lot of work to rebuild a culture. This is probably not the year for high expectations for Tennessee. Of course, that isn’t stopping some from picking them to be sneaky good this season. West Virginia 7-6 (5-4) 2017 campaign with a 30-14 loss to Utah in the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl. The Mountaineers boasted a pretty potent offense in 2017 but were derailed when quarterback Will Grier was injured during the Texas game. West Virginia didn’t enjoy the same production from the running game they have in years past and that held their offense back to an extent. They were 87th in the nation in runs over 20 yards in 2017. With Grier back, the West Virginia offense should again be above average but unless young players step up in a big way it most likely won’t be elite. Their defense was abysmal in 2017, taking a step back from the previous season. Even if they improve they’ll still be mediocre at best on the defensive side. Of course, similar to their opponent, some are naming West Virginia a CFP dark horse despite what I think, some pundits are just in love with senior quarterbacks. Biggest Question: West Virginia has two serious unknowns, running back and cornerback. They boast four running backs but none have separated themselves or shined in camp. The Mountaineers also list five cornerbacks on the depth chart, but only one has played a down. This team is young, they’ll have a strong defensive line but there are a lot of unknowns. My Pick: With an experienced quarterback, it’s reasonable to think West Virginia will take this game easily, however, teams with something to prove after a coaching change and bad season are tough to predict. Add in that this is a neutral site game and I have no idea. I’ll take West Virginia because Vegas picked them and the house always wins.

Nicholls State @ Kansas

Last Week:	Staking the Plains KU Preseason Preview
Date & Time:	Saturday, September 1 @ 6:00 p.m.
Location:	David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
Television:	ESPN 3
Line:	N/A
All-Time Record:	N/A
All-Time Record:	N/A
Overview & Breakdown:	Nicholls State is an FCS team competing in the Southland Conference. They wrapped up their 2017 campaign with an 8-4 (7-2) record, and after receiving an at-large bid to the FCS Playoff, lost to South Dakota 38-31 in the first round. The Colonels’ lone FBS opponent in 2017 was Texas A&M. Nicholls State gave the Aggies all they could handle losing 24-14 in front of 100,000+ fans at Kyle Field. The Colonels rushed for more than 2,400 yards last season and three of their top four producers are back. They definitely have the ability and the consistent success at the FCS level to take down the Jayhawks in week one. Kansas is an ongoing dumpster fire. Their 2017 campaign was 1-11 (0-9), they allowed an average of 43 points per game, they were shut out twice, and their only win was over FCS SE Missouri State, who was bad in their own league. The Jayhawks’ closest margin of the season was a 30-20 loss to Kansas State in Lawrence. Kansas does have two bright spots, a legitimately excellent linebacker in Joe Dineen, Jr. and a lot of returning starters (eight on offense and 10 on defense). I can only assume the Jayhawks will be better this year, I mean, they honestly can’t be too much worse. I do hope they find improvement. It’s not good for the Big 12 to have a team this far down in the ditch. Biggest Question: Quarterback has to be the biggest question for the Jayhawks. They are still making decisions about the offensive line, but there is greater depth there so the unit overall looks to be in better shape. Peyton Bender started last season fairly strong at quarterback but ended up losing the job after being rendered ineffective by a loss of playmakers. Whether head coach David Beaty made the right call with Bender over Miles Kendrick or Carter Stanley could ultimately decide the fate of his tenure in Lawrence. My Pick: Nicholls State could definitely give Kansas a run for their money. My optimistic heart wants to pick Kansas to stand up and play but I think the Colonels are going to run all over them and sour the Jayhawks’ season opener.

South Dakota @ Kansas State

Last Week:	Staking the Plains KSU Preseason Preview
Date & Time:	Saturday, September 1 @ 6:00 p.m.
Location:	Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS
Television:	ESPN 3
Line:	N/A
All-Time Record:	N/A
Overview & Breakdown:	South Dakota is an FCS team competing as a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Their 2017 record was 8-5 (4-4), ending with a loss to Sam Houston State in the 2nd round of the FCS Football Playoff. The Coyotes faced one FBS opponent last season, defeating Bowling Green on the road 35-27. South Dakota’s senior quarterback graduated in the spring. He accounted for 4,100 yards passing and almost 900 of their 2,700 yards rushing, certainly hurting their chances at outproducing the well-coached Wildcats. Kansas State finished the 2017 season 8-5 (5-4) and three of the Wildcats’ four losses were by 7 points or less. The Wildcats also faced two overtime games, a 42-35 win over Texas Tech and a 40-34 2OT loss to Texas. KState finished their season with a 35-17 win over UCLA in the Cactus Bowl. The Wildcats limped into the final stretch of the season with their third-string quarterback, holding them back from enjoying greater success. KState boasts a deep stable of running backs, even with the loss of Mike McCoy to injury there should be strong play out of the backfield. Biggest Question: Special teams is a huge part of the success of Bill Snyder teams, but this year things have aligned to make special teams less reliable. In 2017 special teams were #1 in the country, and they lead the nation in special teams touchdowns over the last 13 years. However, this is the first time that Bill Snyder will be forced to replace his punter, kicker, and deep snapper all at the same time. My Pick: It’s not an understatement to say the Wildcats will definitely be well-coached, but they have surprising holes to fill and issues to address defensively, and they haven’t named a starting quarterback yet. They will take care of business against South Dakota, but the rest of their season remains a question mark.

