Gameday is here. And gameday on K-StateOnline means Saturday Selections, among other things. We're going to give you our pick of every Big 12 Conference game, a game to watch for outside of the Wildcats' contest and also a detailed prediction on K-State's matchup.
Let's get into Week 1 of Saturday Selections, a free content here at KSO. If you want to see more of our premium content heading into the Wildcats' opener we do have a great offer for new subscribers. And please take a moment to head over to The Foundation and give us your predictions!
Big 12 Games
Maryland at Texas
Martin: Texas 34-21
Young: Texas 40-27
Hall: Texas 38-28
UTEP at Oklahoma
Martin: Oklahoma 42-3
Young: Oklahoma 52-10
Hall: Oklahoma 55-7
Eastern Washington at Texas Tech
Martin: Texas Tech 55-21
Young: Texas Tech 62-49
Hall: Texas Tech 48-44
Liberty at Baylor
Martin: Baylor 38-10
Young: Baylor 42-17
Hall: Baylor 52-7
Southeast Missouri State at Kansas
Martin: Kansas 31-14
Young: Kansas 38-14
Hall: Kansas 28-17
Northern Iowa at Iowa State
Martin: Iowa State 34-31
Young: Iowa State 37-21
Hall: Iowa State 31-20
Jackson State at TCU
Martin: TCU 55-14
Young: TCU 56-3
Hall: TCU 63-10
West Virginia vs. Virginia Tech (FedEx Field)
Martin: West Virginia 34-20
Young: West Virginia 30-27
Hall: West Virginia 24-17
What non-K-State Big 12 game are you most interested in?
Martin: Who doesn’t want to see how much Texas improves under Tom Herman? I think the Longhorns could be lethal, and I believe Herman is a quality coach. Maybe it’s a combination that will prove dynamic immediately - or maybe Maryland takes advantage of some natural growing pains and records an enormous season-opening victory on the road.
Young: I think I'm most interested in seeing how Texas looks out of the gate under Tom Herman. I think they are a scary team to deal with this season and are going to be better much faster than folks anticipate. Charlie Strong didn't do a whole lot of winning, but there is no shortage of talent in Austin. Herman should only build on that recruiting prowess while also putting a better product on the field. The first contest against Maryland, who is a sneaky decent team, should tell us a lot. I don't think it is out of the question that the Longhorns could win the Big 12.
Hall: Tempted to say Eastern Washington vs. Texas Tech (EWU has a real shot at the upset in Lubbock) or West Virginia and Virginia Tech, but I have to go with Tom Herman’s debut at Texas against Maryland. The Big 12 as a whole would benefit from an improved Longhorn program – and there’s certainly some importance in getting things started off on the right foot in Austin.
Central Arkansas at Kansas State
Martin: Run left, run right. Run left again, run right again. You won’t see much else from K-State, and it won’t be necessary until against Central Arkansas. Don’t be surprised if the Wildcats pitch a shutout tomorrow - we had someone close to the program recently suggest that the defense might be saltier than anyone - and fans and players alike start thinking (if they weren't already) about a special season. I’m saying 52-0.
Young: I think this game is self-explanatory. K-State won't reveal anything special in this contest and just give you the bare bones of what they will be doing this year. That is all that is needed against Central Arkansas, and it'll probably still be very decisive. They'll keep it on the ground offensively and roll downhill while putting together a strong defensive performance. The Wildcats will probably surpass 300 yards on the ground alone. I think they win going away 55-7.
Hall: Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but K-State won’t show a lot scheme wise on either side of the football in its season opener against an overmatched FCS opponent. The Wildcats will be content to try and establish dominance along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and lean on a running game that should have little trouble gashing this Bears defense. I wouldn’t be shocked if K-State has a pair of 100-yard rushers in this game, but I think the standout performer should be Alex Barnes in what will ultimately be a 48-10 Wildcat victory.
