Top 10 football games in 2023 for Kansas State and Big 12

KSO ranks the top 10 Big 12 games for the coming season for Kansas State and others in the league. Non-conference games are included as well. There are some fun games on the slate in September this season.

10.) WEST VIRGINIA AT HOUSTON

Starting the list off is a game that might not mean a ton for the Big 12 race, but I think it will be fun. Dana Holgorsen gets to play his old school West Virginia in the Cougars’ third conference game of the season. To add to the wackiness, the game is also going to be played on a Thursday night. I wish it was set to be kicked off in Morgantown, but it will still be fun.

9.) KANSAS STATE AT MISSOURI

Kansas State travels to Columbia to face former Big 12 rival Missouri in week three. I grew up with this rivalry and it was fun to have it back last season. K-State wasn’t shy about how much the game against the Tigers meant to them after winning last season. After how Eli Drinkwitz ended the game last year, it will be fun to see the coaches’ interactions before and after this game.

8.) IOWA AT IOWA STATE

The Cy-Hawk trophy game is always fun, even if the scoreboard is lacking. Iowa is an interesting team that has been revamped on offense through the transfer portal, although it sounds as if no schematic changes will be made. Iowa State did not make a bowl game last season for the first time since 2016 and only just the second time under Matt Campbell. The Cyclones’ schedule in 2023 is difficult and could prove to be too tough for them to reach a bowl game if they can’t take down the Hawkeyes.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻… the 2023 Preseason #Big12FB poll 📊

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) July 6, 2023

7.) UTAH AT BAYLOR

Baylor is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2022 campaign and Utah has won the Pac-12 in back-to-back seasons. In my opinion, this game has flown under the radar. It is an early test for Dave Aranda and the Bears against a very physical program in the Utes. Aranda has also named Blake Shapen the starting quarterback once again for the 2023 season after what was an underwhelming season for him under center in 2022. The game is a chance for the Big 12 to make a statement as well.

6.) TCU AT KANSAS STATE

It’s a rematch of the Big 12 Championship Game from a year ago, so it has to make the list. Despite losing a lot of talent from last season’s squad, TCU has reloaded via the transfer portal. Bill Snyder Family Stadium will be rocking when Kansas State hosts the Horned Frogs.

5.) OKLAHOMA VS TEXAS (In Dallas)

I have it lower than what most folks will, but I also can’t compile the list without the Red River Rivalry. Oklahoma has a very soft schedule and very well could be undefeated when they play Texas. The Longhorns don’t have a tough opening schedule, either, outside of facing Alabama. It will likely have a lot of hype around it, and it is the final time the rivalry contest will be between them as Big 12 foes. To be honest, it is hard for me to get too excited for it knowing both will be headed to the SEC in a year.

Preseason All-Big 12 | @cooper_beebe#KStateFB ⚒️ @Big12Conference pic.twitter.com/qY7WIcNKih

— K-State Football (@KStateFB) July 5, 2023

4.) KANSAS STATE AT KANSAS

This year’s edition of the Sunflower Showdown should be a fun one. Kansas is steadily improving and may be better this year than last, even if their record does not show it. The Jayhawks bring a lot of talent back on offense, including quarterback Jalon Daniels. But they do have a more difficult schedule that could drag down the appearance of their overall performance. K-State also brings a lot of experience back and is looking to win the Big 12 in consecutive seasons. Remember, Kansas State has defeated Kansas 14 straight times.

3.) OKLAHOMA AT OKLAHOMA STATE

I’m really looking forward to the final edition of Bedlam. I don’t know what to expect from Oklahoma State this season after losing a lot of talent, specifically on offense. But what I do know is that Stillwater will be on fire. Throw out the records because it could be the loudest game at Boone Pickens Stadium in a long, long time.

2.) OREGON AT TEXAS TECH

Texas Tech has become the darling and darkhorse to win the Big 12, and they receive an early test when they face an Oregon team that will potentially begin the season in the top 15. The Red Raiders return eight starters on offense and have been recruiting very well. We will find out very early if Joey McGuire’s group will be contenders for a league crown.

1.) TEXAS AT ALABAMA

As much as I don’t want it to be, the contest deserves to be at the top spot. Like usual, there is a lot of hype around Texas, and they are the betting favorite to win the Big 12. Alabama is in a bit of a weird spot heading into 2023. The last three quarterbacks for the Crimson Tide have all been first round NFL Draft picks. However, they don’t have an obvious starter with a lot of hype. After reports of poor play from the signal-callers in the Spring, Alabama added Notre Dame transfer quarterback Tyler Buchner. I’m intrigued the most because of the buzz around the Longhorns and the uncertainty around the Crimson Tide. With it being played in September, is Steve Sarkisian getting Nick Saban at the right time?