Big 12 baseball is in full swing as we are just a little over the halfway point in conference play. For those not familiar with college baseball, it truly is an underrated sport. There’s always plenty of action and upsets going on during any given day. As for this weekend, here are three things to keep an eye on in the Big 12.
The Holy War
Typically, this rivalry is known for its matchups on the gridiron, but this week, we get to see it play out on the baseball diamond. Separated by less than 50 miles, the hatred between these schools is much older than that.
BYU is having a nice year so far, as the Cougars are 11-10 in Big 12 play and are above .500 overall. Nobody saw that coming. The same can be said for Utah, which got off to a great start in Big 12 action before cooling off in recent weeks.
Neither team is a true threat to make the postseason, but Utah has a chance to play spoiler here. While the Utes are three games below .500, a series win could end any postseason hopes for BYU. Will BYU’s run come to an end this weekend in Provo? We will find out sooner rather than later.
Kansas State Needs a Big Weekend
After getting swept last weekend against their in-state rival, the Kansas State Wildcats find themselves in a bit of a pickle. They are three games under .500 in conference play and are on the outside looking in when it comes to the postseason picture.
In fact, D1Baseball has the Wildcats as one of the first eight teams out of the field of 64 at this very moment. However, that could change this weekend when Kansas State heads east to Morgantown to take on a solid West Virginia squad.
Both teams are more than capable of winning at the plate, but the real difference between them is pitching. The Mountaineers have been excellent on the mound in Big 12 action with a team ERA of 4.92. Meanwhile, Kansas State has given up 7.77 runs per game. If their pitching staff pulls another no-show this weekend, then they can kiss their postseason hopes goodbye.
Is Oklahoma State Back?
Last week, I said the Cowboys needed a series win against Texas Tech, and they ended up sweeping the Red Raiders. Now they are back in the postseason picture and are facing TCU, which is also projected to be a three seed.
While the Cowboys’ pitching has improved, their offense is not as consistent as it was in previous years. The same can be said for TCU. But playing in O’Brate this weekend could provide an edge to the Cowboys because if there’s one thing they do better than anyone, it’s hit home runs.
A series win this weekend could secure a postseason spot for the Pokes as we head into the final month of the regular season. But you never know which Oklahoma State team or TCU team will show up on any given weekend.
