Week 8 of the 2024 college football season is here, and for the first time all season, we will see a full slate of Big 12 matchups involving all 16 teams.
With eight games on deck, Big 12 football fans will have to start with a late game on Friday night and carry themselves all the way through Saturday to catch a 9:30 p.m. kick to end the festivities, too.
It’s been a chaotic season thus far, with underdogs faring incredibly well through the first seven weeks — going 14-10 against the spread and 12-12 straight up.
This week, the average line in Big 12 games is under 6.5 points, with three games right at or under a field goal. Here’s who will win each game, why they’ll win, and what our predicted final score is.
Oklahoma State (3-3, 0-3) at 13 BYU (6-0, 3-0)
Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 | 9:15 PM (CT) | LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT | BYU (-9.5)
Oklahoma State is coming off a much-needed bye week, and even though Mike Gundy got head-butted by a cow over the weekend, the hope is that a week off rekindled some fire for the Pokes. Unfortunately, there’s not a place in the Big 12 that is tougher to go and play right now than Provo — let alone for a 9:15 p.m. CT kick on Friday night. BYU has forced eight turnovers in three home games this season, and its defense looks like the best unit Oklahoma State has faced so far this season. Even though Mike Gundy typically finds a way to win these games, the Cougars squandered a huge lead in Stillwater last season that cost them a bowl berth. They’ll have revenge on their minds this time around.
BYU 34, Oklahoma State 20
Arizona State (5-1, 2-1) at Cincinnati (4-2, 2-1)
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 | 11:00 AM (CT) | Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | CIN (-2.5)
The vast majority of people following Big 12 football would be lying if they thought the winner of this game would be 3-1 in Big 12 play — yet, here we are. Arizona State and Cincinnati have been impressive through their first six games. The Sun Devils are playing complementary football right now, as a balanced offensive attack and a strong defense have propelled them to big wins. Meanwhile, the Bearcats have been playing explosively on offense and then played lockdown defense in a win over UCF last week. This game’s line is indicative of what I expect the came to look like, and I’ll take the home team in a close game with Sam Leavitt out.
Cincinnati 27, Arizona State 24
Houston (2-4, 1-2) at Kansas (1-5, 0-3)
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 | 2:30 PM (CT) | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | KU (-6.5)
This game feels depressing already and it hasn’t even kicked off. Houston somewhat expected to be in this position at the halfway point, but Kansas fans were thinking Big 12 Championship before crashing and burning out of the gate. I am having a very hard time understanding how KU is nearly a touchdown favorite in this one, even if they will be in front of a home crowd. I just don’t trust Kansas at all after what I’ve seen to this point, and I actually like Houston making the switch over to Zeon Chriss at quarterback. I’ll take the Cougars in an upset here.
Houston 24, Kansas 23
Colorado (4-2, 2-1) at Arizona (3-3, 1-2)
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 | 3:00 PM (CT) | Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ | ARIZ (-3.5)
Colorado was so close to beating Kansas State this week, but came up just short despite rushing for -29 yards as a team. Shedeur Sanders is playing like one of the top quarterbacks in the country, and he is proving that he can carry this team through games against the odds. Meanwhile, Arizona feels like a team that’s teetering on disaster and really needs a win in front of their home crowd. The Wildcats’ defense has stepped up in spots this season, and would certainly need to do that to pull off the victory here. However, I think Vegas has the wrong team favored here, and I’m taking Colorado to win a tight ball game.
Colorado 31, Arizona 27
Baylor (2-4, 0-3) at Texas Tech (5-1, 3-0)
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 | 3:00 PM (CT) | Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX | TTU (-6.5)
The “BUTT Bowl” is on, but it feels like this game will pit two teams heading in different directions. Texas Tech appears to have figured out its offense and has a defense that is able to make plays when they’re needed most. Meanwhile, Baylor feels like it is fading and the Bears might be without a head coach if they keep trending this way. Unfortunately for Dave Aranda, I don’t think this game presents many matchups in their favor — plus, it’s in Lubbock. Behren Morton and Tahj Brooks are too much for BU to keep up with, and the Red Raiders win comfortably.
Texas Tech 38, Baylor 23
UCF (3-3, 1-2) at 9 Iowa State (6-0, 3-0)
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 | 6:30 PM (CT) | Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA | ISU (-14)
When both of these teams were 3-0, I had this game circled for one of the matchups that could have a huge factor on the Big 12 Title race. That is still the case, but it’s more so for one team than the other. Iowa State has played like a championship contender in the weeks since then, while UCF has dropped three straight and is coming unglued at the seams. A night game at Jack Trice Stadium is the last thing this team needs right now, but that’s what is up next for the Knights. Cyclones roll here.
Iowa State 34, UCF 13
17 Kansas State (5-1, 2-1) at West Virginia (3-3, 2-1)
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 | 6:30 PM (CT) | Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WV | KSU (-3)
While K-State is 5-1 on the year, their road trips haven’t exactly been without major hurdles. The Wildcats needed comebacks to beat Tulane and Colorado on the road, and their trip to Provo ended in a blowout at the hands of BYU. This week, the Cats head to Morgantown to take on a tough West Virginia team that’s in desperate need of a win. As much as I believe Kansas State is the better team, I just don’t like the thought of them having to face the Mountaineers on the road just a week after an emotional win over the Buffaloes. West Virginia picks up the win of the weekend here, and pulls even with K-State at 2-2 in Big 12 play.
West Virginia 24, Kansas State 21
TCU (3-3, 1-2) at Utah (4-2, 1-2)
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 | 9:30 PM (CT) | Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | UTAH (-4.5)
Utah is reeling, and it feels like they might be as vulnerable as we’ve seen then all season. Not only did they lose their second straight game, but Cam Rising is now out for the year, and the Utes are forced to move on with Isaac Wilson as the starter. It’s not an ideal situation, but they do have a chance to get right against a TCU team that has lost three of its last four. The Horned Frogs’ defense has been putrid through six games, and Utah is strong along the offensive and defensive lines. As much as it feels like Utah is a must-fade at this point, I’m taking them against a TCU team that I just don’t believe is very good.
Utah 26, TCU 20
