Incoming Big 12 Teams and How They Fared in Week 2

The incoming Big 12 programs impressed college football fans all over the country, particularly with their play against current Big 12 teams. College football’s second week had two intriguing matchups, with Baylor traveling to Utah to play the Cougars in a top 25 contest and Texas Tech hosting Houston. Although expectations for both games were tremendously lofty, BYU surprised the national media. Additionally, with Cincinnati’s disheartening but competitive loss in Fayetteville last week, BYU, Houston, and Cincinnati are all prepared to succeed immediately in the conference. Although UCF may be a year or two away, these programs will undoubtedly strengthen the Big 12 in the long run.

No. 9 Baylor: 20 at No. 21 BYU: 26

Even though Baylor and BYU did not kick off until 10:30 on Saturday night, several fans stayed up to see this top 25 matchup. The Cougars and Bears gave fans an entertaining game that came down to the final play. BYU fought for every inch on the ground as the Cougars gained just 83 yards on 33 carries. However, their determination to run the ball paid off with Lopini Katoa’s three-yard run in overtime to seal BYU’s victory over Baylor. Jaren Hall also threw for 261 yards and a touchdown, but the player of the game for BYU was Chase Roberts, who caught eight passes for 122 yards and a score. The freshman also threw a 22-yard touchdown. This statement game for the Cougars proves they can compete with the best of the Big 12 and triumph. 

Week 3: No. 12 BYU (2-0) at No. 25 Oregon (1-1)

No. 25 Houston: 30 at Texas Tech: 33

If the most anticipated matchups of the week were Alabama at Texas and Baylor at BYU, Houston traveling to Texas Tech was a close third. This in-state and soon-to-be conference rivalry lived up to the hype as this game also came down to the final play. Houston came out of the gates slow and only scored a field goal in the first half. The Cougars had 11 penalties for 161 yards and two personal fouls. While Dana Holgorsen’s team did erase a 14-point deficit in the second half, the defense again let down the Cougars at the end of regulation by giving up 46 yards in 34 seconds. Texas Tech quickly drove down the field and set up the game-tying field goal. However, Houston had another chance to seal the victory, leading by seven in overtime with the Red Raiders needing to convert a fourth and 20. Unfortunately for the Cougars, that stop never came as Texas Tech gained 21 yards and scored a touchdown to tie the game. While Houston kicked a field goal to start the second overtime, the Red Raiders quarterback, Donovan Smith, scored the game-winning touchdown. Although this is a heartbreaking loss for Dana Holgorsen and his team, the Cougars will have an opportunity to beat Texas Tech for years to come.

Week 3: Kansas (2-0) at Houston (1-1)

Louisville: 20 at UCF: 14

Unlike the first two games on this list, when the Cardinals squared off against the Knights on Friday night, it was an ugly showing for both teams. Although UCF did start fast, scoring on two of its first three possessions, the Knights failed to put up any points for the rest of the game. John Rhys Plumlee, the UCF quarterback, had an opportunity to tie the game late but threw an interception in the final three minutes. The Ole Miss transfer completed 16 of 34 pass attempts, threw 131 yards, and had 83 yards on the ground. It was a disappointing loss for Gus Malzahn and the Knights, but UCF has an opportunity to bounce back against Florida Atlantic next Saturday.

Week 3: UFC (1-1) at Florida Atlantic (2-1)

Kennesaw State: 10 at Cincinnati: 63 

After the devastating loss to Arkansas last week, the Bearcats needed a dominant win against Kennesaw State to rebound. Luke Fickell and his team did not disappoint their fans on Saturday with their 53-point victory. Although the Bearcats only led by 17 at the end of the first half, Cincinnati pulled away, scoring three touchdowns in both the third and the fourth quarter. Ben Bryant threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns, while Myles Montgomery, a freshman, ran for 104 yards on five carries. Cincinnati was also efficient on third down, converting 5 of 8 attempts. Up-and-coming programs expect to overwhelm FCS teams on the gridiron in every facet of the game, and the Bearcats did just that. 

Week 3: Cincinnati (1-1) at Miami (OH) (1-1)

Photo by Gabriel Mayberry / USA TODAY Sports