Big 12 Notes

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Big 12 Notes – Nebraska Week

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September 6th

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Big 12 announces conference championship game tie-breakers

Press release from the Big 12 … For the 2024 football season, the Big 12 Conference football schedule does not include a full round-robin play rotation. The goal for determining the participants is to seed the two teams with the best Conference winning percentage. The winner of the Big 12 Football Championship Game will represent the conference as the Automatic Qualifier (AQ) to the College Football Playoff.

When two or more teams are tied for first or second place the tiebreaking procedures apply.

BIG 12 FOOTBALL TIEBREAKING PROCEDURES 

Two-Team Tie
If two teams are tied for first place both teams will participate in the championship game and the winner of the game between the two teams shall be the #1 seed. If the two teams tied for the No. 1 position did not play, the two-team tiebreaking procedures shall apply to determine the first-place team.

If there is not a tie for first place, but two teams are tied for second place, the two-team tiebreaker policy will apply, and the winner will be the #2 seed.

a. Head-to-head competition among the two tied teams.
b. Win percentage against all common conference opponents among the tied teams.
c. Win percentage against the next highest placed common opponent in the standings (based on the record in all games played within the Conference), proceeding through the standings. When arriving at another group of tied teams while comparing records, use each team’s win percentage against the collective tied teams as a group (prior to that group’s own tie-breaking procedure) rather than the performance against individual tied teams.
d. Combined win percentage in conference games of conference opponents (i.e., the strength of conference schedule).

e. Total number of wins in a 12-game season. The following conditions will apply to the calculation of the total number of wins: Only one win against a team from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision or lower division will be counted
annually. Any games that are exempted from counting against the annual maximum number of football contests per NCAA rules. (Current Bylaw 17.10.5.2.1) shall not be included.
f. Highest ranking by SportSource Analytics (team Rating Score metric) following the last weekend of regular-season games.
g. Coin toss

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Multiple-Team Ties
In the event of a tie between more than two teams, the following procedures will be used.

After one team has an advantage and is “seeded”, all remaining teams in the multiple team tiebreaker will repeat the tie-breaking procedure. If at any point the multiple-team tie is reduced to two teams, the two-team tie-breaking procedure will be applied.

a. The records of the three (or more) tied teams will be compared based on winning percentage in games among the tied teams:
1. If all teams involved in the tie did not play each other, but one team defeated all other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated all other teams in the tie is removed from the tiebreaker, and the remaining teams revert to the beginning of the applicable tiebreaker process (i.e., two team or three or more team tie).
2. If all teams involved in the tie did not play each other and no team defeated all other teams involved in the tie, move to the next step in tiebreaker.

b. The records of the three (or more) tied teams will be compared based on winning percentage against all common conference opponents played by all other teams involved in the tie.
c. Record of the three (or more) tied teams against the next highest placed common opponent in the standings (based on the record in all games played within the conference), proceeding through the standings. When arriving at another group of tied teams while comparing records, use each team’s win percentage against the collective tied teams as a group (prior to that group’s own tie-breaking procedure) rather than the performance against individual tied teams.
d. Record of the three (or more) tied teams based on combined win percentage in conference games of conference opponents (i.e., strength of conference schedule)
e. Total number of wins in a 12-game season. The following conditions will apply to the calculation of the total number of wins: Only one win against a team from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision or lower division will be counted
annually. Any games that are exempted from counting against the annual maximum number of football contests per NCAA rules. (Current Bylaw 17.10.5.2.1) shall not be included.

f. Highest ranking by SportSource Analytics (team Rating Score metric) following the last weekend of regular-season games.
g. Coin toss

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September 5th

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ESPN: Take the over on CU/Nebraska (58.5)

From ESPN … When considering an over bet, I look for offensive capabilities that align with defensive vulnerabilities. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders is a top-10 NFL quarterback draft prospect known for his elite processing ability and accuracy. His quick decision-making and effective ball distribution can lead to high-scoring games. Coupled with Colorado’s receiving corps, including two-way star Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes possess an offense with explosive playmaking ability. Nebraska’s defense, which ranked 46th last year in yards per play allowed, might struggle to contain Colorado’s potent attack, despite its overall strength last season.

