I actually had this argument with someone about the Big 12 last week before the KSU/Aub game. He said the Big 12 didn't look good or do itself any favors early in the season and non conference. Which I beg to differ, and even preseason thought the Big 12 would be better than last year.
If you think about it, aside from Texas and Texas Tech, the Big 12 faired really well against the "big" non conference foes. and even Texas hang close with UCLA. But ISU beats Iowa, KSU hung with Auburn, OU against Tenny, OSU hung with FSU, etc.
essentially the Big 12 went 7-2 ATS:
Texas 1-1
Texas Tech 0-1
OU 1-0
OSU 1-0
KSU 1-0
Iowa St 1-0
WVU 2-0
GL this week. Seems like you and I are similar as we prefer later in the year gambling.