Big 12 football: How the conference should address rivalry week

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: The Oklahoma Sooners are wait to run onto the field prior to the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: The Oklahoma Sooners are wait to run onto the field prior to the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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24 SEP 1988: UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL COACH BARRY SWITZER WITH HIS TEAM BEFORE THE SOONERS 23-7 LOSS TO THE USC TROJANS. Mandatory Credit: STEPHEN DUNN/ALLSPORT
24 SEP 1988: UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA FOOTBALL COACH BARRY SWITZER WITH HIS TEAM BEFORE THE SOONERS 23-7 LOSS TO THE USC TROJANS. Mandatory Credit: STEPHEN DUNN/ALLSPORT

Oklahoma State vs. Tulsa

This might not be considered a rivalry to some (and could be thought of as an insult to Oklahoma State fans), but the Cowboys and Golden Hurricane share a rich tradition that dates back to both teams’ time in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Oklahoma State has won the last six meetings, but the all-time series (41-27-5 in favor of Oklahoma State) is actually more competitive than the Bedlam all-time record (81-18-7).

It would also be a golden (forgive the pun) opportunity for both teams to lure in in-state recruits.

Iowa vs. Iowa State

These two teams have played every season since 1977. We’re just moving the game from the beginning of the year to Thanksgiving weekend. The Cyclones and Hawkeyes have already met 15 times in November during their rivarly that dates back to 1994.

It’s a win-win situation. The state of Iowa has a reason to drink Baileys in their coffee at 8 a.m. and the Big 10 and Big 12 will have a solid measuring stick between the two conferences going into championship week.

West Virginia vs. Pitt

Mountaineer fans everywhere will rejoice at the return of the Backyard Brawl, a rivalry that dates back to 1895.

These two schools are separated by only 90 miles, much closer than anyone West Virginia currently plays inside the Big 12.

West Virginia and Pitt have played a home-and-home basketball series the past two seasons to try and quell the clamoring of the two fanbases. Imagine what a permanent return to the series would do for everyone.