BIG 12 GAMES

Oklahoma vs. Akron: The last anyone saw of the Oklahoma offense, the Sooners were struggling to score against Clemson in the Russell Athletic Bowl. Losing 40-6 to the Tigers to drop to 8-5 on the season forced coach Bob Stoops to confront his offensive woes.

Oklahoma’s season opener against Akron could be the mostly closely scrutinized of the seven games involving the Big 12.

Lincoln Riley is the new Oklahoma offensive coordinator. He’s a devotee to up-tempo, so the Sooners will be striving to be more like they were in 2008 when they accelerated through the season and played for a national championship.

Former Lake Travis High School standout Baker Mayfield is the new starting quarterback.

Texas at 11-Notre Dame: Meanwhile, the state of the offense also will be a huge deal when Texas travels to Notre Dame for a night game in South Bend. The Irish are a 9.5-point favorite. Fans are clamoring for a change at quarterback. Will Tyrone Swoopes quiet the burnt-orange angst or will the cries for Jerrod Heard grow louder?

Texas Tech vs. Sam Houston State: There’s plenty of drama at Texas Tech, although the Red Raiders’ home game against Sam Houston State shouldn’t be too exciting.

Coach Kliff Kingsbury declined to name a starting quarterback this week. It’ll either be Patrick Mahomes or Davis Webb.

Kansas State vs. South Dakota: Kansas State is debuting Jesse Ertz, the third-year sophomore, at quarterback. He beat out three others for the job.

West Virginia vs. Georgia Southern: The Mountaineers’ strength will be defense, with nine returning starters. Meanwhile, Georgia Southern is without starting quarterback Kevin Ellison, who was suspended for the first two games.

Kansas vs. South Dakota State: New Kansas coach David Beaty gets a game against South Dakota State, a team that’s trying to overcome huge offensive losses to graduation.

Iowa State vs. Northern Iowa: Iowa State may have as many as 13 junior college transfers, including 10 on defense, seeing the field.