Ranking the Big 12's Top Five Nonconference Wins

40 of the Big 12's 42 nonconference games are in the books. The only two remaining games will be played next week when TCU and Houston take on SMU and Sam Houston State, respectively. With the conference slate on the horizon, we're ranking the Big 12's top five nonconference wins in 2023.

5. UCF 18 - Boise State 16

It's never easy to win on the road in Boise, but that's exactly what UCF did after a cross-country trip from Florida to Idaho. Despite racking up 530 yards of total offense, UCF scored only one touchdown. That's all Knights needed, holding Boise State to 16 points in a 18-16 win.

4. West Virginia 17 - Pitt 6

West Virginia got revenge against Pitt in the "Backyard Brawl". Pitt and West Virginia renewed their longtime rivalry in 2022 - Pitt (ironically led by now BYU quarterback Kedon Slovis) won that matchup 38-31. This year, West Virginia won a low-scoring game in Morgantown. In a year where nonconference wins over other Power Five teams were scarce, this was one of the better wins for the Big 12.

3. Kansas 34 - Illinois 23

Much like last season, the Kansas Jayhaws are off to a hot start in 2023. Kansas hosted Illinois in a win that was more lopsided than the final score suggests. The Jayhawks controlled the game from the opening kick, taking 28-7 lead into the halftime locker room. Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year Jalon Daniels made his season debut, finishing with 301 yards of total offense and 2 touchdowns. Devin Neal also made his mark on the game, running for 120 yards on just 10 carries.

2. BYU 38 - Arkansas 31

After a nightmare start, BYU found themselves down 14-0 only four minutes into the game at Arkansas. The Cougars battled back, scoring 21 unanswered to take the lead. The Razorbacks went on a run of their own, scoring 17 straight to take a 31-21 lead. BYU finished the game on a 17-0 run on their way to a 38-31 victory.

Arkansas was 2-0 and just outside the top 25 heading into this game. This was one of the better nonconference wins for the Big 12 this season.

Rod, for the first time in his life, said it best. pic.twitter.com/kDmL1lcg7F
— Dave Broberg (@BroberDave) September 17, 2023

1. Texas 34 - Alabama 24

Despite Alabama's offensive struggles against USF last week, Texas deserves a lot of credit for its gritty win on the road against Alabama. Quinn Ewers threw for 349 yards and 3 touchdowns on a 10-point win over the Crimson Tide. This was undeniably the best nonconference win for the Big 12 this season.

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