For Nebraska, true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola is an exciting prospect. He impressed in his debut, throwing for 238 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in a 40-7 win over UTEP. Raiola’s dual-threat capabilities could exploit a Colorado defense that allowed 6.5 yards per play in Week 1, ranking 111th in the country. The Cornhuskers have bolstered their receiving options with key transfers like Jahmal Banks (Wake Forest) and Isaiah Neyor (Texas), enhancing their big-play potential.

Both teams have the offensive firepower to score quickly and frequently. Colorado’s explosive play capability combined with Nebraska’s offensive potential leads me to favor the over in this matchup.

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September 4th

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CBS Sports 1-134 rankings update; CU up to No. 54

From CBS Sports … Some of the biggest changes to the college football rankings are going to come in the first weeks of the season as all preseason expectations are put to the test and we start to judge teams based on how they perform on the field rather than how they look on paper. But when it came to resorting the CBS Sports 134, our comprehensive ranking of every FBS team, one of the most notable adjustments was a return to the familiar when it comes to the best team in the sport.

After multiple teams received first-place votes in our preseason balloting in August, a full slate of Week 1 results has brought all of the experts at CBS Sports and 247Sports to a unanimous opinion: Georgia is the top dog in college football.

This comes after a 34-3 statement win against Clemson that marked the 40th consecutive regular season victory for Kirby Smart’s program. While Ohio State’s all-star roster was a slow out of the gate against Akron, and Oregon, our No. 3 team in the preseason CBS Sports 134, never really pulled away from FCS Idaho as expected, Georgia absolutely looked the part of a No. 1 team against a power-conference opponent.

But if you want those dramatic changes in the rankings — those overreactions (or course corrections) based on the Week 1 action — there is plenty to dive into below the Bulldogs. Miami crashed the top 10, moving up seven spots to No. 9 after thumping Florida in Gainesville. USC is up nine spots to No. 12 after outlasting LSU in Las Vegas on Sunday night. Oregon and Michigan were among the top teams who dropped a few spots despite winning. Those adjustments were a result of a combination of factors, including voters wanting more out of those victories but also ascensions by Notre Dame and Miami. LSU did not lose too much ground after its loss to USC, dropping just six spots to No. 18, and Texas A&M barely budged off the Aggies’ preseason position, down just three spots to No. 23.

From the Big 12 … 

• No. 10 … Utah … same as last week
• No. 15 … Kansas State  … up two spots
• No. 17 … Oklahoma State … up two
• No. 20 … Kansas … up five spots (despite only beating North Dakota, 21-3)
• No. 21 … Arizona … up one spot
• No. 26 … Iowa State … up one spot
• No. 29 … Nebraska … up five spots
• No. 39 … UCF … same as last week
• No. 40 … TCU … up one spot
• No. 44 … West Virginia … down 13 spots
• No. 53 … Texas Tech … down 11 spots
• No. 54 … Colorado … up one spot
• No. 58 … Baylor … up three spots
• No. 64 … Arizona State … up 21 spots (after a 48-7 win over Wyoming)
• No. 69 … BYU … down two spots
• No. 82 … Cincinnati … down nine spots
• No. 89 … Houston … down seven spots
• No. 92 … Colorado State … up two spots (imagine how far the Rams might have risen if they had only lost to Texas 45-0 instead of 52-0!)

… Take it all with a grain of salt department … Obviously a glitch in the system, but UCLA, a winner over Hawai’i in its opener, fell 75 spots to No. 127, some 20 spots behind Hawai’i. Here’s guessing Bruin fans are having a fit on social media … 

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September 3rd

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AP poll: Five Big 12 move up (CU retains its one vote)

From the Associated Press …

1 Georgia (57 1st place votes)
2 Ohio St (5)
3 Texas
4 Alabama
5 Notre Dame
6 Ole Miss
7 Oregon
8 Penn St
9 Missouri
10 Michigan
11 Utah … up one spot from last week 
12 Miami
13 USC
14 Tennessee
15 Oklahoma
16 Oklahoma State … up one spot from last week
17 Kansas State … up one spot from last week 
18 LSU
19 Kansas … up three spots from last week
20 Arizona … up one spot from last week
21 Iowa
22 Louisville
23 Georgia Tech
24 NC State
25 Clemson

Others receiving votes: Texas A&M 97, Boston College 49, Boise St. 47, Iowa St. 32, Memphis 27, Nebraska 27*, SMU 23, Washington 20, Liberty 12, Vanderbilt 8, Wisconsin 8, Auburn 8, Tulane 4, North Carolina 4, UTSA 3, Appalachian St. 3, Kentucky 2, West Virginia 2, Arkansas 2, UNLV 1, Colorado 1.

