Week 11 of Big 12 Football has arrived. The following includes all conference matchups this weekend and predictions (excluding WVU @ Cincinnati).
No. 17 Iowa State at Kansas
The Cyclones head to Lawrence looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss against Texas Tech last week. It was Iowa State’s first loss of the year after starting 7-0. They remain in contention for the Big 12 championship game but have increased the pressure with other teams, such as Colorado, closing in. For Kansas, the season has been anything but successful. After high hopes for 2024, they sit at 2-6, losing six of their last seven games. However, this isn’t a bad spot for the Jayhawks. They’re at home, setting up a potential trap game as the Cyclones come in having lost momentum. This game might be closer than expected; the betting line reflects that with Kansas as only a 2.5-point underdog.
Prediction: Iowa State wins 24-20
No. 20 Colorado at Texas Tech
This matchup is drawing national attention, with Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff on-site for this Big 12 showdown. The game carries significant conference implications, as both Colorado and Texas Tech are in the mix. Colorado, at 6-2, has lost just one conference game, to Kansas State, putting them in a tie for second in the Big 12 with Iowa State. They’re backed by potential NFL first-rounders Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. Texas Tech has had a tougher conference run, but last week’s upset over Iowa State kept them alive at 4-2 in the Big 12. Despite losses to Baylor and TCU, they aim to continue their streak against the Buffs, which would mean back-to-back wins over ranked opponents. Colorado is currently a 4.5-point favorite on the road, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Prediction: Colorado wins 41-30
UCF at Arizona State
UCF has had a rough season but has a chance to sweep the state of Arizona in back-to-back weeks with a win in Tempe. After starting 3-0, UCF dropped five straight conference games before bouncing back with a 56-point performance against Arizona last week. Arizona State, sitting at 6-2, looks to secure a win at home before a tough stretch against No. 19 Kansas State, No. 9 BYU, and rival Arizona in the Territorial Cup to finish the season.
Prediction: Arizona State wins 45-32
Oklahoma State at TCU
Since Week 4, it’s been all downhill for Coach Mike Gundy and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. After starting 3-0, they’ve since dropped six straight games. TCU, at 5-4, can become bowl eligible with a home win this week. TCU is a 10.5-point favorite, the largest spread in the conference this week.
Prediction: TCU wins 31-28
No. 9 BYU at Utah
Conference leader BYU is undefeated at 8-0, aiming to keep that streak alive. Their remaining schedule isn’t overly challenging, with only one opponent (Arizona State) holding a winning record. Utah, which began the season ranked No. 12 and as a favorite to win the Big 12, has fallen short of expectations, sitting at 4-4 after four straight losses. They have the chance to play spoiler against BYU, and they’re only 3.5-point underdogs at home. BYU hopes to escape with a win, but it won’t be an easy task.
Prediction: BYU wins 28-20
