By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
There has never been this much buzz around the Big 12 since the Playoff expanded in 2024.
The SEC pundits are getting nervous at the idea of the league receiving at least one at-large bid. Some of them can’t fathom the idea that the Conference is legitimately good.
The nonconference wins over Oregon and Notre Dame changed the narrative.
But reputations can be torn down in a week.
No. 2 BYU heads to Orlando to play UCF in an eyebrow-raising matchup. A loss would destroy much of the goodwill built up in the national media.
In this week’s Big 12 Column, I preview all of the games involving teams in the West.
Plus, the featured team is Utah with College GameDay in town.
Featured Team: Utah
No.14 Houston at No. 10 Utah
Saturday, October 24
7:15 PM PT, ESPN
This matchup in Salt Lake City is Utah’s biggest game since joining the Big 12.
The only comparable moment is the contest against Oklahoma State in Stillwater, back in 2024. That means the whole conference is watching. And the stakes are high.
The winner will become a favorite for an at-large bid to the Playoff.
Houston has already been tested. The Cougars have a win over Oklahoma State, a road “W” in Manhattan against Kansas State, and a victory over Oregon State.
The UH offense is efficient, with senior quarterback Conner Weigman leading the way.
Weigman enters the game with a 20-to-2 touchdown/interception ratio. He has six rushing touchdowns, too, with 229 yards on the ground and 3.9 yards per carry.
This is, without a doubt, the best offense the Utes have faced this season.
That might be a problem for Utah. The team has been trending in the wrong direction since the second half of the Iowa State game. This matchup provides the opportunity to change the narrative.
Otherwise, Houston could expose Utah.
No. 2 BYU at UCF
Saturday, October 24
12:30 PM PT, FOX
This matchup is the definition of a “Trap Game.” The Cougars are coming off one of the best wins in program history and now have to go on the road to Orlando.
The Bounce House is not an easy place to win at. The home crowd makes a difference, and it’s a day game.
The northeast coast of Florida is nothing like the altitude of Provo. There are a lot of home-field advantages in Central Florida’s favor. And the Knights are good this year. Scott Frost is cooking. There’s a reason why the spread is less than a touchdown.
The worst thing for the Big 12 would be a BYU loss. The referees might understand that. You do the math.
No way the Cougars drop this one. Right?
Kansas State at Arizona State
Saturday, October 24
12:45 PM PT, ESPN2
Nobody outside of the Big 12 would look at this game as a “must-watch.” Even fanbases within the league wouldn’t characterize this matchup that way.
But for the die-hards, this is a fascinating game. A midday kickoff in the desert is unusual. The Sun Devils have a great home-field advantage that has produced many upsets over the years. But a day game?
In theory, it favors ASU. Yet, it might take away some of the spark and energy that the crowd normally has. Collin Klein and Avery Johnson are dangerous combo.
The Vegas oddsmakers have the Devils as the underdogs. Something’s gotta give.
Colorado at Oklahoma State
Saturday, October 24
4:00 PM PT, FS1
The Buffs played better than expected against Utah. The 24 points scored were the most against an FBS opponent this season.
Now, cutting down turnovers is the next step in the development process. Isaac Wilson can’t turn the ball over. The margins are too thin. Colorado can’t overcome those mistakes.
Still, if the Go-Go system is effective against the Utah defense, then it should be effective against the rest of the league.
If the CU defense itself can generate sacks and pressure against Drew Mestemaker, there’s a chance the Buffaloes pull off the upset.
Iowa State at No. 25 Arizona
Saturday, October 24
4:30 PM PT, ESPN2
It’s Homecoming in Tucson. And the Wildcats are ranked.
Times are good in the Old Pueblo.
Iowa State has one of the worst offenses in the Big 12. The Cyclones are 15th in yards per game and 14th in points per game. Danny Gonzales is going to eat. The only weakness in the Arizona defense is the secondary.
But ISU is a run-first team. They are not built to take advantage of UA’s flaw. Combine that with a homecoming crowd that will affect the game, and it’s easy to see why Arizona is favored by 10.
Straight-Up Staff Picks for Selected Games
More on the Big 12
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
