Big 12 football: Ranking the five best non-conference games
By Brian Spaen
Sep 7, 2013; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Taysom Hill (4) breaks tackles from Texas Longhorns safety Josh Turner (5) and Texas Longhorns cornerback Sheroid Evans (29) scores a touchdown at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
4. BYU at Texas
Game time: Saturday, September 6th
6:30 PM CT | TV: FOX Sports 1
Take away the Big 12 conference opener between Iowa State and Kansas State, and this is the only eye-catching game in a non-exciting week of non-conference games. Last year, BYU ran for over 500 yards on Texas, leading to defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s immediate firing. It was one of the most embarrassing performances in the history of the Texas program, and the Cougars may want to consider putting on some extra pads — that defense won’t forget it.
Plus, the Longhorns have generally been dominant over non-conference opponents at home. If the Big 12 wants to be respected overall as a conference when it comes to playoff selection, this is a very important one that they can’t give up.