Ranking the 10 Best Big 12 Nonconference Games in 2023
Spring camps are underway across the country, meaning the 2023 college football season is slowly inching closer. Today, we get you ready for the 2023 Big 12 season by counting down the 10 best nonconference games on the schedule.
10. Kansas State @ Missouri
9/16/2023 | Faurot Field
The reigning Big 12 champions hit the road in week three to take on former conference foe Missouri. This will be Kansas State's first test of the season. A win over Missouri would give Kansas State a good chance to be undefeated heading into its late September bye week.
9. Oklahoma State @ Arizona State
9/9/2023 | Sun Devil Stadium
Both Oklahoma State and Arizona State faced their share of tribulation over the last year. Arizona State moved on from Herm Edwards amid recruiting violations and lackluster performances on the field. The Sun Devils hired Kenny Dillingham, one of the youngest coaches in the country, to take over the program. Dillingham tried to upgrade every position once he got on campus, signing 20 traditional signees and more than 25 transfers.
After a disappointing 2022 season, Oklahoma State lost as much as any team in the country to the transfer portal. The Cowboys responded by signing one of the best transfer classes in the country.
Both teams will feature a lot of new faces in 2023. This game in week two will be a measuring stick for both programs.
8. BYU @ Arkansas
9/16/2023 | D.W.R. Razorbacks Stadium
When BYU and Arkansas faced off last season in Provo, the Razorbacks scored 52 points, converted 12/15 third downs and put up over 640 yards of total offense. After that game, Kalani Sitake took over defensive play-calling duties, and BYU parted ways with defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki at season's end. Now BYU has a new defensive staff that is implementing scheme, and this game will be the first real test for BYU's defense in 2023.
BYU pulled off various Power Five road upsets in the independence era. The game at Arkansas is the first chance to continue that tradition as a member of the Big 12. A win over Arkansas would likely put BYU at 3-0 heading into conference play.
7. Iowa vs Iowa State
9/9/2023 | Jack Trice Stadium
Few moments in sports are better than college football rivalries. Iowa State will host in-state rival Iowa in week two in the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy.
6. West Virginia @ Penn State
9/2/2023 | Beaver Stadium
From the outside looking in, it sure feels like West Virginia head coach Neal Brown has the hottest seat in the Big 12. Brown and the Mountaineers will be tested right out of the gate with a road game at Penn State. A win over Nittany Lions would eliminate the early season distraction of Brown being on the hot seat.
5. Baylor vs Utah
9/9/2023 | McLane Stadium
Baylor hosts reigning Pac-12 champion Utah in week two in Waco. Baylor and Utah play a similar style of physical football, making this one of the most interesting nonconference matchups of the season.
4. West Virginia vs Pitt
9/16/2023 | Mountaineer Field
Last year, the Backyard Brawl returned for the first time since 2011 and it didn't disappoint. Pitt outlasted West Virginia 38-31 in that game, so the Mountaineers will be seeking revenge in 2023.
3. TCU vs Colorado
9/2/2023 | Amon G. Carter Stadium
Coach Prime's debut will come on the road at the TCU, the 2022 national runner-ups. This game has many storylines to follow and will capture the nation's attention.
2. Texas Tech vs Oregon
9/9/2023 | Jones AT&T Stadium
Texas Tech plays host to the Oregon Ducks in week two - both Texas Tech and Oregon are expected to be championship contenders in their respective conferences. Add on the the budding rivalry between the Pac-12 and Big 12 and this has the potential to be a very entertaining game.
1. Texas @ Alabama
9/9/2023 | Bryant-Denny Stadium
College GameDay featured Texas-Alabama in week two last year when top-ranked Alabama escaped with a win at Texas. The rematch will be one of the top nonconference games in the country.
This will be the first test for both Texas and Alabama. Texas will have the opportunity to make a statement on a national stage and Alabama will have a chance to flex its staying power following the departure of Bryce Young.
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