Bowl Season in the Big 12: Previews and Predictions
This postseason, the Big 12 boasts six teams playing in a bowl game. Unlike a certain conference to the south, all participating teams boast winning records, including a combined winning percentage of 67.8%. Two teams also make a NY6 appearance for the 3rd straight season, this time in the Cotton Bowl and Fiesta Bowl. We expect the Big 12 to make a solid run following a poor showing in last year's postseason. Check out our game previews and predictions below:
#21 Oklahoma State vs #18 Miami (FL)
Cheez-It Bowl | Camping World Stadium | Orlando, Florida
Tuesday, December 29th | 4:30 PM CT | ESPN
Oh, what could have been for the Cowboys this season. Instead, Oklahoma State finds themselves as the first Big 12 team to make an appearance during bowl season. Oklahoma State finished the season dropping three of their last six, including a loss to TCU and a blowout loss to Oklahoma. The Cowboy offense has been sputtering for much of the season, and we don't expect a lot to change in this one. On the other hand, Miami's offense has followed a similar path, showing several signs of inconsistency in play. We don't expect this one to be a pretty game for anyone in particular, but believe Miami will win this one late.
My Prediction: 28-20 Miami
#20 Texas vs Colorado
Valero Alamo Bowl | Alamodome | San Antonio, Texas
Tuesday, December 29th | 8:00 PM CT | ESPN
In their last game, Texas scored 69 (nice) points in K-State's house, and that momentum will carry to this game. In what could be Sam Ehlinger's final game with the Longhorns, they will look to send him out on a high note, winning yet another Alamo Bowl. Along with the dual-threat Ehlinger brings to the table, Freshman RB Bijan Robinson will bring another unstoppable element for the Buffaloes to deal with which as inferred, they won't be able to stop him. Sam and Bijan will run wild and bring Texas to victory without issue.
My Prediction: 45-14 Texas
#6 Oklahoma vs #7 Florida
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic | AT&T Stadium | Arlington, Texas
Wednesday, December 30th | 7:00 PM CT | ESPN
"We just weren't motivated to be here." That's just one of the many excuses I'm sure we will all hear from Florida fans following their loss to Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl. Meanwhile, the Sooners are coming off their 6th straight Big 12 title, this time led by Freshman QB Spencer Rattler and should have more motivation than ever following last year's blowout loss to LSU. I expect Oklahoma to start fast and keep it that way throughout the 60 minutes. We are just excited to hear all of the excuses from the Florida and SEC cul- I mean fans about this one.
My Prediction: 52-40 Oklahoma
West Virginia vs Army
AutoZone Liberty Bowl | Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium | Memphis, Tennessee
Thursday, December 31st | 3:00 PM CT | ESPN
West Virginia's original opponent, lowly Tennessee, had to drop out of the Liberty Bowl late Monday evening due to COVID issues within the program. Fortunately for the country, this opened up a spot for Army to play in a bowl game! Unfortunately, West Virginia is handed the task of playing Army, who only has losses to Cincinnati and Tulane on the season. With a difficult triple option attack, Army's defense has been stout throughout the season. Though stout, Army hasn't exactly played offensive juggernauts. As likely Army's first or second most difficult game of the season, West Virginia will need to establish their dominance in the run game with Leddie Brown as well as keep the defense honest with Jarret Doege in the pass attack. Overall, the Mountaineers should be too difficult of a task for Army to keep up with the Mountaineer offense.
My Prediction: 28-13 West Virginia
TCU vs Arkansas
Mercari Texas Bowl | NRG Stadium | Houston, Texas
Thursday, December 31st | 7:00 PM CT | ESPN
TCU has a rich history of performing in some barn-burner bowl games (looking at you, Cheez-it Bowl), and this looks like it may be more of the same for the Horned Frogs. TCU and Arkansas have been on seemingly opposite paths this season, as Arkansas started the season well, winning 3 of their first 6 but have since dropped 4 in a row. Conversely, TCU started the season 1-3 but has finished winning 5 of 6. TCU's momentum in itself should be enough to carry them through to victory against a poor (yet still improved) Arkansas squad. For good measure though, this will be a game of defense as the teams combine for 3 pick 6's and 7 turnovers.
My Prediction: 20-17 TCU
#10 Iowa State vs #25 Oregon
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl | State Farm Stadium | Glendale, Arizona
Saturday, January 2nd | 3:00 PM CT | ESPN
Iowa State's first ever appearance in a NY6/BCS Bowl will surely be an emotional one for Matt Campbell and the Cyclones. Iowa State will look to be the 7th Big 12 team to win one of such bowl games leaving only Texas Tech, K-State, and Baylor without a NY6/BCS Bowl win. Iowa State enters the game following a loss in their first Big 12 Championship appearance in school history to Oklahoma, falling 21-27. The Cyclones should bounce back strongly against Oregon in this one as they look to prove they belong in the NY6. As they have all season, Iowa State will depend on the Big 12's leading rusher in Breece Hall to lead them to the victory.
My Prediction: 38-27 Iowa State