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The "Sea of Red" will be special on Saturday

We’ll get rolling with some Big XII games here after the jump, however I would be remiss to not mention this weekend something special is going on in Lincoln, Ne.  A seemingly nominal game on the schedule to outsiders and non-college football writers, however the showdown against Louisiana-Lafayette will mark the Nebraska Cornhusker’s ongoing NCAA record of 300 consecutive home sell-outs.

Not many things are in tact from 1962 when it comes to records like this.  Fans are fickle, and interest shifts with losing seasons and coaching changes.  But in America’s heartland, college football reigns supreme.  With the Huskers being the only ticket in town worth your recession earned money, the streak is alive and well.  The home team will sport throwback jerseys, something rarely seen for the Huskers and in stark contrast to the Oregon’s of the world.  If you’re lucky enough to have tickets for the game on Saturday night, it’s sure to be a sight.

Now on to some not so bold predictions for this weekends Big XII menu.  With the exception of Texas and Texas Tech playing a more competitive game than most thought would be played last weekend in Austin, Tx. this will be the final week of non-conference match-ups.

Missouri Tigers at Nevada Wolfpack – 8 p.m. Friday, September 25th

The Tigers look great, then they played Bowling Green and nearly lost.  They followed up against Furman last weekend winning easily, however Furman is probably not the best test for the Tigers.  We’ll see how they respond traveling to Nevada tomorrow night on ESPN.  I don’t see Mizzou having too many issues winning, which is neither a groundbreaking prediction or particularly interesting.  Nevada will stack the box and make young Blaine Gabbart beat them with his arm, which he will do with relative ease.  Missouri 42 – Nevada  21

Kansas Jayhawks vs. Southern Miss Golden Eagles – 11 a.m. Saturday, September 26th

The Jayhawks will face their stiffest test when the Golden Eagles come to Lawrence, Ks. and will mark another cupcake “pre-season” for the boys in blue.  Senior quarterback Todd Reesing is in cruise control and will have big targets with junior receiver Desmond Briscoe and 17th year senior Kerry Meier.  Look for the Hawks to be in control early on with a steady running game from junior running back Jake Sharpe and pour on the points in the second half to make it look impressive like they’ve done all season.  Kansas 52 – Southern Miss 17

Kansas State Wildcats vs. Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles – 1:10 p.m. Saturday, September 26th

Boy, are the Cats ever in need of a win.  Tech couldn’t come in at a better time.  Bill Snyder and company have a long season in front of them and looking ahead, it could potentially be their last win of the season.  Say a prayer Aggieville, because this year is going to be a doozy.  Kansas State 36 – Tennessee Tech 10

No. 2 Texas Longhorns vs. UTEP Miners – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 26th

Am I taking crazy pills here?  Is it me or am I the only person who things Texas is a long way from being the #2 rated team in the country?  Colt McCoy is not making the greatest case for the Heisman, however Heisman’s are won and lost during meaningful play which in all actuality, has only been played last weekend against the Red Raiders.  I wouldn’t expect the Horns to have too many problems with UTEP, however I didn’t think they would against Wyoming either.  Texas wins, and I think they start out fast.  Finally.  Finally fast Texas!  Obscure I know, you have to know your infomercials reading this blog.  Texas 56 – UTEP 7

No. 16 Oklahoma State vs. Grambling State – 6 p.m. Saturday, September 26th

Here is what you know about Oklahoma State.  They have a high powered offense, their coach had a famous rant two years ago, they were on the cover of Sports Illustrated which directly caused the loss to Houston two weeks ago.  Now, I can’t prove this but all Nebraska fans need to do is pull out their issue of SI with Eric Crouch on the cover.  Husker Nation hasn’t recovered since.  The Cowboys will also win this game, and probably really big.  See, non-conference is boring.  Really boring.  Oklahoma State 49 – Grambling State 3

Iowa State vs. Army – 6 p.m. Saturday, September 26th

Iowa State showed something when they went on the road last week and beat Kent State by 20.  Sure it’s a lowly MAC opponent, but going on the road has been something of a bugaboo for the Clones as of late.  The win over the Golden Flashes ended their 19 game road losing streak.  I like the Cyclones to win this game at home in Jack Trice, although it won’t be too easy.  Iowa State 28 – Army 17

Baylor vs. Northwester State – 6 p.m Saturday, September 26th

Baylor has a few great playmakers in the works under Art Bryles, however none stand out more than sophomore quarterback Robert Griffin.  He’s the key to that team and any hope of playing in a bowl this year are squarely on his shoulder pads.  The Bears win big in Waco.  Baylor 52 – Northwestern State 10.

Texas A&M vs. UAB – 6 p.m. Saturday, September 26th

Coach Mike Sherman is quickly learning that success in the NFL does not automatically translate to the college ranks.  Of course one of the most recently successful college coaches, Nick Sabin, will tell you it doesn’t go in the other direction either.  The Aggies are looking to move out of the basement of the Big 12 but will have a challenging time doing it this year, even with most of the South in question.  Still, A&M will roll against Alabama-Birmingham.  Texas A&M 49 – UAB 7

Texas Tech vs. Houston – 9:15 p.m. Saturday, September 26th

The college football world should have been put on notice when Case Keenum and company went into Stillwater, Ok. and dashed any national title hopes from the Oklahoma State Cowboys.  Tech should be on high alert, because I think they’re going to lose to the Cougars as well.  Right now, Houston would be the third best team in the Big 12 South behind Texas and Oklahoma.  Mike Leech is taking his team out on the road after an emotional and hard fought loss to Texas, so this one stays close but gets away from the Red Raiders late.  Houston 36 – Texas Tech 27

Nebraska vs. Louisiana Lafayette – 6 p.m. Saturday, September 26th

After dominating for 59 minutes in Blacksburg, Va. and losing in the closing moments of a game they should have won many times over, I’m looking for Husker head man Bo Pelini to have the team refocused and beyond the stinging loss.  In front of a rabid home crowd primed for conference play and mad from the previous defeat, the Ragin’ Cajun’s have little to no chance to “shock the world” in Lincoln.  Nebraska 56 – Louisiana Lafayette 10