*FYI … Almost half of Nebraska’s 27 points came from one voter, Jon Wilner from the San Jose Mercury News, who had the Cornhuskers as his No. 13 team (13 points) … 

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September 2nd

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Report: No deal between MWC and Pac-2; Beavers and Cougars might be “independent” in 2025

From ESPN … The Mountain West and Pac-12 conferences did not come to an agreement before Sunday’s deadline to extend their football scheduling beyond the 2024 season, sources confirmed to ESPN.

While it’s theoretically possible to circle back, the most likely scenario will be for Oregon State and Washington State to build fully independent schedules for the 2025 season.

“There’s too big a gap [between the parties],” a source told ESPN.

The lack of an agreement stems mostly from the Pac-12’s priority to be flexible for more sea changes in college athletics over the next year. Financial factors also played a role, sources told ESPN.

There is not believed to have been any substantial talks for either Oregon State or Washington State to join one of the remaining four power conferences, sources said.

This year, all 12 Mountain West schools will play seven conference games, plus either OSU or WSU as part of an agreement that was struck in December, following the collapse of the Pac-12 that left it with just two members. As part of that deal, the Pac-12 paid the MWC roughly $14 million.

OSU and WSU will participate as affiliate members of the West Coast Conference in most of their remaining sports — including basketball — for the next two years.

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This Week in the Big 12

Press release from the Big 12 …

• Big 12 Conference posted a record of 14-2 in week one, which marked the second-highest winning percentage of any conference through Sunday’s games.
• The 87.5 winning percentage posted by the Big 12 in week one was higher than its all-time week one winning percentage (78.2%).
• Big 12 quarterbacks averaged 290.4 passing yards per game, which led all FBS conferences.
• The Big 12 had 12 of the 40 largest on-campus attendance figures in week one.
• Colorado’s ESPN broadcast of the win over NDSU averaged 4.8 million viewers, peaking at 5.6 million. It was ESPN’s highest-rated Thursday opener in seven years and a 49% increase from last season.
• The Conference also hosted Big Noon Kickoff on FOX at West Virginia on Saturday after visiting Big 12 campuses four times during the 2023 season.
• The Big 12 led all conferences with 11 players with 100+ receiving yards more for the week with Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan recording a nation-leading 304 yards vs. New Mexico, the second-most in Big 12 history

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CBS Sports – Not an overreaction to consider Travis Hunter a Heisman contender

From CBS Sports … Travis Hunter should win the Heisman Trophy.

No, two-way players aren’t a new concept in college football. There have been stars with a tangible impact on both sides of the ball before.

Colorado’s Travis Hunter is on a different level, though. He’s the best player on the field, on any given Saturday, at two different positions. He’s a legitimate top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft as either a wide receiver or cornerback.

The Buffaloes’ season-opening win against North Dakota State was a micro showcase of Hunter’s ability. He played 129 snaps, missing only two plays. He’ll do that all season without breaking a sweat.

And he’ll do it at an elite level. He caught three of Shedeur Sanders’ four touchdown passes against the Bison, including this ridiculous circus grab:

RIDICULOUS TD CATCH 😱

Make that three touchdowns for Travis Hunter tonight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zzohGx3ybZ

— ESPN (@espn) August 30, 2024

The Heisman Trophy should go to the best player in college football. No one fits that bill better than Hunter, no matter what Colorado accomplishes on the field.

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September 1st

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Big 12 goes 14-2 in Week One (Houston only upset loss)

… Games of Note … 

— UNLV 27, Houston 7

From ESPN … Matthew Sluka threw for 71 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 59 yards as UNLV beat Houston 27-7 Saturday night in the season opener for both teams and Willie Fritz’s first game as the Cougars’ coach.

