Big 12 Fearless Predictions, Aug. 30

It should be a wild first week for the Big 12 with several expected shootouts and plenty of big offensive numbers. Want to see 900 combined yards of passing? You should get it when Graham Harrell and Texas Tech face Eastern Washington. Check out all the Previews and Predictions for the Week 1 Big 12 Games

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- Big 12 Week One Fearless Predictions, Part 2

Big 12 Game of the Week

Illinois vs. Missouri (in St. Louis), Saturday, August 30th, 8:30 EST, ESPN
Why to watch: Last year at this time, would you have believed that this matchup would be a battle between a future No. 1 Missouri vs. a Rose Bowl bound Illinois? The Tigers won 40-34 after jumping out to a big early lead and then hanging on, and now they're looking to make a big early statement as the potential star of the Big 12, or at least the North. On the other side, Illinois has far more rebounding to do and far more question marks, but this is still a strong team that's looking to improve upon last year's breakout success. It might be a big upset if the Illini can pull off the win, but it would be a huge feather in the Big Ten's cap if it happens. Meanwhile, if the Big 12 really is supposed to be a challenger to the SEC in the best-conference-in-America argument, Mizzou can't just win, but it has to win convincingly. It's a BCS-game being played in August, and it's one of the marquee non-conference games of 2008.
Why Illinois might win: The defense should be the best the Tigers have to deal with until Texas in mid-October, and there's a chance it could be even better. There have been major issues on the line with injuries and a transfer killing the depth, but the front seven should be good enough to keep the Tiger running game under wraps for long stretches, while the pass rush should be steady. On the offensive side, the Illinois offensive line should be dominant at times. The Tigers have a great defensive front, but the Illini has a huge advantage up front.
Why Missouri might win: The Tigers have the better all-around talent and should be able to push the ball deep offensively. Illinois can move, Ron Zook's recent recruiting classes have ensured that, but Missouri is loaded from top to bottom with a more experienced, more talented team than last year's breakthrough power. Yes, Illinois has an All-America talent in Vontae Davis to work around in the secondary, but the corners are suspect and the overall pass defense isn't going to be a rock. When Daniel gets time, he should be able to pick apart the Illini without a problem.
Who to watch: The All-America receivers. The spotlight early on will likely be on the quarterbacks, with Daniel and Juice Williams each among the nation's most dynamic playmakers, but the real stars will likely be Mizzou's Jeremy Maclin and Illinois' Arrelious Benn. Maclin is the all-around star who'll make big plays as a runner and return man as well as a receiver, and with an off-season to prepare, the Tiger coaching staff will invent a variety of ways to get its main man the ball. Benn is just as dangerous a gamebreaker, and he'll have to be special with the Illini running game not likely to be anywhere near as strong without Rashard Mendenhall. Missouri can win if Maclin isn't tremendous, but Illinois probably can't win unless Benn goes ballistic.
What will happen: This should be a better defensive battle than last year's shootout, at least for the first half, and then the quarterbacks will take over. Both Daniel and Williams will be tremendous, but the Tiger defense will be a little bit better, and the offense will be more efficient when it needs to be.
CFN Prediction: Missouri 34 ... Illinois 27 ... Line: Missouri -8.5
Must See Rating: (5 90210 - 1 90210, at least what you’ll say among your friends) … 5
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Thursday, August 28