Abilene Christian @ Baylor

Last Week:	Staking the Plains Baylor Preseason Preview
Date & Time:	Saturday, September 1 @ 7:00 p.m.
Location:	McLane Stadium, Waco, TX
Television:	N/A
Line:	N/A
All-Time Record:	N/A
Overview & Breakdown:	Abilene Christian is an FCS team playing in the Southland Conference. They finished their 2017 season under a new head coach with a record of 2-9 (2-7). The Wildcats faced two FBS opponents last season, a 14-38 loss at New Mexico and a 10-38 loss at Colorado State. Baylor finished the 2017 season 1-11 (1-8) with their sole win a 38-9 victory over Kansas in Lawrence. I’m not even sure what to say about this disgrace of a game. Surely Baylor’s quality of athletes, coaching, and resources make them an obvious favorite. Am I allowed to root against them anyway? Seriously though, Baylor has lost 17 of their last 19 games, but they’re not quitting. Matt Rhule is a proven coach that took Temple from this position to conference champion in four years. He’ll also have a significant group with starting experience to work with. Baylor may not be world-beaters but they’ll be better this season, just starting the season healthy will be a major improvement. In 2017 eight starters missed the season opener due to injury. Biggest Question: Baylor’s biggest question lies in the pass rush, which head coach Matt Rhule (and many others) believe is a necessity in the Big 12. Look to see Baylor try out multiple players as rush ends including mixing in linebackers in hybrid roles as well. My Pick: This is a perfect Toilet Bowl game, both teams are awful and McClane Stadium looks like a commode. Baylor will win this game based on speed and talent alone, ACU is barely an FCS team as it is. In my opinion, this game is ridiculous. I know Texas Tech has ACU on the schedule for 2024 & 2026 but if they’re not any better by then I bet it’s replaced before we’re close.

South Dakota State @ Iowa State
Game of the Week

Last Week:	Staking the Plains ISU Preseason Preview
Date & Time:	Saturday, September 1 @ 7:00 p.m.
Location:	Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
Television:	N/A
Line:	N/A
All-Time Record:	N/A
Overview & Breakdown:	The South Dakota State Jackrabbits are officially on my All-Mascot Team. They are an FCS team playing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Jackrabbits finished the 2017 season 11-3 (6-2) and after receiving an at-large bid to the FCS Playoffs lost in the semifinals to James Madison. They have been a fixture in the FCS Playoffs since 2009 and are heading into their 22nd year under head coach John Stiegelmeier. Utilizing four running backs the Jackrabbits bounded for more than 2,700 yards last season. Their lead rusher graduated but they seem to have plenty of bunnies in the pen. They are led by a senior quarterback who threw for more than 3,500 yards last season as well. Iowa State had a bit of a breakout year in the Big 12 finishing 8-5 (5-4) and capping it off with a 21-20 victory over Memphis in the Autozone Liberty Bowl. The Cyclones can run it and sling it themselves. Their quarterback Kyle Kempt is a big-bodied athlete at 6’5″ and 224lbs, he’ll be returning along with eight other offensive starters, including running back David Montgomery who toted the rock for more than 1,100 yards last season. The defense was a major strength for Iowa State ranking 43rd nationally in total defense, 26th in scoring defense, and 23rd in rushing defense. Biggest Question: Iowa State’s biggest question is probably at safety. There are other defensive position groups with strong battles going on through the depth chart, but the Cyclones graduated all three starting safeties so everyone is being replaced with less experience. It’ll be interesting how that secondary responds to early-season tests. My Pick: This is a tough game to call. The Cyclones struggled to stop the pass in 2017 ranking 86th in that category, so the Jackrabbits’ proven senior quarterback Taryn Christian may have a big day. I think defense and turnovers will be the deciding factor in this game. Iowa State led the nation in fumbles lost with only one, while SDSU lost 11. ISU tossed 9 interceptions as a team but Kempt boasted a 15-3 touchdown to interception ratio. South Dakota State’s ratio was 35 TDs to 15 INTs. I think Iowa State will pull this one out, they are well-coached and won’t overlook the Jackrabbits. Their defense will step up and set the tone for the season and Kyle Kempt will establish himself in the starting role.