The college football season is back and Week 3 saw the return of conference play, along with a bunch of non-conference match ups for the Big 12. The Big 12 had two games on Friday night, with the rest of the schedule on Saturday. While the match ups were not as compelling as what we got in Week 2, there were still plenty of fire works, nail biters, and even some overtime. So with that, let’s take a look at the top five takeaways from Week 3 in the Big 12 Conference.
Stay Forever, Backyard Brawl
Ahead of this week’s Backyard Brawl between West Virginia and Pittsburgh, the news dropped that the two sides would continue their annual rivalry through 2036. And then on Saturday, we got overtime in this historic rivalry, with the Mountaineers coming out on top 31-24. This led to an emotional interview with Rich Rodriguez after the win.
Watching Rich Rod after the game was a reminder of what a stark contrast between him and his predecessor, Neal Brown. Brown was a decent man, but he did not embody WVU. Everything about Rich Rodriguez is West Virginia football.
In an era when college football continues to change, conferences keep shifting, and traditions get lost, having West Virginia vs. Pittsburgh played every single fall is exactly what this sport needs more of.
Connor Weigman is the Real Deal
If Houston ends up being one of the best surprises in the Big 12, if not college football, this season, quarterback Connor Weigman will be a main reason why. The quarterback showed off great dual-threat ability on Friday night vs. Colorado, finishing 15/24 for 222 yards, while rushing 17 times for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
And he was showing off the quick-twitch ability as well on the ground, like on this touchdown run.
Big Weig on the run 🕺@ConnerWeigman pic.twitter.com/fhM9Oa9brM
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) September 13, 2025
After beating Colorado, Houston football is now 3-0 for the first time since 2016. Now, the Cougars go play Oregon State, who Texas Tech just blasted by 30 points. If they move to 4-0, that sets up a huge showdown vs. Texas Tech the following week.
Willie Fritz is just doing what he’s done everywhere he’s been: Build a program.
Kansas State and Colorado Similar Issues
Both Kansas State and Colorado lost on Friday night, and neither team could stop the run against Arizona and Houston, respectively. K-State allowed 234 rushing yards to Arizona, while Colorado gave up 213 rushing yards to Houston.
Also, both teams have issues on the offensive line. Arizona racked up nine tackles for loss against Kansas State, while Colorado allowed seven tackles for loss, along with three sacks against Houston. These two programs look like they could be in for long seasons, unless they can turn things around quickly on both sides of the line.
Colorado (1-2) gets back to non-conference play next week against Wyoming at home, while K-State (1-3) has a week off before re-starting Big 12 play in two weeks against UCF. Both need to figure it out quickly or their seasons will spiral fast.
Iowa State History
After beating Arkansas State 24-16 on Saturday, Iowa State is 4-0 for the second consecutive season, the first time in school history the Cyclones have opened with four wins in back-to-back years.
Iowa State actually trailed in the game 10-9, but the deficit lasted all of 30 seconds, as the Cyclones struck with a touchdown before halftime, and then created enough breathing room in the second half to go into their bye week with a win.
This was the fourth game in a row for Iowa State after playing in Dublin in Week 0, then playing their in-state rival in Week 2. Iowa State was due for a bit of a letdown, but there is no reason to look into this game any further than Iowa State got the win, and they will be a contender in the Big 12 once again. Those of us who thought they might take a step back, myself included, were wrong.
The September 21 Showdown in Salt Lake
Two undefeated Big 12 teams will meet up in Week 4 in Salt Lake City in what could be one of the defining games of the 2025 Big 12 season: Utah hosts Texas Tech next week, with both teams having College Football Playoff asipirations.
They both blew through their non-conference schedules with ease. Utah rolled UCLA, Cal Poly and Wyoming, while Texas Tech handled Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Kent State and Oregon State. Neither team had a murderer’s row of a non-conference, but they’re both exactly where they thought they would be after Saturday night.
Utah rolled Wyoming 31-6, while Texas Tech handled Oregon State 45-14. So now, all eyes turn to Salt Lake City for an incredible kick off to conference play for both teams.
