The new-look Big 12 didn't disappoint in Week 1.
The conference posted a winning percentage of .875 (14-2), the second highest of any league.
Repeating that mark will be challenging.
Big 12 teams play eight games against Power Four opponents in Week 2 (not including the nonconference game between Utah and Baylor). They're favored in only half of them.
Below you'll find our staff picks for the eight most intriguing games of the weekend. The marquee contest is an old-school Big 8 matchup: Colorado at Nebraska.
The point spread for Arizona's game against NAU on Saturday night was not available when we made our picks on The Wildcast Podcast (available on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts). Before it came out late Thursday (44.5 points per DraftKings and FanDuel), our guys predicted the final score:
Cincinnati defensive lineman Dontay Corleone (58) celebrates with teammates after tackling Kennesaw State running back Jordan Lay for a loss during the second half of their game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Cincinnati.
Brett Fera: Arizona 51, NAU 24
Michael Lev: Arizona 52, NAU 13
Justin Spears: Arizona 56, NAU 14
Here are the rest of the picks:
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7
Matchup: Pittsburgh (+1.5) at Cincinnati
Time/TV: 9 a.m., ESPN2
Fera’s prediction: Pittsburgh to win outright
Lev’s prediction: Pittsburgh to win outright
Spears’ prediction: Cincinnati to win and cover
Matchup: Kansas State (-9) at Tulane
Time/TV: 9 a.m., ESPN
Fera’s prediction: Kansas State to win and cover
Lev’s prediction: Kansas State to win, Tulane to cover
Spears’ prediction: Kansas State to win and cover
Matchup: Arkansas (+7.5) at Oklahoma State
Time/TV: 9 a.m., ABC/9
Fera’s prediction: Oklahoma State to win and cover
Lev’s prediction: Oklahoma State to win, Arkansas to cover
Spears’ prediction: Oklahoma State to win, Arkansas to cover
Matchup: Iowa State (+3) at Iowa
Time/TV: 12:30 p.m., CBS/13
Fera’s prediction: Iowa State to win outright
Lev’s prediction: Iowa to win and cover
Spears’ prediction: Iowa State to win outright
Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) runs the ball during the first half of the Jayhawks' game against Lindenwood on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kan.
Matchup: Kansas (-5) at Illinois
Time/TV: 4 p.m., FS1
Fera’s prediction: Kansas to win and cover
Lev’s prediction: Kansas to win and cover
Spears’ prediction: Kansas to win and cover
Matchup: Colorado (+7) at Nebraska
Time/TV: 4:30 p.m., NBC/4
Fera’s prediction: Colorado to win outright
Lev’s prediction: Nebraska to win, Colorado to cover
Spears’ prediction: Colorado to win outright
Matchup: Texas Tech (+2.5) at Washington State
Time/TV: 7 p.m. FOX/11
Fera’s prediction: Texas Tech to win outright
Lev’s prediction: Washington State to win and cover
Spears’ prediction: Washington State to win and cover
Matchup: Mississippi State (+5.5) at ASU
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Fera’s prediction: Mississippi State to win outright
Lev’s prediction: ASU to win and cover
Spears’ prediction: ASU to win and cover
LAST WEEK'S RECORDS
Fera: 8-0 straight up, 4-4 against the spread
Lev: -8-0 SU, 5-3 ATS
Spears: 8-0 SU, 5-3 ATS
Fresh off his record-setting performance (304 yards and 4 touchdowns) against New Mexico, Arizona star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the Big Offensive Player of the Week and AP National Player of the Week, spoke to media leading up to the Wildcats' contest with Northern Arizona in Tucson. (Video by Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star)
