Winners
Colorado
It’s time to eat some crow. Like most of the College Football world, I thought Colorado would be an absolute dumpster fire this year. Shadeur Sanders threw for a school-record 510 yards and four touchdowns. Not only did the Deion Sanders get a win in his FBS debut but he found the Buffaloes identity.
Texas State
The Bobcats beat in-state program Baylor as a 26-point underdog in Waco. Texas State had 441 total yards of offense and was 4/4 on fourth down. After going up 42-24 in the fourth quarter the Bobcats held on to win by double digits. Watch out for TSU to make a run in the Sun Belt in G.J. Kinne’s first year.
Wyoming
Elevation claims another victim! The Wyoming Cowboys beat the Texas Tech Red Raiders who are a dark horse to win the Big 12. After going down 17-0 in the first quarter Wyoming came storming back to set up for a wild second half which transitioned to overtime. Big win in Laramie.
Losers
Baylor
Was Dave Aranda’s first year as Baylor’s head coach “fools gold”? Following their Big 12 title Baylor finished the year 6-7 after bowl season in 2022. This year the Bears start the season with an embarrassing loss to Texas State at home. The defense better figure it out soon because they have the physical Utah Utes next this week.
Texas Tech
This is supposed to be Texas Tech’s year to break through and really get back into the thick of things in the Big 12. Starting the year on the road against a Mountain West team is a small test, but as 14 point favorite its a game they need to win. After a strong start Texas Tech wasn’t able to respond with Wyoming’s adjustments and lost in double OT. Joey McGuire has to be devastated and things don’t get easier as they take on Oregon next week.
