Predictions for Every Big 12 Game This Weekend

While West Virginia is on a bye week, most Big 12 teams are playing this weekend.

The following are my predictions for every Big 12 matchup this weekend with a simple explanation for the picks.

No. 20 Oklahoma State @ No. 23 Kansas State

This is my Big 12 game of the week. Two ranked programs going at it to begin a Saturday slate of college football. Both teams are coming off a loss, but Kansas State’s feels more significant as it was a huge upset. I think the Wildcats will bounce back with Avery Johnson having a big game. I predict that Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon, who received Heisman votes and has yet to notch 50 yards against an FBS team this season, continues to struggle on the ground as KSU keeps him under control and comes out victorious.

Kansas State 28, Oklahoma State 20

No. 22 BYU @ Baylor

It’s another noon kickoff game. Both teams have something to prove here. BYU is coming in undefeated at 4-0 after beating Kansas State last week in a dominating, impressive win. Baylor is 2-2 after suffering a late, heart-breaking loss to Colorado in overtime after the Buffaloes got a last-second score in regulation. Although they’re on the road, I predict the Cougars to take this one and prove it wasn’t a fluke last week. Look for their defense to make the big plays when it matters.

BYU 34, Baylor 21

TCU @ Kansas

A team the Mountaineers came back against last week, Kansas hosts TCU in Week 5. Kansas has had clear struggles this season, falling in close games. TCU is coming off of back-to-back losses after starting the season 2-0. It is a game that is expected to be close, and I think Kansas will run away with it. There should be a lot of frustration in the Jayhawks locker room after not living up to their expectations early in the season. With a great backfield of Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw, I expect the Jayhawks to be heavy on the ground game in this one.

Kansas 45, TCU 30

Colorado @ UCF

After the thrilling end against Baylor, the Buffaloes stomp into Orlando to face an undefeated UCF team fresh off a bye week. UCF has shown a quality offense through three games so far this season, and it starts with its trio of quarterback KJ Jefferson, runningback RJ Harvey, and wide receiver Kobe Hudson. According to Vegas, the Knights are heavily favored in this game with a spread of -14. However, I think Colorado puts up a fight and comes out on top. Travis Hunter is one of the most exciting players to watch in college football, and the hype is real; he can make the big plays, as we saw last week against BU. I predict this one to be a shootout.

Colorado 42, UCF 40

No. 18 Iowa State @ Houston

The undefeated Cyclones are on the road to take on Houston in their first Big 12 matchup of the season. Iowa State is heavily favored, and for good reason. The Cougars haven’t performed well so far in 2024 and are coming off a 34-0 loss to Cincinnati. While I think they’ll put together a better performance than that, I just don’t know if they’re ready for Iowa State. I predict that Cyclones quarterback Rocco Becht, son of WVU Sports Hall of Famer Anthony Becht, has a career day.

Iowa State 35, Houston 17

Cincinnati @ Texas Tech

Both teams here are coming off of big wins in their last games. The Bearcats routed Houston just mentioned and the Red Raiders got a solid win over Arizona State. This one should be close throughout, coming down to the final minutes. In the end, I just think Cincinnati is a better football team, I am picking yet another road team to win.

Cincinnati 20, Texas Tech 17

Arizona @ No. 10 Utah

Big 12 after dark? These two former Pac 12 members kickoff at 10:15 p.m. EST. Last year, Utah took care of business against Arizona. While I think this game will be a little bit closer, Arizona just hasn’t looked the best so far this season. They struggled a bit against Northern Arizona but still came out with a win and took a loss to Kansas State following that. Coming off a bye, I expect one of the best quarterback-receiver duos in Noah Fifiita and Tetairoa McMillan to get back in total rhythm. However, if Cam Rising is back, I don’t see the Utes having too much trouble at home.

Utah 31, Arizona 20