2012 Big 12 Football Schedule: Ranking the Best Non-Conference Games

The college football season may have recently come to a close, but we're already preparing for a season that doesn't start for another seven months.

One of the things that will get us prepared is to know which teams will end up in which conference. We're still trying to figure out if West Virginia will stay in the Big East for another year, or will they play in the Big 12 next season? With them cancelling the matchup against Florida State, they're likely heading to the Big 12.

While the Big 12 tries to figure out the schedule and who will play where, we do know some of the games that will take place as far as non-conference games are concerned. The majority of them are cupcake opponents and won't receive much attention, but there are some gems that should have every college football fan's interest.

Here are a few of the best non-conference games in the Big 12 for next year.

TCU vs. Virginia: 9/22

TCU is now officially a member of the Big 12 and with that move will have a difficult schedule as it is. Having to play Virginia early in the year will also provide a stiff test for the Horned Frogs as well. What head coach Mike London has done with the Cavaliers is remarkable and with his motivation tactics, Virginia will likely remain very competitive in 2012. 

The Horned Frogs really turned it on at the end of the year and Virginia is missing several players from a season ago. But don't count the Cavaliers out in this game as it should provide great entertainment.

Oklahoma State at Arizona: 9/08

This will be the third straight year these teams have met and hopefully the outcome is a lot better than last year's 37-14 Oklahoma State victory. These two teams had great talent last season, but both took completely different directions. Oklahoma State of course had one of the top offenses in the country and ended up winning the Fiesta Bowl. Arizona had a very talented offense, but finished the year 4-8 and fired their head coach. 

Now both of these teams have lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, and it will be very interesting to see how each group responds. The Cowboys lead the series 5-3, but with the game being in Arizona and Oklahoma State losing several key players, this matchup could keep you on the edge of your seat.

Kansas State vs. Miami: 9/08

These two teams met last year in what was their first meeting ever. It ended up resulting in a very surprising game in which Kansas State won 28-24. I'm not too sure the Wildcats can have as great of a season they had last year, but I do know with Bill Snyder running the team, they won't lack effort and will give the Hurricanes a run for their money.

Miami has a very talented team and this could possibly be the year they take that next step to getting their program back on track. Kansas State lacks the talent, but if they end up playing as a team, they could shock a few people and upset the Hurricanes once again.

Oklahoma vs. Notre Dame: 10/27

This has to be the best non-conference game in the Big 12 next year. You have two great football teams with tons of talent and great tradition going up against one another. It doesn't really get much better than this matchup. Hopefully both teams can play the way they're capable of playing and they provide us with a fantastic game.

This contest has taken place nine times in the past and the Sooners haven't exactly fared well, losing eight of those games, including the last six straight. With this one taking place in Oklahoma, they likely will be the favorite, but the Irish do have a talented team if they can just avoid the turnovers that have haunted them the last two seasons.

This matchup should be circled on every college football fan's calendar.

Randy Chambers is a B/R featured columnist that covers college football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail].