Before the 2024 season started, the Big 12 was expected to provide the most entertaining and unpredictable conference title race.
That’s certainly been the case through the first six weeks of action. Five teams remain undefeated in Big 12 play: Texas Tech (3-0), BYU (2-0), Iowa State (2-0), Colorado (2-0), and West Virginia (2-0). Meanwhile, six teams that’ve lost just one game in league play are still well-positioned to make a Big 12 title run, as Kansas State, Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, Cincinnati, and UCF are all sitting at 1-1.
Every one of those teams still has a clear path to Arlington, but their margin for error has dwindled already. Who is the most dangerous team among that one-loss group? The Heartland College Sports staff shares their thoughts in this week’s roundtable.
Pete Mundo: Kansas State
While I get picking Utah, I can’t bet on Cam Rising’s health. Yes, he’s playing vs. Arizona State, but how close is it to 100%? And based on how brittle he’s been, and given there’s still two months to play, I can’t do it.
Kansas State should be favored in every remaining game, other than maybe the regular season finale at Iowa State. The Wildcats are getting better each week and that will only continue as Avery Johnson gets more comfortable as a first-year starter and continues to develop and grow with this offense.
They need to figure out the secondary, but Colorado this Saturday is, by far, the best passing attack they have to face remaining on the schedule. So if KSU wins on the road in Boulder this weekend, give me the Wildcats as the favorite of the one-loss teams.
Bryan Clinton: Utah
I think the wording here is important. I believe the “best” one-loss team right now is Kansas State. After Avery Johnson’s performance against Oklahoma State a couple of weeks ago, it feels like they’re back in the media’s good graces. However, the most “dangerous” one-loss team in the Big 12 is Utah. The Utes are averaging just 16.0 points per game in Big 12 play, and Cam Rising’s status has been up in the air since the Baylor game.
However, he’s set to return this week against Arizona State, and that should have a huge impact on the Utes’ offense. With doubts still hanging around about his ability to stay on the field, it feels like fewer people are taking the Utes seriously than probably should be. If Rising comes back and stays on the field, Utah immediately becomes the most complete team in the Big 12 again. The fact that anyone doubts them makes them incredibly dangerous.
Matthew Postins: Utah
Obviously, Kansas State is a prime candidate here because the Wildcats are already one of the best teams in the conference. You could make a good argument for UCF. The Florida loss showed some flaws in their overall scheme, but the Knights’ running game can dominate opponents. But with Cam Rising set to return, I think that gives Utah the bounce it needs. I’ve felt since the summer that once the Utes got into October, their schedule was manageable enough to get to Arlington. This one development makes Utah a team that no one will want to deal with for the next two months — assuming Rising can stay healthy.Â
Joe Tillery: Kansas State
The two obvious answers here are Utah and Kansas State. I’m going with the Wildcats as the correct answer due to the differences in recent struggles. The bulk of Kansas State’s issues this season have been due to mental mistakes or inexperience, while Utah’s issues are largely physical.
Cam Rising’s health is still a factor ahead of his Week 7 start, and until he’s back to 100%, the answer remains Kansas State. It’s no secret that the Wildcats go as Avery Johnson goes. His development and maturity this season are the key to Kansas State making a run to Arlington. They have the ability, and it’s just about making it happen.
Derek Duke: Utah
As crazy as it sounds, I feel like the one team nobody is really talking about is Utah. They were picked to win the Big 12, and due to Cam Rising’s injury, they have been written off, but I totally understand why. It’s because Isaac Wilson isn’t ready to be a starting quarterback at this point in his career.
The Utes’ defense has been great, and despite the offensive issues, it has held up its end of the bargain. The one thing missing in Salt Lake City has been solid quarterback play, which changes now because Cam Rising is back in the lineup. Don’t count out the Utes just yet, folks.
