Welcome to Tuesday Takes, where I give you five takes from the Big 12. It was a jam-packed week full of action, but here were several things that caught my attention from this past weekend.
Texas Tech is the Best Team in the Big 12
This should go without saying, but Texas Tech is the best team in the Big 12 hands down. After their dominant win over Utah on the road, I don’t see how someone could say otherwise. Tech’s defense absolutely dominated Utah’s offense and held them to just ten points while forcing four turnovers.
When starting quarterback Behren Morton got hurt, Will Hammond stepped in, and that offense didn’t miss a beat. In fact, the offense got better as they scored 24 points in the fourth quarter alone. What is crazy about Texas Tech is that they didn’t even play their best game on Saturday. They turned the ball over twice and committed 14 penalties, and yet they still won by 24 points. This team is scary good.
BYU is a Big 12 Title Contender
Going into last weekend, I admit that I was clueless about BYU. To me, they were by far the toughest team to figure out. Some people had them in their top 25 while others didn’t even see them making a bowl game.
However, I feel a whole lot better about where the Cougars stand after their big win over East Carolina on the road. This year’s BYU team is very similar to the 2024 team. They are going to run the rock with LJ Martin and play great defense. I would compare them to a typical Big Ten team that wants to control the game. I put too much stock into them losing Jake Retzlaff because Bear Bachmeier has filled in nicely.
UCF is No Pushover
There weren’t many people who gave UCF a chance this season, including me. Year one into the Scott Frost era (again) and with so many new faces, I figured this team would struggle out of the gate.
In their opening game, they started Cam Fancher at quarterback, and things didn’t work out so well. But they soon switched to Tavyen Jackson and haven’t looked back since. The offense looks much better with him running the show, but it’s the defense that has impressed me the most. Through their first three games, UCF’s defense has allowed just 26 points. Now I know they haven’t played great teams, but after watching them play against North Carolina, I believe they will surprise some people this season.
Kaidon Salter is Colorado’s Best Quarterback
When Colorado started former third-string quarterback Ryan Staub against Houston, it was head-scratching to say the least. But against Wyoming this past weekend, the coaching staff decided to go back to Kaidon Salter, and he delivered.
Salter threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns against the Cowboys on Saturday night and also led the team in rushing with 86 yards and a score. After a game like that, I don’t think there is any doubt that he should be the guy moving forward for the Buffaloes. Salter gives Colorado the best chance to win and deserves to be the starter.
Mike Gundy Isn’t Coming Back in 2026
I have said plenty about Mike Gundy over the last few days since their loss to Tulsa last week, but I will say it again. Mike Gundy should not be brought back for the 2026 season. After going 3-9 and winless in Big 12 play last season, this year doesn’t look any better at all. In fact, it looks worse.
This is after Gundy made changes across the board from the roster to the coaching staff. Since the start of last year, this program has felt stale and lifeless. We already know that Gundy isn’t a huge fan of today’s game. Between NIL and recruiting, I feel like Oklahoma State has always been a step behind with him. I know Mike Gundy has been the face of that program and built it from the ground up, but it’s time to move on.
