Big 12 Football Schedule: Predicting the Must-Watch Games of 2024

The new-look Big 12 brings us some intriguing matchups on the 2024 college football schedule

Part of the traditional offseason calendar is that moment when fans get their first look at the college football schedule to come, and the Big 12 Conference has played its part by announcing the newly-expanded league's slate for the 2024 football season.

Maybe no other conference was as active as the Big 12 in the tidal wave of realignment and expansion that took place in the last two years, first bringing on Cincinnati, BYU, Houston, and UCF, and then adding Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah to a 16-team rotation that will debut this fall.

What are some of the more interesting games on the schedule?

Penn State at West Virginia

When: Aug. 31

A year ago, the Mountaineers lost at Happy Valley in the season opener when coach Neal Brown was on the proverbial hot seat, but after winning nine games, he looks more secure and bringing on a better roster in 2024 with a chance to make a statement against a Big Ten foe at home.

Colorado at Nebraska

When: Sept. 7

Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes got out to a fast start last season in part thanks to a statement win over the Cornhuskers, and the Big Ten foe should provide another decent test in 2024 with most of a defense that ranked top-20 nationally that will return.

Arizona at Kansas State

When: Sept. 14

Even though these schools are in the same league now, this game counts as a non-conference matchup since it was scheduled before the realignment. Arizona underwent a coaching change after Jedd Fisch left for Washington but returns enough pieces to keep this offense intact for this early road test.

Arizona at Utah

When: Sept. 28

The following week finds the Wildcats on the road to a Utah team that is a very tough out in its home environment and should return veteran quarterback Cameron Rising. Arizona figures to match up offensively with quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan returning in 2024.

Colorado at Arizona

When: Oct. 19

Who knows what the Buffaloes will look like by midseason, but the quarterback battle between Shedeur Sanders and Noah Fifita should be appointment viewing, especially if these teams are playing well before this meeting.

Kansas at K-State

When: Oct. 26

In an age when some college football rivalries are being diminished, the return of this in-state animosity is something to look forward to. Especially as both of these schools return playmakers at quarterback: Jalon Daniels for KU and Avery Johnson for the Wildcats. Both of these teams could be in contention for the Big 12 title when all is said and done.

BYU at Utah

When: Nov. 9

It was a little disappointing to not see this classic rivalry game not be featured on the traditional Rivalry Week, but both teams will have a bye week coming in, and if all goes according to plan, the Utes and Cougars should meet with plenty on the line.

Oklahoma State at Colorado

When: Nov. 29

Mike Gundy brings the Cowboys to what should be a raucous environment in Boulder armed with star back Ollie Gordon in the rotation to test the Buffaloes' defense.

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