It’s that time again! Friday Locks is back! The Heartland staff is going to bring you our favorite Big 12 picks each Friday. With only four games that aren’t garbage on this weekend’s slate we all coincidentally ended up picking the same three games. So…here we go!
Caymen
Stanford (-14) – I’m not sure how good the Wildcats are gonna be this year, but I can safely bet that Stanford will be better. Probably by more than two touchdowns in the first week of the season, especially after Stanfords letdown last season in the opener.
Houston (+11.5) – I don’t think they’ll beat the Sooners, but they’re more than capable of keeping it within 10 points with that offense.
Notre Dame (-3.5)- Charlie Strong is still waiting for his breakout season, and I think he’ll have to wait yet another year for that to happen. Notre Dame pulls away in second half.
Zack
Houston +11.5: While Houston’s coach is adamant that his team is not focused on a potential invite to the Big 12, Saturday’s game may very well be an audition of sorts for the Cougars. The Sooners will win by at least a touchdown, but whether they realize it or not, Houston will be playing for more than just a non-conference win.
Notre Dame -3.5: Until Texas actually does something to impress, they cannot be trusted. Their quarterback controversy will likely last for at least the first month of the season, which does not bode well for the team’s leadership. Notre Dame has its own quarterback decisions to deal with, but they are in a much better situation with whoever they decide to start.
Kansas State +14: Stanford is primed to make a run at the College Football Playoff on the back of Christian McCaffrey, but it is simply too much to pick against Kansas State with a two touchdown spread. Coach Snyder is a legend for a reason, and the Wildcats will keep this closer than expected.
Joey
Stanford (-14) – Even though they’re breaking in a new quarterback, Stanford should take care of business against a K-State team that could very well finish 9th in the Big 12
Oklahoma (-11.5) – Picking Oklahoma every week last season worked pretty well for me, and the Sooners. I could see this being a close game with Oklahoma getting a backdoor cover.
Notre Dame (-3.5) – I dont think Texas is 30 points better than last season when they lost 38-3 to the Irish. Notre Dame should take this one by a couple touchdowns.
Craig
Notre Dame -3.5Texas has been on the struggle bus for the last few years. With Charlie Strong not willing to name a starting QB it makes it hard to pick the Longhorns.
Oklahoma -11.5
Last season the Cougars were ranked 121 in the nation in passing yards allowed. Be ready to see Baker pick this defense apart.
Stanford -14
When you have a guy like Christian McCaffrey on your roster, it makes your offense pretty tough to stop. I expect to see Stanford take care of business Friday night.