Big 12 Week 4 Preview

Big 12 Week 4 Preview

Miami-OH (2-1) at Missouri (3-0)

After a close win last week over San Diego State, the 24th ranked Mizzou Tigers will look to close out the preseason strong with a win. Miami (OH) boasts the fifth best run defense nationally, which could present a problem for a Missouri team that has struggled to establish a ground game. However, the Redhawks anemic offense ranks 109nationally. Look for Blaine Gabbert to have a big day and for Mizzou to win comfortably.

Pereira's Pick: Tigers 45 Redhawks 10

UCLA (1-2) at (7) Texas (3-0)

The Bruins notched their first victory of the season last week over 23rd ranked Houston. Despite opening the season 0-2 with losses to Kansas State and Stanford, UCLA looked inspired last Saturday. Texas hasn't looked impressive through the first three weeks but still stand at 3-0. Neither offense has looked strong this year, with both ranked in the bottom half of the nation. This being said, the Longhorn defense has been exceptional while the Bruin defense has given up an average of 26 points per game. Texas should win, but if Garret Gilbert turns the ball over more than two times UCLA could make this a game. All that said, Texas still prevails.

Pereira's Pick: Longhorns 31 Bruins 14

(8) Oklahoma (3-0) at Cincinnati (1-2)

Cincinnati has been less than impressive so far this season. Ever since head coach Brain Kelly left for Notre Dame, the Bearcats have not looked like the squad that captured the Big East championship last season. On the flip side, Oklahoma has been a bit of a question mark this season. The Sooners have two close wins against non-BCS opponents in Air Force, 27-24, and Utah State, 31-24. This could be an interesting game with Cincinnati playing in their own backyard. Despite the home field advantage, expect Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles to have big days and Oklahoma to roll.

Pereira's Pick: Sooners 42 Bearcats 20

New Mexico State (0-2) at Kansas (1-2)

The New Mexico State Aggies are off to a rough start, losing 41-21 San Diego State and 42-10 to UTEP. The Aggies are winners of just nine games in the past three years, with four of those victories coming against FCS opponents. Despite KU’s two early losses, 6-3 to North Dakota State and 31-16 to Southern Miss, the Jayhawks should win this game. However, it's very difficult to pin KU at this point in the season. If Gill loses this one then Jayhawk faithful will really be calling for his head.

Pereira's Pick: Jayhawks 31 Aggies 10

Northern Iowa (1-1) at Iowa State (1-2)

After dropping another heartbreaker to K-State at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, the Cyclones have a very favorable bounce back game against the an FCS foe in UNI. The Cyclones are talented and disciplined under Paul Rhoads. The Cyclones have a scary backfield with quarterback Austen Arnaud pairing up with runningback Alexander Robinson, the Big 12's 3rd leading rusher a year ago. The Cyclones handle business at Jack Trice Stadium.

Pereira's Pick: Cyclones 42 Panthers 17

Baylor (2-1) at Rice (1-2)

The Baylor Bears have one of the most dangerous weapons in all of college football, Robert Griffin. After returning from a 45-10 schlaking at the hands of TCU, the Bears should get back on track against a Rice team that gave the Longhorns a scare in the opening week. If Rice is going to have a shot they must shut down Griffin. Bears win and continue to fly under the radar.

Pereira's Pick: Bears 34 Owls 16

South Dakota State (0-2) at (6) Nebraska (3-0)

While I believe Nebraska is a bit overrated, they are still a good team and should win this one easily. Taylor Martinez, Roy Helu, and Niles Paul should have a hay day against a defense that has given up an average of 25 points a game to FCS opponents. This should and will be nothing but practice for the Huskers, who will more than likely go into their Thursday night tilt against K-State undefeated and possibly in the top 5 in the country.

Pereira's Pick: Huskers 56 Jackrabbits 6

-- Mike Pereira, 91.9 sports staff