The roar of the crowd, the clash of helmets – college football is back! And what better way to dive in than with a look at Thursday night’s Big 12 matchups? Four teams took the field, each offering a glimpse into what this season might hold. From defensive dominance to quarterback controversies, there’s plenty to unpack. Here are the top four takeaways from the opening games:
- Houston’s impressive defensive showing
- The quarterback situation at Oklahoma State
- UCF’s search for their QB1
- Cincinnati’s costly turnovers
These games provided a taste of the excitement and storylines we can expect throughout the Big 12 season. Let’s break down the key moments and what they mean for these teams moving forward.
Houston’s Defense Looks Ready for Big 12
All eyes were on Houston’s new quarterback, Connor Weigman, but the Cougars’ defense stole the show in their game against Stephen F. Austin. They suffocated the Lumberjacks’ offense, allowing only 144 total yards and forcing two turnovers. The defensive line was particularly disruptive, holding Stephen F. Austin to a mere 1.6 yards per rush and consistently pressuring the quarterback.
Defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong seems to have seamlessly continued the success of last season’s defense. If Weigman and the offense can find their rhythm, Houston could be a dark horse in the Big 12. Their defense is certainly capable of disrupting opposing offenses and keeping them in games.
As quoted by Coach Armstrong after the game, “We preach relentless effort and execution. Tonight, the guys showed they bought in. We still have things to clean up, but I’m proud of the intensity they brought to the field.”
Key takeaway: Houston’s defense is a force to be reckoned with and could be a major factor in their Big 12 campaign.
Is Hauss Henjy OK at Oklahoma State?
Oklahoma State’s quarterback situation is a bit murky after their game against UT Martin. Hauss Henjy started the game and played well, leading the Cowboys to two consecutive scoring drives. He showcased his athleticism with several impressive runs, appearing to be in command of the offense.
However, Henjy left the game with a lower body injury and did not return. Zane Flores filled in admirably, but the Cowboys’ offense didn’t need to do much against a struggling UT Martin team. The biggest question now is the severity of Henjy’s injury and whether he’ll be available for their upcoming games. An update from the medical team is expected early next week.
Coach Gundy addressed the QB situation after the game stating, “Hauss was playing well, but we had to be cautious with his injury. Zane stepped in and showed poise. We will evaluate Hauss this week and make a decision moving forward.”
Key takeaway: The health of Hauss Henjy is crucial for Oklahoma State’s offensive success. The team’s performance hinges on his availability and the coaching staff’s decision moving forward.
Tayven Jackson Should Have Started for UCF
UCF’s game against Jacksonville State was plagued by an ugly weather delay and an even uglier offensive performance, at least initially. Head coach Gus Malzahn gave Cam Fancher the starting nod, but the Knights’ offense sputtered, failing to score a single point in the first half. The only excitement came from a fan who ran onto the field during the weather delay.
The game changed when Tayven Jackson entered in the second half. The offense immediately showed signs of life, with Jackson leading two scoring drives in the fourth quarter. Despite the late surge, UCF fell short, losing 20-17. Many are questioning why Jackson wasn’t given the start, as he clearly provided a spark that Fancher couldn’t.
Post-game, Coach Malzahn commented, “We needed a change of pace, and Tayven provided that. He showed some promise, and we’ll evaluate the quarterback position this week.”
Key takeaway: Tayven Jackson’s performance warrants him the starting quarterback position for UCF. The team’s offensive struggles highlight the need for a change under center.
Cincinnati’s Turnovers Prove Costly
Turnovers proved to be Cincinnati’s undoing in their game. A late first-half fumble in their own territory led to a Nebraska touchdown, shifting the momentum. With the game on the line, quarterback Brendan Sorsby threw an interception with less than a minute remaining, sealing the Bearcats’ fate. Even without a touchdown, the Bearcats were in field goal range and had an opportunity to tie the game.
Despite the loss, Cincinnati’s defense showed promise, particularly against Nebraska’s strong rushing attack. Dontay Corleone was a disruptive force on the defensive line, consistently freeing up the linebackers to make plays.
As Dontay Corleone said after the game, “We came to play hard, and we wanted to show everyone we could hang with anyone. We’ll learn from the loss and be ready for next week.”
Key takeaway: Cincinnati’s defense displayed resilience, but turnovers ultimately cost them the game. Eliminating these mistakes will be crucial for their success moving forward.
Thursday night’s Big 12 matchups offered a glimpse into the storylines that will shape the season. Houston’s defense looks formidable, Oklahoma State faces uncertainty at quarterback, UCF has a potential quarterback controversy brewing, and Cincinnati needs to clean up their turnover woes.
These four games showcased the competitiveness and unpredictability of the Big 12. With exciting matchups and intriguing storylines already emerging, the 2025 season promises to be one to remember. Keep an eye on these teams as the season unfolds. The race for the Big 12 title is officially on!
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