Week 4: vs. Houston – Sat., September 21st (TBD)
The first Big 12 game this season for the Bearcats is a favorable matchup. Houston is one of just two teams picked below the Bearcats in the Big 12 Preseason Media Poll. Houston will be led by a new head coach in Willie Fritz, following the disastrous end to the Dana Holgorsen era. It will take some time for this Cougars program to rebound and get back into contention. This will be the Bearcats first ever Big 12 home win.
Game Pick: Bearcats 31-Houston 17 (Record: 4-0)
Week 5: @ Texas Tech – Sat., September 28th (TBD)
This will be the Bearcats first game against Texas Tech since moving to the Big 12, one of five Big 12 teams on this season’s schedule that weren’t on last season’s schedule. The Red Raiders are coming off a 7-6 season, overcoming a 3-5 record to win three in a row and then win in their bowl game. Texas Tech is picked to finish ninth in the Big 12 Preseason Media Poll and is entering its third season with Joey McGuire as head coach.
This will be a difficult game going on the road, where the Bearcats struggled last year in the Big 12. They will have to prove they can win on the road this season to play themselves into bowl eligibility.
Game Pick: Texas Tech 35-Bearcats 21 (Record: 4-1)
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: @ Central Florida – Sat., October 12th (TBD)
These two teams have formed a rivalry that goes back to their days in the American Athletic Conference. Since 2018, four games between these two teams have been decided by four points or less.
Give Central Florida credit. They went to a bowl game in their first season in the Big 12, going 3-6 in Big 12 play. Orlando is a tough place to play for any Big 12 team, and the Knights proved that with a 2-2 home record in Big 12 play. The Bearcats will have their hands full in this game, but I think they will play inspired. They also will be rested after their first bye week of the season.
Game Pick: Central Florida 34-Bearcats 27 (Record: 4-2)
