The Big 12 finally unveiled its 2023 schedule this week, releasing the full slate for all 14 teams on Tuesday. Here are five games not named Red River or Bedlam you should watch this season! 

1. TCU at Houston — September 16

From the hunter to the hunted, TCU kicks off its conference play by traveling to Houston. Last season was underwhelming for the Cougars, but there’s no better way to make a statement than beating the college football national runner-up. Both teams have lost key pieces on offense and defense, including their starting quarterbacks and No. 1 wide receivers. TCU will undoubtedly look to make a statement and an example of Houston, but the Cougars will also look to show they can play with the big dogs.

2. TCU at Oklahoma — November 24 (Friday)

Get your Black Friday shopping done early, ‘cause you’re not going to want to miss this one. The Big 12 didn’t do the Sooners any favors late in the season. After traveling to Provo, the Sooners get to host TCU on a short week to end the season. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if one or both of these teams are in the race for the Big 12 Championship Game coming into the final week. Kudos to the Big 12 schedule-makers for this late season matchup that could have championship implications.

3. Houston at Texas Tech — September 30

Houston travels to meet a familiar foe in Week 5 — a team that has beaten the Cougars in each of the previous two seasons. A team whose former starting quarterback, Donovan Smith, is now on the Houston sideline. The Red Raiders beat the Cougars in a 33-30 double OT thriller last season. No matter the sport, there are fireworks whenever these two teams meet. I don’t expect anything different in 2023. This budding rivalry is just what the conference needs with realignment right around the corner.

4. Oklahoma at BYU — November 18

BYU is the only newcomer to play both Texas and Oklahoma, the latter coming late in the season with a chance to play spoiler. I smell a trap game brewing with the Sooners playing TCU the next week. Traveling to Provo is never easy. Traveling to Provo on BYU’s senior night in late November is a different beast. While the Sooners had a down year in 2022, finishing 6-7, they are still one of the premier brands in the nation. BYU will have this game circled on its calendar.

5. Kansas State at Texas — November 4

I know I know, another November game! The last month of the season could be a bloodbath kicked off by Texas hosting the Wildcats. Both teams could very well be undefeated in conference play entering Week 10. These teams met last season this same weekend in Manhattan in a game in which Texas came out victorious. This might be the last crack the Wildcats have at the Longhorns, so they’ll want to make it memorable.