Big 12 Bonanza: 2024 Schedule Shakes Up the Conference

Hold onto your cowboy hats, football fans, because the Big 12 just dropped its 2024 schedule, and it's a spicy one! With the dust settled on the Arizona/Arizona State/Colorado/Utah additions, the conference has officially gone 16-team strong, promising fresh faces, new rivalries, and maybe...an unexpected scheduling quirk.

No Divisions, Just Fireworks

Similar to the Big Ten, say goodbye to divisions! The Big 12 is embracing a free-for-all format, which means every game counts and conference supremacy is truly up for grabs. Imagine Texas Tech battling it out with BYU in Lubbock, or Kansas State and Arizona renewing their desert rivalry on neutral turf. It's a chance for new alliances and unexpected heroes to emerge.

Rivalry Week? Hold My Bootstraps

Now, here's where things get interesting. While the schedule boasts plenty of intriguing matchups, Big 12 traditionalists might raise an eyebrow. Some of the conference's most heated rivalries, like Oklahoma State vs. Texas and Baylor vs. Texas Tech, aren't clustered in the coveted "Rivalry Week." Instead, they're sprinkled throughout the season, raising questions about missed opportunities for maximum drama.

Key Matchups to Saddle Up For

Despite the scheduling hiccup, there's still plenty to get excited about:

Week 1 (August 31): UCF at TCU - The expansion party kicks off with this battle of former non-conference foes.

Week 6 (October 12): Arizona vs. BYU - First-time meeting between these regional rivals promises fireworks in the desert.

Week 9 (November 2): Texas Tech (Homecoming) vs. Baylor - Red Raiders look to defend their turf against their Big 12 South rivals.

Week 11 (November 23): Oklahoma State vs. Texas - Can the Cowboys finally snag that elusive win over the Longhorns? All eyes on Stillwater.

Championship Week (December 7): Big 12 Championship Game (Arlington, TX) - Who will rise from the ashes of the free-for-all to claim the conference crown?

Bonus Round: Scheduling Shenanigans

While we might be scratching our heads at the rivalry week conundrum, the Big 12 deserves kudos for some bold scheduling choices:

• "West Coast Doubleheader" (Week 6): Arizona State welcomes Cincinnati, and Utah hosts UCF, giving Big 12 fans a taste of the Pacific Coast flavor.

• Early-Season Non-Conference Tests: Oklahoma takes on Nebraska in Week 0, while Iowa State welcomes Arkansas State in Week 2. Big 12 teams proving their mettle right out of the gate.

So, Big 12 fans, saddle up! The 2024 season promises an exciting ride through new rivalries, old foes (even if not always on Rivalry Week), and a wide-open race for the conference championship. Just remember, with this expanded format, anything goes! Who are you picking to wear the Big 12 crown? And what do you think about the "Rivalry Week" situation? Let's discuss in the comments below!

This Post was written by Google Bard AI and Edited by Brayden Slater