South Dakota State at Iowa State, 8:00 EST
Why to watch: This has the potential to be a closer, tougher opening day matchup than Iowa State might like. The Cyclones have to break in a new quarterback and several new players on the defensive front seven, while South Dakota State is coming off a good 2007 when it was one the nation's hottest FCS teams over the second half of the year. SDSU is trying to get its athletic department off the ground to an FCS level, and a win over Iowa State would generate more interest for the entire program. Iowa State can't take this game lightly, but it has to also use this as a tune-up with Iowa coming up in two weeks after the Kent State date.
Why South Dakota State might win: Iowa State needs a lot of tweaking and needs a lot of work. This isn't going to be a high-powered Cyclone attack, there isn't going to be a lot of bombing away, so if the Jackrabbits can hold up against the run and come up with a few early scores, they'll have an honest chance.
Why Iowa State might win: SDSU has the speed and flash to hit a few home runs here and there to change the course of the game in a hurry, but the defense isn't going to be a brick wall. Stopping the Cyclone running game will be easier said than done thanks to a veteran offensive line that should be able to grind down the Jackrabbit defensive front by the second half.
Who to watch: The Iowa State quarterback battle lasted throughout the summer, and it ended with Austen Arnaud, as expected, getting the starting spot. However, former wide receiver Patrick Bates will rotate in to get his speed and athleticism on the field. This wasn't a contentious situation with each getting a shot to shine. Even so, Arnaud has shine early one to show that the offense is his, while Bates will be a change of pace.
What will happen: This isn't going to be a walk in the park. The Jackrabbits will hit on two big plays early on to get everyone nervous, but the Cyclone O line will take over in the second half to put the game away.
CFN Prediction: Iowa State 34 ... South Dakota State 20 ... Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 90210 - 1 90210, at least what you’ll say among your friends) … 1.5
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Wake Forest at Baylor, 8:00 EST
Why to watch: No longer able to sneak up on anyone, Wake Forest is locked and loaded for a run at a second ACC crown in the last three years. While concerns on the offensive line need to be addressed, the Deacons return one of the league’s best backfields and will be downright demonic on defense. Head coach Jim Grobe has the program expecting bowl games and title contention, and this season is no exception. Of course, another winning season means Wake will be forced to hold its breath as bigger programs court its architect in December. Baylor’s never-ending quest for success in the Big 12 enters a new chapter as Art Briles begins his first season in Waco. He brings a new attitude and a pass-happy offense that’ll put up numbers through the air once the right parts are in place. His first really big decision was to pick a quarterback, and that hasn’t really been done yet with a few of the options expected to see time.
Why Wake Forest might win: The Baylor D will have issues against the run, which is a problem against the physical Demon Deacon ground attack. Wake will pound away with ACC Rookie of the Year Josh Adams, occasionally mixing in explosive Brandon Pendergrass, a well-kept secret who’s ready to bust out. When the Bears begin to pinch up closer to the line, veteran QB Riley Skinner should be able to play-action his way to a big play down the middle of the field. Led by LB Aaron Curry and CB Alphonso Smith, the Deacon D is among the fastest and most opportunistic in the country and will make life tough on the new BU passing game.
Why Baylor might win: The Wake Forest secondary has plenty of talent, but it is prone to jumping the route and yielding long pass plays. The Bears will take advantage with improved play at quarterback and a deep corps of receivers led by up-and-coming Thomas White. The Deacons’ desire to generate more edge pressure will be stifled by the underrated tackle tandem of seniors Jason Smith and Dan Gay, who’ll give the quarterbacks the time needed to work.
Who to watch: As defensive playmakers go, Smith is one of the most accomplished in the country. Yeah, he’ll get toasted from time to time, but he compensates with a bunch of picks and the speed to take them back for six. Baylor is still finding its way under Briles, a recipe for Smith to parlay a couple of errant passes into drive-ending turnovers.
What will happen: As opening day match ups go, this is a bad one for Briles and Baylor. Wake Forest is a physical, well-coached group of veterans who rarely make mistakes. It’ll methodically pick apart the Bears, grinding it out between the tackles and running away with the turnover battle. If this Deacon defense can get pressure without having to blitz, it has a chance to be the gold standard in the ACC.
CFN Prediction: Wake Forest 34 ... Baylor 24 ... Line: Wake Forest -12.5
Must See Rating: (5 90210 - 1 90210, at least what you’ll say among your friends) … 2.5
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Saturday, August 30

