Season predictions in July might sound like a fruitless endeavor, but we just can't help it. We're too ready for this season to begin. And this time last year, we did boldly and correctly project TCU would beat Oklahoma as well as a West Virginia upset of Baylor. So what have we cooked up for 2015?
Over the next two weeks, we're making predictions for all 75 Big 12 games of the season. We continue our predictions for the entire season with Week 2:
TCU 52, Stephen F. Austin 14: An easy win for Gary Patterson's team as Trevone Boykin continues his terrific start with another 400-yard game and five total touchdowns. The Horned Frogs defense is outstanding keeping a shutout through three quarters until a pair of garbage time touchdowns in the final 15 minutes.
Texas Tech 47, UTEP 24: Patrick Mahomes further solidifies himself as the Red Raiders' starter with a solid performance but DeAndre Washington steals the show with 157 rushing yards including a 73-yard scamper on the game's first play. David Gibbs defense is solid for the second straight week including a pair of turnovers.
Kansas State 30, Texas San-Antonio 14: The Roadrunners keep things interesting deep into the third quarter as the Wildcats offense searches for big plays. Quarterback Alex Delton rallies after a slow start to the game, throwing for a touchdown and rushing for a score to help KSU pull away in the second half.
West Virginia 56, Liberty 13: Disappointed with a 10-point win to start the season, the Mountaineers take out some frustration on Liberty. Skyler Howard throws for three touchdowns, Wendall Smallwood has a pair of scores and even Karl Joseph gets in on the action with a interception for a touchdown.
Iowa 31, Iowa State 28: The Hawkeyes return the favor after last year's loss, as a last second touchdown is the difference after the Cyclones run game falters and they fail to run out the clock with a four-point lead on their final possession. The Cyclones-Hawkeyes rivalry rarely disappoints.
Oklahoma 28, Tennessee 27: The Sooners survive one of the best nonconference games of the season with a big day from receiver Sterling Shepard (167 yards, two touchdowns) and a game-winning forced fumble by Eric Striker on the Vols' last possession. Tennessee gives the Sooners all they want but the veteran playmakers in crimson and cream spark Bob Stoops' team over the line.
Memphis 48, Kansas 24: The Tigers, eyeing another 10-win season, are no joke. Justin Fuente's team leans on its running game to take advantage of the Jayhawks' inexperienced defense, rushing for 250 yards and four touchdowns. David Beaty's team battles but just doesn't have the horses to keep up and drops to 1-1.
Oklahoma State 45, Central Arkansas 17: Mason Rudolph's first game at Boone Pickens Stadium leaves Cowboy fans begging for more. His numbers: 427 passing yards, five touchdowns, zero interceptions.
Baylor 63, Lamar 23: Seth Russell and Baylor's receivers are simply too much for Lamar. KD Cannon and Corey Coleman have a pair of touchdown catches each and Jay Lee adds another long score as BU cruises.
Texas 34, Rice 14: After a encouraging yet disappointing season-opening setback, the Longhorns grab their first win over the Owls. The Longhorns defense is stellar, overwhelming the Owls and creating three turnovers in the victory.
Week 2 standings
Baylor 2-0
Kansas State 2-0
Oklahoma 2-0
Oklahoma State 2-0
TCU 2-0
Texas Tech 2-0
West Virginia 2-0
Iowa State 1-1
Kansas 1-1
Texas 1-1