Week 9 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.
1. #11 BYU at Iowa State
There are several games that could easily take the top spot this week, but this game intrigues me more than any other. BYU is heading to Ames coming off an emotional win against their in-state rival and before their matchup with Texas Tech. Meanwhile, Iowa State is fresh off a bye week after back-to-back losses on the road. If there was ever a time for an upset against BYU, this game would be it.
2. Houston at #24 Arizona State
How good is Houston? That seems to be the million-dollar question in the conference right now after their surprising 6-1 start. Their only loss is to Texas Tech, which Arizona State just took down one week ago. The Sun Devils will be without star receiver Jordyn Tyson in this one, which could make things interesting. Plus, a win here for Houston would make them an automatic Big 12 title contender, which sounds crazy when I say it out loud.
3. Baylor at #21 Cincinnati
Despite being third on the list, don’t sleep on this one. The Bearcats are just one of two undefeated teams in conference play, and a win here could put them in the driver’s seat for the Big 12 title race. Meanwhile, Baylor is simply trying to keep their hopes alive at this point with two losses already. Neither defense is great, so don’t be shocked to see a good old-fashioned Big 12 shootout in Skyline chili country.
4. Kansas State at Kansas
The fact that a rivalry game is this far down is a little sad, but at this point, the only thing other than bragging rights between Kansas and Kansas State is just trying to stay afloat in the conference title hunt. Both teams have already lost two games in Big 12 play, and a third would knock someone out completely. Also, Kansas State has won 16 straight in the Sunflower Showdown, and it feels like that streak could come to an end this season. Well, maybe. I guess we will have to wait and see.
5. Colorado at Utah
If I could put a gap between this one and the game above, I would, because it’s a good drop off from here on out. Colorado is already out of the Big 12 championship race, and Utah needs to win to stay alive. No disrespect to Colorado, but they are simply not on Utah’s level, and I don’t see them being competitive on the road in Salt Lake City.
6. TCU at West Virginia
West Virginia doesn’t have the offense, or defense, for that matter, to make this game interesting for me. At some point, playing in Morgantown will be a tough road game, but not this year. TCU will win with ease.
7. Oklahoma State at #14 Texas Tech
Do I really need to say anything here? If you have watched either one of these teams, then you know that this will be a blood bath. Texas Tech by a million and a half. It’s not often you see a Big 12 game with a 36.5 point spread.
