The Wichita Eagle

KC Star makes its picks for must-watch Big 12 football

Are you ready for some parity?

Big 12 football should be one of the deepest and most competitiv­e conference­s in the country this season.

In the past, everyone could count on Oklahoma and Texas leading the way as Big 12 heavyweigh­ts. But it is anybody’s race now that they have left for the SEC.

The door has flung open for teams like Kansas, K-State, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Utah and possibly more to not only win a conference championsh­ip this season but to represent the Big 12 in an expanded playoff.

Let the carnage begin.

Our KU and K-State beat writers have compiled a list of 10 games worth putting on your calendar for this season.

Here are 10 must-watch Big 12 games in 2024, starting with K-State beat writer Kellis Robinett’s five selections. Kansas beat writer Shreyas Laddha picked games 6-10 ...

1. K-State at Iowa State (Nov. 30)

This could be a play-in game for the Big 12 championsh­ip. The Wildcats should be one of the best teams in the Big 12 this season and the Cyclones figure to be dark-horse contenders. There is a very real possibilit­y that both squads enter the final week of the regular season at, or near, the top of the conference standings.

Farmageddo­n was fun last year because it was played in a blizzard. This year’s edition of the rivalry might have something even better — high stakes.

2. Utah at Oklahoma State (Sept. 21)

What a way to start off the first week of Big 12 action. Utah is expected to contend for a conference championsh­ip in its first year as a member of the league. We will find out immediatel­y if the Utes are ready for those kind of expectatio­ns.

Oklahoma State was in the Big 12 championsh­ip game last year and the Cowboys are always hard to beat at home under Mike Gundy. The winner of this game should become the early favorite to win the league.

3. KU at K-State (Oct. 26) Neither Jalon Daniels nor Jason Bean was healthy enough to play for Kansas in the Sunflower

Showdown last season, but fans were still treated to a banger of a game that wasn’t decided until the final moments.

K-State won 31-27 and extended its winning streak to 15 in the series. But this is game is no longer completely onesided. Both teams could be ranked when they meet at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. It could be one of the most important rivalry games these teams have played in quite some time. 4. Utah at UCF (Nov. 29) Let’s say Utah lives up to preseason expectatio­ns and puts itself in position to reach the Big 12 championsh­ip game. That last week of the season will be of the utmost importance for the Utes. Can they punch their ticket to Arlington on the road against the

Knights? Maybe. But UCF could surprise many this season with KJ Jefferson taking over at quarterbac­k.

The Knights are also hard to beat at the Bounce House. Just ask Oklahoma State, which lost

45-3 last season in Orlando. This game could have huge implicatio­ns on the conference race.

5. Arizona at K-State (Sept. 14)

Who cares if this game won’t count in the Big 12 standings because it was scheduled before Arizona joined the conference? This could be a thrilling shootout.

Quarterbac­k Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan are back at Arizona. That combinatio­n could make them one of the most explosive offenses in the Big 12. K-State will counter with Avery Johnson, DJ Giddens, Dylan Edwards, Keagan Johnson and Jayce Brown. Cross your fingers for lots of points when this Friday night game comes around.

6. Colorado at Kansas (Nov. 23)

There’s no shortage of offensive talent for both teams, from KU’s Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal to Colorado Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Throw in two coaches who are nearly opposite personalit­ies in KU’s Lance Leipold and the Buffs’ Deion Sanders — this game has all the makings of a memorable one.

This should be a highscorin­g matchup in front of an excited crowd at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

7. Arizona at Utah (Sept. 28)

This game could be pivotal as it could help decide which team will make the Big 12 Championsh­ip game. Not to mention, both teams come from the Pac-12 — so there’s some common ground.

Utah was ranked first in the media’s Big 12 preseason poll, while Arizona wasn’t too far behind, grabbing the No. 5 spot.

8. Kansas at West Virginia (Sept. 21)

The Jayhawks head to Morgantown to play a West Virginia team that resembles Kansas in many ways.

Like KU, WVU is anchored by a strong running back duo (Jahiem White and CJ Donaldson) and veteran quarterbac­k Garrett Greene. It’ll be the Big 12 opener for both squads, so it’ll be a great opportunit­y to see how these teams stack up. The biggest question is whether KU’s run defense can stop WVU’s lethal rushing attack. The Mountainee­rs led the Big 12 in rushing last season, while Kansas’ run defense struggled at points.

9. Arizona at UCF (Nov. 2)

If you’re a fan of highpowere­d offenses, this is a game to watch. Both Arizona and UCF have veteran quarterbac­ks that are lethal through the air. Arizona’s Fifita threw for 25 touchdowns and 2,869 yards last year. Meanwhile, Arkansas transfer KJ Jefferson headlines UCF’s QB room.

Jayhawk fans will remember Jefferson’s dualthreat ability from the Liberty Bowl in 2022. Jefferson threw for 2,107 yards and 19 touchdowns last season.

10. Iowa State at Kansas (Nov. 9)

Man, this should be a fun matchup. Not only are the games between Kansas and Iowa State usually entertaini­ng, but the Cyclones’ fan base travels very well. On top of that, this game will be at Arrowhead, so the stadium might be filled up completely.

Iowa State typically plays Kansas tough, as Leipold alluded to last year. Last season, KU earned a huge road victory in Ames led by Bean. This season’s game could also help determine the Big 12 Championsh­ip picture.