2012 Big 12 Football Schedule: 5 Must-See Games That Will Shape the BCS Picture

The Big 12 schedule was finally released after several delays and a lot of patiently waiting fans counting the days. As we look it over, we see several games that could have huge implications on the BCS bowls and possibly BCS National Championship.

You of course have your key games and conference games that will help determine who the top team in the conference is. But these are games that feature teams that will likely be at the top of the rankings and have BCS bowl dreams. Not every team falls under this category, but there are a few key games that you should circle on your calendar.

Here are the five must-watch games that include a Big 12 team.

5. Oklahoma at TCU, 12/1

Two teams that will likely be in the Big 12 race square off at the end of the season. When these two teams have met in the past, it has resulted in tight games that came down to the wire. With this contest taking place in Texas and Oklahoma collapsing at the end of the year last season, this game could get extremely interesting.

The last game of the season is a huge matchup for every team ranked high in the polls. This will likely be a do-or-die for both teams.

2. Texas at Kansas State, 12/1

I'm sure nobody expects Kansas State to win 10 games again like this did last season, but as long as Bill Snyder is the head coach, you never know. While the Wildcats may once again be a team to watch out for, this game is more about the Longhorns. Kansas State has won the last four games in this meeting and with this one taking place in Kansas, it may cause problems for a young Longhorns team.

With this being the last game of the year for both teams, it will likely be a must-win for either team.

3. TCU at Texas, 11/24

A big game that takes place at the end of the season is always more important than one that kicks off in the beginning. This game doesn't leave the loser much time to rebound as there's only one game left after this one.

You know Texas is a team that's going to be ranked throughout the year, and TCU is always that sneaky team that makes a run. This is a huge game for both teams.

2. Oklahoma at West Virginia, 11/17

Oklahoma is a team that is always respected in the polls, and with the way West Virginia finished the year, they'll open up the season ranked in the Top 10 as well. This will be a huge game regardless, but what makes it even more important is the fact that it takes place at the end of the season.

The winner could put themselves in the driver seat, and the loser may have lost everything with this one game.

1. Texas vs. Oklahoma, 10/13

I think out of all the teams in the Big 12 conference, it's safe to say these are two of the top teams. These two teams get the most love from the voters in the polls, and even when they lose, they get the benefit of the doubt.

They are arguably the most talented teams from top to bottom and will be ranked highly when the season kicks off. The winner of this game will likely be the front-runner for not just the Big 12 title, but also a possible BCS bowl.

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