AUGUST 2024 | 29
HUSKERS PREVIEW
CONFERENCE BREAKDOWN
OLLIE GORDON
boys want to return to the conference title game. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado: Hunter averaged 116 snaps per game in 2023 as an all-purpose player and despite missing three games, he was second on the team with 57 catches for 721 yards and five TDs. He also had three interceptions and a team-high five breakups. 3 blockbuster games COLORADO AT NEBRASKA: Sept. 7 – The Bu s own a three-game win streak against their old rival Nebraska and a Week 2 meeting should provide a lot of insight for both teams. Colorado pulled away for a 36- 14 win in 2023, but the Huskers are primed for a turnaround season. Can CU find its footing and get the season started right? UTAH AT OKLAHOMA STATE: Sept. 21 – An early-season clash for two of the conference’s premier teams will set the tone. The Utes have a chance to make a statement, while the Cowboys can provide a welcome-to-the-league moment. Don’t be surprised if these two are jockey- ing for position late. KANSAS AT KANSAS STATE: Oct. 26 – Sure, the Wildcats have won 15 in a row against their in-state foe. But, the Sun- flower Showdown will feature two of the Big 12’s top quarterbacks and provides intrigue with both teams near the top of the standings. BONUS: BYU at Utah (Nov. 9) – The “Holy War” returns after a two-year hiatus and is an annual protected rivalry; Arizona at Kansas State (Sept. 13) – A nonconference game scheduled before realignment, but an opportunity to see how they stack up. And the nominees are ... (Projected order of finish) 1. Utah, 2. Kansas State, 3. Oklahoma State, 4. Kansas, 5. Arizona, 6. West Virginia, 7. Iowa State, 8. TCU, 9. Texas Tech, 10. UCF, 11. Colorado, 12. Baylor, 13. Arizona State, 14. BYU, 15. Cincinnati, 16. Houston.
Setting the scene The Big 12 saw its top two teams, Texas and Oklahoma, walk out the door. The conference responded by adding Utah, Arizona, Arizona State and welcoming back Colorado. The Bu aloes may have been the domino that caused the Pac-12 to fall. Nev- ertheless, the Utes and Kansas State have the strongest cases to take home a league title. Plus a handful of competitive teams right behind them. There isn’t a clear na- tional title contender to lean on, but there Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas: Health is key here as Daniels only played in three games a season ago. A loaded o ense including RB Devin Neal and OT Logan Brown should help the QB and Jayhawks build on a nine- win 2023 campaign. A roster of 30 seniors should help, too. isn’t much separation up top either. 3 A-list players to watch Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State: Gor- don has had some o -field issues stemming from DUI charges. Still, he’s the best back in the nation after running for 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns. He’ll be key if the Cow-
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