Big 12 News

Three Big 12 Teams Are Dominating Total Yardage Margins

Sep 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Only eight Power Four programs can claim a +100 yardage margin in every game this season, and three of them hail from the Big 12. Texas Tech, Houston, and UCF have not only started undefeated, but they have done it by dominating their opponents statistically, joining a group that includes Penn State, Missouri, Washington, Indiana, and USC. The combined record of the eight teams is a flawless 28-0.

For Texas Tech, the numbers back up what the eye test has shown. The Red Raiders have been the most complete team in the Big 12 through three weeks, pairing an efficient offense led by Behren Morton with a defense that forces turnovers and keeps opponents off balance. The blowout win at Utah underscored just how well-rounded Joey McGuire’s team looks, and the yardage margin illustrates the consistency behind the wins. It is not just about winning games; it is about controlling them.

Houston’s inclusion on the list may surprise some, but the Cougars have quietly been one of the sharpest teams in the country. Their offensive tempo has created problems for every opponent so far, while the defense has exceeded expectations by limiting explosive plays. In their move from the AAC to the Big 12, paired with the hiring of Willie Fritz, the Cougars were expected to need time to adjust, but this season’s yardage dominance shows they are not just keeping up, they are setting the tone.

Then there is UCF, which has carried its identity from the Group of Five ranks into the Big 12 with confidence. The Knights’ offense has been explosive behind Tayven Jackson, and their defense has done enough to keep opponents in check. Their ability to consistently rack up yardage while limiting opponents has given them a statistical edge that points to sustainability, even as the competition ramps up in league play.

The +100-yardage margin club is not just about wins, but about dominance. To reach that mark in every game means more than luck or close finishes; it means imposing your will. For the Big 12, having three teams in that exclusive group shows the depth and strength of the league. If Texas Tech, Houston, and UCF can continue this level of play, it will not just be a storyline in conference play but a factor in the College Football Playoff race.

Most Popular

To Top