Week 8 of the college football season is upon us, as we are in store for another exciting weekend of Big 12 action. I thought it would be fun to rank the games based on my interest each week. Between big-time matchups, total duds, and everything in between, here are my best-to-worst games for the weekend.
#23 Utah at #15 BYU
Despite being less than 50 miles apart, the hatred BYU and Utah have for one another could stretch across the entire country and then some. Not only is this the best rivalry in the Big 12, it’s also the best game in the conference this weekend.
Both defenses have been excellent this season but it’s the offenses that have been catching my eye. Utah’s dominant play up front has turned their rushing attack into one of the best in the country while BYU hasn’t been afraid to air it out with Bear Bachmeier. Last season’s game was full of drama and excitement and I expect nothing short of that on Saturday night.
#7 Texas Tech at Arizona State
The only reason I am putting this game at No. 2 is because I believe Sam Leavitt will suit up for the Sun Devils. We saw what happened when Arizona State started Jeff Simms at quarterback and it wasn’t good against Utah.
Texas Tech is the best team in the Big 12 by a mile and if Leavitt doesn’t play then I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Red Raiders win by at least two touchdowns. As of this moment, he appears to be a game time decision but my gut says he will tough it out and play. This game is extremely important for Arizona State if they want to try and repeat as conference champions.
Baylor at TCU
If not for a great slate this weekend, this game could be bumped up but what a matchup we have in Fort Worth. Much like the Holy War, these two have a little holy war of their own because they hate each other just as much. The over/under on this game is set at 65.5 right now and I wouldn’t be shocked to see this one look like a Big 12 game straight out of 2015 with both offenses running up and down the field. Expect a ton of points, a lot of yards and thrilling finish.
Arizona at Houston
This is probably the most underrated game of the weekend, but don’t sleep on it. Arizona is still fighting to keep their Big 12 hopes alive after a devastating loss in double overtime to BYU last weekend. Meanwhile, Houston may be one of the biggest surprises in the conference with their 5-1 record. A win here would keep the Cougars in the hunt and the quarterback matchup of Noah Fifita and Connor Weigman intrigues me. I am also very interested to see how many Houston fans show up on Saturday because that is a fan base that is starving for success.
West Virginia at UCF
If you are looking for a Big Ten game in the Big 12 then look no further than this one. Both teams have been bitten by the injury bug at quarterback and points will come at a premium. Neither team has been very good this season but the one thing UCF has a defense. I know they can stop West Virginia’s bad offense but I don’t know if UCF has enough offense of their own to score enough points. This game is going to look like it was played in 1925 and the first one to 20 should win. Although it may take 120 minutes of game time to get there.
#24 Cincinnati at Oklahoma State
This has nothing to do with Cincinnati, and everything to do with Oklahoma State. The Cowboys are the worst team in the Big 12 right now and have lost 12 conference games in a row dating back to 2023. As much as I respect the group of shirtless fans energy and passion, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Oklahoma State is hard to watch week in and week out. I expect Cincy to blow their doors off on Saturday.