Sluka, who was 6-of-13 passing, threw touchdown passes of 13 and 24 yards to Jacob De Jesus in the first half as the Rebels (1-0) led 14-0 at the half.

Michael Allen rushed for 65 yards and Jaden Braden caught two passes for 60 yards. UNLV outgained Houston 308-247 yards.

UNLV got its first win over a Big 12 team since beating Iowa State 34-31 in overtime on Sep. 20, 2008.

“Very disappointing,” Fritz said. “I thought we’d play better than that. I did a poor coaching job as a head coach. Poor job by my assistant coaches and poor job playing. I didn’t see much good out there.”

The Cougars avoided a shutout on a 2-yard touchdown pass from sophomore backup Ui Ale to Joseph Manjack IV with a minute left in the fourth quarter. Ale was 7 of 8 for 74 yards and a touchdown on the drive.

THE TAKEAWAY

Houston: The Cougars struggled with UNLV’s rush throughout. Houston had 59 yards in the first half. The Cougars finished 2 of 15 on third downs.

“We didn’t tackle really well at the beginning of the game,” Fritz said. “That hurt us. We didn’t get some knock-backs. They knocked us back. Then, offensively, boy, we had a hard time protecting.”

— No. 8 Penn State 34, West Virginia 12

From ESPN … For one week at least, Penn State’s new-look offense delivered.

Drew Allar threw three touchdown passes in the second quarter, Nick Singleton rushed for 114 yards and a TD, and the No. 8 Nittany Lions beat West Virginia 34-12 on Saturday in a season opener delayed for more than two hours by lightning.

“We got to it today,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “But we’ve got to do it week in and week out.”

West Virginia made too many mistakes to stay in the game. On Penn State’s first series, the Mountaineers recovered a fumble at the Nittany Lions’ 28, only to give it back on the next play when the snap hit a receiver in motion and Penn State recovered.

“We played bad football,” West Virginia coach Neal Brown said. “To say I’m disappointed in how we played would be an understatement.”

The Mountaineers had the ball five times inside the Penn State 30 and came away with a touchdown and two field goals. Garrett Greene went 15 of 28 for 161 yards.

“We’ve just got to get better,” Greene said. “We’re not going to hit the panic button.”

THE TAKEAWAY

West Virginia: The Mountaineers have lost four straight season openers. That’s never happened before in 132 seasons of football. They’ve also lost seven consecutive times to ranked opponents.

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— Texas Tech 52, Abilene Christian 51, OT

From CBS Sports … Texas Tech’s Jayden Cofield sacked Abilene Christian’s Maverick McIvor when the Wildcats went for a 2-point conversion in overtime, allowing the Red Raiders to escape with a 52-51 win on Saturday night in the season opener for both teams.

Behren Morton’s career-high fifth touchdown pass, a 14-yarder to Caleb Douglas, who transferred this year from Florida, and Reese Burkhardt’s PAT kick following the first overtime possession gave the Red Raiders of the Big 12 a 52-45 lead over the Wildcats of the FCS United Athletic Conference.

Abilene Christian answered with Isaiah Johnson’s 1-yard plunge, his third rushing touchdown of the game. The Wildcats lined up for two with an empty backfield, and McIvor – who began his college career at Texas Tech but never played a game in three years – was pressured by multiple defenders and tackled by Cofield.

“Holy moly – that’s my statement,” Texas Tech coach Joey Maguire said. “We have a lot of things we have to fix to get better, and we’ve got to do ’em in a hurry.”

A year ago, the Red Raiders blew a 17-0 lead in their opener at Wyoming and lost in double overtime.

Abilene Christian coach Keith Patterson, Tech’s defensive coordinator for three seasons before taking the Wildcats job before the 2022 season, said he told his staff after the Red Raiders went ahead by seven in overtime they’d go for two if they scored a touchdown.

“We came here to win,” Patterson said. “I could tell there was something different about this football team during the summer as well as fall camp. There was just a competitive spirit and nature. I didn’t know if that would carry over when you flip the lights on and play a Big 12 opponent.”

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This post, about the Nebraska game, from the 2024 Season, is filed under Article.
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