While the first week of college football is always exhilarating, the slate is also full of blowouts. The Big 12 was not an exception, as the conferences’ average margin of victory was by 33 points. Overall, it was an impressive week for the member schools as the conference went 9-1, their lone loss coming from West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl. However, with so much uncertainty surrounding the sport, it is welcoming to see the Big 12 get off to a fast start, even if most of their opponents were not power-five teams.
Central Michigan: 44 at No. 12 Oklahoma State: 58
The most surprising final score of the week came from Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys did not want a repeat of its 2016 collapse against the Chippewas, and this matchup was visibly different from the start. Quarterback Spencer Sanders had a career-high 406 yards passing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and four passing touchdowns. Oklahoma State completely controlled this game until Central Michigan rallied off 22 points in the fourth quarter. Although the final score was closer than the experts predicted, the Cowboys took care of business as Mike Gundy secured his 150th career win.
Week 2: Arizona State (1-0) at 11. Oklahoma State (1-0)
West Virginia: 31 at No. 17. Pittsburgh: 38
The much-anticipated return of the Backyard Brawl lived up to the hype. The back-and-forth contest was exhilarating and had both fan bases holding their breath on multiple occasions. The West Virginia offensive line made mistakes early and allowed a stellar Panthers defensive line to get to the quarterback throughout the game. While JT Daniels made up for their unrelenting pressure with his accuracy, Bryce Ford-Wheaton, who had two touchdowns on the night, let the game slip through his hands. Even though West Virginia lost in heartbreaking fashion, the Mountaineers gave fans many reasons to be optimistic with a Big 12 matchup looming this Saturday.
Week 2: Kansas (1-0) at West Virginia (0-1)
Tennessee Tech: 10 at Kansas: 56
The Kansas Jayhawks began their season with a dominant win at home. While Kansas got off to a strong start passing, their rushing attack was the key factor in their overwhelming victory. Even with Tennessee Tech competing at the FCS level, Kansas had six rushing touchdowns and three rushers over 50 yards. Their quarterback, Jalon Daniels, completed 15 of 18 pass attempts and had two total touchdowns. However, with the Jayhawks traveling to Morgantown on Saturday, Kansas will have to raise their level of play if they hope to beat the Mountaineers.
Week 2: Kansas (1-0) at West Virginia (0-1)
TCU: 38 at Colorado: 10
Besides the Backyard Brawl, this matchup was the most intriguing of the week one slate. Especially with the Big 12 and the Pac 12 directly competing for a new media rights deal and possibly each other’s member schools, more eyes than usual will tune in to watch the two conferences compete. Although the Horned Frogs were 13-point favorites, TCU pulled away late, putting up 31 points in the second half. The Horned Frogs took control of the game on the ground, with five rushers running for over 40 yards. The Sonny Dyes era in Fort Worth begins with a win.
Week 2: Tarleton (1-0) at TCU (1-0)
UTEP: 13 at No. 9 Oklahoma: 45
Much of the discussion surrounding Oklahoma this offseason was about how they would respond after losing their head coach and quarterback. So far, so good. Incoming UCF transfer, Dillion Gabriel, completed 15 of 23 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns through the air. The Sooners’ running back, Eric Gray, tallied 102 yards in 16 carries. New head coach Brent Venables and his team looked to be in midseason form with their dominant victory over UTEP.
Week 2: Kent State (0-1) at 7. Oklahoma (1-0)
Albany: 10 at No. 10 Baylor: 69
The reigning champions and the preseason favorite to win the Big 12 put up the most points in the conference to start the season. The Baylor Bears quarterback, Blake Shapen, completed 17 of 20 pass attempts for 214 yards and two touchdowns. However, Baylor put up a whopping seven touchdowns on the ground with six different rushers. The Bears handled the Great Danes as expected but will have a much tougher test against BYU, an incoming Big 12 team.
Week 2: 9. Baylor (1-0) at 21. BYU (1-0)
Southeast Missouri: 10 at Iowa State: 42
After reaching the Big 12 Championship in 2020, Iowa State posted a disappointing seven wins last season. Although the Cyclones sought to start their 2022 campaign by making a statement, Matt Campbell and his team only led Southeast Missouri State by a touchdown after the first quarter. However, Iowa State began to distance themselves from the Redbirds in the second half as Hunter Dekkers, the Cyclones quarterback, threw for 293 yards and four touchdowns. Iowa State’s rushing attack also flashed potential as Jirehl Brock ran for over a hundred yards and a touchdown. However, the Cyclones will have to be ready from the opening whistle next week as they face in-state rival Iowa.
Week 2: Iowa State (1-0) at Iowa (1-0)
South Dakota: 0 at Kansas State: 34
In a league known for its passing attack, the Big 12 undoubtedly showed they could run the ball to begin the 2022 season. Although big plays were hard to find in this game, Kansas State ran over the Coyotes. Chris Klieman’s team rushed for 297 yards and four touchdowns. Deuce Vaughn was the star of the wildcats’ backfield as he ran for 126 yards and a touchdown. Between the two quarterbacks who received playing time, the Wildcats only threw for 95 yards.
Week 2: Missouri (1-0) at Kansas State (1-0)
Murray State: 10 at Texas Tech: 63
Unlike Kansas State, the Red Raiders choose to air out the ball early and often. However, the news was not ideal for Texas Tech, as the score might indicate. Starting quarterback Tyler Shough exited the contest early in the second quarter as he landed hard on his left shoulder. Shough went to the locker room and returned to the sideline in shorts and a sling. After the game, Joey McGuire announced Shough would have his shoulder re-examined Wednesday and will “at least” miss the next two weeks. Backup Donovan Smith entered the contest and completed 14 of 16 passes for 221 yards and four touchdowns. Smith will have to put up similar statistics if the Red Raiders hope to take down Houston next week.
Week 2: 25. Houston (1-0) at Texas Tech (1-0)
UL Monroe: 10 at Texas: 52
The Quinn Ewers era in Austin is underway. While it did take a moment for Ewers to settle into the game, throwing an interception early, the highly recruited quarterback went on to have a solid night, completing 16 of 24 pass attempts for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Bijan Robinson also had a productive night, rushing for 71 yards and a touchdown on ten carries. The Longhorns routed UL Monroe as expected and gave their new quarterback some much-needed snaps under the bright lights. Unfortunately for Texas, Alabama comes to town next Saturday. Steve Sarkisian will face an uphill battle coaching against his former mentor, Nick Saban.
Week 2: 1. Alabama (1-0) at Texas (1-0)
Photo by Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports
