It’s Official. July 1st has come gone, and now TCU, Missouri, West Virginia and Texas A&M are now members of different conferences. Mizzou and Texas A&M are in the SEC and West Virginia along with TCU are in the Big 12.
One of the benefits of Conference Expansion is seeing the fantastic match ups each week for these four schools especially. The Florida Gators heading to Kyle Field? TCU going to Oklahoma State? Missouri hosting Alabama? Oh Jesus. I need to invest in a bigger TV. Here are some key games to look at in the first season for the Mountaineers, Aggies, Tigers and Horned Frogs.
Sept. 8th
Florida at Texas A&M
Georgia at Missouri
The first two games for each of the new members of the SEC and they are at home against two of the favorites in the SEC East. These games will most likely be on ESPN’s prime time coverage. Both College Station and Columbia will be rocking for the first games against their new conference mates, wouldn’t be shocked at all to see both of the new kids on the block getting a big win.
Sept. 15th
TCU at Kansas
This one has importance to both the Frogs and Jayhawks. It’s TCU’s first game in the Big 12 and KU’s first conference game with Charlie Weis as the head coach at KU. It’s a springboard game for both schools. Winner gets some confidence heading into the conference slate, the other one is behind the 8 Ball, quickly.
Sept. 22nd
Missouri at South Carolina
Mizzou could easily be 0-1 in the SEC heading into this one. A win and you are sitting well in the division loss and you need help. Mind you it’s only September. Life in the SEC.
Sept. 29th
Arkansas at Texas A&M
West Virginia at Baylor
Like Mizzou the week before, A&M could be 0-1 facing Arkansas at home. A loss would do tons of damage in conference. West Virginia’s first game in the Big 12 is against the darlings at Baylor in Waco. Robert Griffin ain’t walking through that door so expect the Mountaineers to roll.
Oct. 6th
West Virginia at Texas
The new kids on the block face the team that runs the block. Would be hilarious if West Virginia walked in and slapped around Texas. Funny thing about that is it can easily happen.
Oct. 13th
Alabama at Missouri
TCU at Baylor
Are the Tiger faithful ready for Alabama fan to come in and take over Columbia? If Bama wins, expect the Crimson Tide fans to explain to the nation that Missouri doesn’t belong. TCU and Baylor played one of the best games of 2011, Baylor won that game and what is their reward? TCU comes back to Waco pissed off and waiting revenge.
Oct. 20th
LSU at Texas A&M
Kansas St. at West Virginia
LSU coming in as a top 5 team? Kyle Field has been an upset trap in the past. Can’t wait. Two of the three best QB’s in the Big 12 meet in Morgantown. who gets more yards rushing? Geno Smith from WVU or Colin Klein from K-State?
Oct. 27th
Texas A&M at Auburn
Even if it’s the last game in the month of October, this game could determine who is heading into the month of November with a chance to keep their SEC West hopes alive.
Nov. 3rd
Missouri at Florida
TCU at West Virginia
Just like the week before. It’s a huge game for the new kids on the block. This could determine more than their SEC chances. Could go a long way to determine if they will be bowl eligible.
In the Big 12 the two new members meet in a game that will most likely determine who stays in the conference title race.
Nov. 10th
West Virginia at Oklahoma St.
Oklahoma St.’s offense is one of the most potent offenses in the country over the past few seasons. It’s creator? Dana Holgerson, who coaches at? You guessed it West Virginia. I’m setting the over/under of total points at 90.
Nov. 17th
Oklahoma at West Virginia
Oklahoma very well could be undefeated heading into the late game showdown on the road. This game could mean the winner is on track for the Big 12 Title. The loser needs help in getting to the BCS
Nov. 24th
Missouri at Texas A&M
TCU at Texas
In a normal College Football world, this weekend would bring us games like Texas against Texas A&M live from Austin and Mizzou and Kansas live from Kansas City. Nope!! Not this season and not the foreseeable future. It will be fun to see TCU potentially knock Texas out of the Big 12 Title Race though.
Dec 1st
Oklahoma at TCU
Kansas at West Virginia
SEC Title Game
It’s the final day of the season. There could be some scoreboard watching in Fort Worth and Morgantown. A win by OU or West Virginia could mean a Big 12 Title. A loss would be devastating. For A&M and Missouri, it’s the day of the SEC Title Game. Winner of this is most likely headed to the National Title game in Miami. For what it’s worth, there have been three different SEC East Winners in the last 3 seasons so for all you Mizzou fans, there’s hope.
Now for cheap laugh, here are the Aggies saluting the members of their new conference. It truly defines Awkward.