Oklahoma State at Washington State, 3:30 EST, Saturday, August 30
Why to watch: The Cowboys and Cougars meet for the first time in 56 years while kicking off the Paul Wulff era in Pullman. Actually, the game will be played in Seattle, and it should be entertaining for fans of wide-open, innovative offenses. Wulff returned to his alma mater intent on installing a no-huddle offense that’ll be run from the shotgun 50 to 60% of the time and will try to win shootouts. His first triggerman will be senior Gary Rogers, who won the job in the spring and has the arm to put up huge numbers, and he’ll have the chance against a suspect OSU secondary. Oklahoma State already has an electrifying offense that can put up 40 points on anyone, and won’t change much even thought architect Larry Fedora is now the head man at Southern Miss. In a Big 12 brimming with great quarterbacks, it’s easy to forget that Zac Robinson accounted for 32 touchdowns and 3,671 yards, while throwing just nine picks.
Why Oklahoma State might win: The Cowboy offensive line versus the Cougar defensive line is a mismatch. A big-time mismatch. With four starters back, including all-stars David Washington and Russell Okung, it’ll dominate a pedestrian Wazzu front, giving Robinson the time he needs to connect with WR Dez Bryant and elite pass-catching TE Brandon Pettigrew. When Robinson isn’t knifing through the Cougar D, he’ll be handing off to Kendall Hunter, JUCO transfer Beau Johnson, and Keith Toston, who’ll more than make up for the loss of Dantrell Savage.
Why Washington State might win: Oklahoma State can score, but Washington State can keep pace with the running of Dwight Tardy and a passing attack that’ll go right after the Cowboys’ weakest areas. Rogers isn’t your typical first-year starter; he’ll have a field day hooking up with Brandon Gibson, one of the nation’s best wide receivers. What better way to debut a fancy offense than against a defense that doesn’t generate pressure and has no answers against the pass?
Who to watch: While you don’t get better by losing Savage and Adarius Bowman, Gundy is confident that Hunter and Bryant will be just as explosive in time. Both played extensively—and well—as true freshmen, laying the groundwork for monster sophomore seasons. Bryant, in particular, will feast on a bad Cougar secondary that yields way too many big plays.
What will happen: Washington State will move the ball, but it doesn’t have the depth or talent to win a shootout with a fully-developed attack like the one at Oklahoma State. The Cowboys’ balance will produce more than 500 yards of total offense in a quality road win against a decent Pac-10 opponent on its home turf.
CFN Prediction: Oklahoma State 41 ... Washington State 28 ... Line: OSU -6
Must See Rating: (5 90210 - 1 90210, at least what you’ll say among your friends) … 3
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Western Michigan at Nebraska, 7:00 EST
Why to watch: When last we saw Western Michigan it was ruining Iowa's bowl dream with a 28-19 win in Iowa City. Now the Broncos return loaded on defense with everyone back, while the offense has the talent and experience to handle a high-profile, pressure packed game like this will be. Of course, all eyes will be on Nebraska and the debut, at least as the full-time head coach, of Bo Pelini. It’s the second opener in the Pelini era in Nebraska, he has a win to his credit taking over the head coaching duties from the fired Frank Solich in a 2003 Alamo Bowl win over Michigan State, and while it’s generally acknowledged that it’ll take a little while to rebuild the Huskers, and the expectations aren’t through the roof quite yet, a loss to Western Michigan would hardly sit well. After the disappointment of the Bill Callahan era, Big Red fans are hoping to wipe the slate clean and be on the way to the glory days again, but this isn't going to be a layup. Last year, Ball State and QB Nate Davis 422 yards and three touchdowns in the thrilling 41-40 Husker win. This year’s MAC representative sent to Lincoln might be even better. WMU might be the best team in the MAC, at least it's in the top three, while the Huskers still have several major question marks on both sides of the ball.
Why Western Michigan might win: Can Nebraska handle the pressure? Western Michigan had one of the most aggressive attacking defenses in America two years ago, and lightened up a little bit last year. Don't expect the Broncos to be timid in Lincoln with more blitzing, more attacking, and more hits on the quarterback. Nebraska's offensive line has to be ready, and with the pressure on the Huskers, WMU might be able to take control of the tempo early on.
Why Nebraska might win: Pelini is a master at taking away an offense's strength, the LSU loss to Arkansas last season notwithstanding, and his defense should be able to take away the Western Michigan short to midrange passing game. If Tim Hiller and the Broncos aren't throwing effectively, then the offense will be in trouble. Nebraska doesn't have an elite secondary and should struggle at times, but the defensive front should overwhelm a rebuilt Bronco front five.
Who to watch: Is Marlon Lucky really going to share time? After a breakthrough season, the Husker star back will end up splitting time with Roy Helo Jr., among others, mainly because there are several good backs to work with. Lucky is a tremendous receiver and could be the focal point of the offense, and when push comes to shove, he'll be the main man. However, getting him some help won't be a bad thing. The fresher Lucky is in a few weeks against Virginia Tech, Missouri and Texas Tech, the better.
What will happen: Nebraska will get its money's worth. The defense will be overaggressive at times, and Western Michigan will take advantage with a few big plays, but in the end, Nebraska will escape with a good late drive or three. The Husker defense will settle down and will control the fourth quarter.
CFN Prediction: Nebraska 26 ... Western Michigan 17 ... Line: Nebraska -14
Must See Rating: (5 90210 - 1 90210, at least what you’ll say among your friends) … 3
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Chattanooga at Oklahoma, 7:00 EST
Why to watch: There will be some good FCS vs. FBS matchups in week one. This won't be one of them. Oklahoma has a true warm-up game against a bad Moccasin team that struggled to a 2-9 record and doesn't appear to be much better. The offense was one of the worst in America among FCS teams, and OU should have this well in hand after two drives. However, it'll be important to note how sharp the Sooners are. The coaching staff has installed a more up-tempo passing game with quicker, shorter passes to get it out of Sam Bradford's hands in more of a hurry. The no-huddle attack needs the work before dealing with Cincinnati next week.
Why Chattanooga might win: The only chance of keeping the final margin of victory to under 50 points will be to hope the OU attack sputters and coughs a bit. Bradford, who was the nation's most efficient passer last season, might be good for a mistake or two against a live defense, and the Mocs have to take advantage.
Why Oklahoma might win: The offensive line should dominate from the opening snap. Working on the passing game is a must, but getting the pacing of the attack down is also vital. That means the offense might revolve around the running game early on to end any and all drama, and then allow Bradford to do his thing. It'll be a shock of Chattanooga touches No. 14.  
Who to watch: DeMarco Murray appears to be back to 100%. After hurting his knee late in the year on an onside kick against Texas Tech, the star OU running back is back to form and is expected to be one of the national breakout superstars after a strong freshman season. Bob Stoops has no problems with overusing his backs when he doesn't have to, and he might jack up the stats for Murray, who ran for five touchdowns in last seasons opening game against North Texas.
What will happen: If Chattanooga keeps this within 70, consider this a barn-burner.
CFN Prediction: Oklahoma 77 ... Chattanooga 0 ... Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 90210 - 1 90210, at least what you’ll say among your friends) … 1
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- Big 12 Week One Fearless Predictions, Part 2