Oklahoma vs West Virginia
In regards to a battle for victory, this game will not be much of a contest, but it features a handful of incredibly entertaining players and interesting matchups. This game will be one of Trevor Knight's first real tests in 2014, mostly because of West Virginia safety Karl Joseph. Joseph is a powerful, rangy safety that can both make Knight pay in coverage or deliver a massive blow that will make him regret running the ball. That being said, Knight has one weapon specifically that essentially nullifies all opposing troubles: Dorial Green-Beckham. Assuming "DGB" is out of trouble, Knight and DGB will be the best quarterback-receiver duo in the country and will make a mess of West Virginia's secondary.
To be fair, West Virginia has an exciting offense featuring Rushel Shell, who is a young running back that will breathe life into the offense that has been lacking since the Geno Smith days. It will be a major test for the offense of fresh starters, but should prove to be entertaining, despite the fact that they will inevitably lose to the overpowering Oklahoma.
Texas Tech vs Oklahoma State
Texas Tech, no matter the opponent, is one of the most exciting offenses in the conference. Kliff Kingsbury's air raid style of offense simply overloads defenses and Oklahoma State may struggle to handle that, especially with the recent loss of cornerback Justin Gilbert. Such factor is even more worrisome considering the likes of receiver Jakeem Grant, who is, to some extent, a stronger Tavon Austin with a little less wiggle. To continue, TTU's quarterback Davis Webb showed impressive promise in the second half of the season as just a freshman. If he takes the assumed developmental steps, Oklahoma State is going to struggle containing the Rebel offense.
On the other hand, JW Walsh has proven himself as a respectable collegiate quarterback capable of efficiently running the Cowboys offense. Unfortunately, that does not mean he is capable of keeping up with the fast-paced, high scoring offense of Texas Tech.
Texas Tech vs Kansas State
As just stated, Texas Tech's offense is electric and will force Kansas State to play aggressively. Luckily for them, enough talent is on the offense for that to be possible. Jake Waters is far from perfect, but he is a Collin Klein-lite that will be able to get the most out of receiver Tyler Lockett. Lockett is a speed demon that can outrun any of TTU's defensive backs. But of course, TTU's receiver Grant can provide the same dynamic as Lockett for Webb.
Although, Kansas State's defense had the advantage with players such as Ryan Mueller, D'Vonta Derricott, and Terrell Clinkscales. The three make up for what will be a stout defensive front that will dory pet what Webb is able to do from the pocket. Ultimately, due to the advantage on defense, K-State will come out on top.
Baylor vs Texas
All college football fans are aware of what the Baylor offense is capable of, but do not underestimate the effects of Charlie Strong being the new head coach in Texas. If anyone can, Strong will get the most out of David Ash, Jaxon Shipley, and Texas' plethora of talented running backs, namely Malcom Brown. On defense, the Longhorns trot out talents such as Cedric Reid and squander Diggs that will be key factors in stopping the intense passing attack of Baylor.
Of course, Baylor's offense is still one of the best, if not the best, in the nation and should be able to simply out score Texas. Not that Texas' defense is bad, per say, but the four verts offense of Baylor is too tough to shut down considering the handful of athletes that they have. Most importantly, quarterback Bryce Petty is the best in the nation and will be able to pick apart Texas and lead Baylor to a tough conference win.
Oklahoma vs TCU
Offensively, TCU is not a strong team. Their best skill player is a run-first quarterback that had been shaky as a passer in the times he played last season. Although, that is not where TCU has the favorable matchup. If any team in the conference, TCU is set up to stop Oklahoma's passing offense. Cornerback Kevin White is good enough to handle Green-Beckham if he had a bit of help, and stud safety Christian Hackett can provide such assistance. That said, Knight and DGB make for a lethal duo that could possibly year the secondary apart anyway. The game will be heavily dependent on that matchup, but Oklahoma had the advantage, as well as the overall advantage.