No more NIL talk. No more portal talk and no more realignment talk. Week zero got everyone’s whistle wet. But it’s time for the first full week of college football. The Big 12 week one slate renews an old Big East rivalry on a Thursday and has an intriguing matchup with a Pac 12 opponent on Friday. The Saturday slate…well, it’s actual football and that alone should have everyone excited. So where can Big 12 fans find its winners? Right here. Last Word will have winners and totals picked all season. All lines and totals are courtesy of BetMGM.
Big 12 Week One Winners
Central Michigan At Oklahoma State (-21)
Six years ago, Central Michigan went into Stillwater and beat Oklahoma State. Except it shouldn’t have counted. The Cowboys certainly had a lot of turnover on the defensive side of the ball, both on the field and in the coach’s box. Oklahoma State better not sleep on the Chippewas. This is a MAC team that won nine games last season. But with 12-year veteran quarterback Spencer Sanders (ok, it’s really his fourth season) guiding the team, Oklahoma State should handle its business on Thursday night.
Straight Up: Oklahoma State ATS: Central Michigan Total (58.5): Under
West Virginia (+7) At Pitt
I told everyone this weeks ago. Nothing has changed. This is the Big 12 week one upset of the week. The national audience should love the latest edition of the Backyard Brawl.
Straight Up: West Virginia ATS: West Virginia Total (51.5): Over
Tennessee Tech At Kansas (Fri)
Kansas enters year two under Lance Leipold with legitimate hope for the first time in a long time. The Jayhawks will almost certainly miss out on bowl season again this year, but Kansas is finally playing with a full deck. The arrow is pointing up in Lawrence, Kansas and their Friday night opener should be a positive one.
Straight Up: Kansas ATS: N/A Total: N/A
TCU (-10.5) At Colorado
The Horned Frogs have to travel up to the altitude of Boulder, Colorado to open their season. The Buffs were one of the worst teams in the Pac-12 last season. They also don’t have a ton of things to feel great about going into the 2022 season. New head coach Sonny Dykes should bring a welcomed offensive identity to TCU. However, TCU still hasn’t named a starting quarterback. It is interesting that QB1 won’t have more than a week with all the reps with the starters, but TCU should handle its trip to Colorado easily.
Straight Up: TCU ATS: TCU Total (55.5): Under
Southeast Missouri State At Iowa State
Iowa State lost some of the best players in program history. The Cyclones have been on the best five-year stretch in program history, but now truly have to rebuild. Matt Campbell, who continues to ignore calls from higher profile programs and the NFL, has lots of new faces to introduce to the Big 12. A home game against the Redhawks should be a comfortable way to start the 2022 season.
Straight Up: Iowa State ATS: N/A Total: N/A
UTEP At Oklahoma (-30.5)
The Miners of UTEP are coming off a 7-6 campaign last year, but week zero loss to North Texas in front of a sellout crowd has taken some wind out of their sails. Oklahoma is going to be able to control the game from start to finish in Brent Venables’ debut. It will include a good amount of points by the Sooner offense. UTEP’s week zero appearance doesn’t lend to any confidence they can keep the final score within 30.
Straight Up: Oklahoma ATS: Oklahoma Total (56.5): Over
South Dakota At Kansas State
All of the Dakota schools have established themselves at the FCS level. But this Kansas State squad is too powerful. While an SEC opponent looms the following week, expect Adrian Martinez and Deuce Vaughn to put up big numbers early and often. The Wildcats’ second team should see plenty of playing time in this one.
Straight Up: Kansas State ATS: N/A Total: N/A
Murray State At Texas Tech
Joey McGuire makes his head coaching collegiate debut in Lubbock. Expect lots of points and lots of tempo by the Red Raider offense as they cruise past the Racers.
Straight Up: Texas Tech ATS: N/A Total: N/A
UL Monroe At Texas (-38.5)
Terry Bowden and his Warhawks will arrive in Austin as massive underdogs for good reason. This Texas offense is loaded with some of the best skill position talent in the country. UL Monroe surrendered over 45 points four times last season. This will be a nice tune up for Quinn Ewers’ first start before Alabama rolls into town next week.
Straight Up: Texas ATS: Texas Total (66.5): Under
