We’re in for another exciting week of Big 12 football, and I thought it would be fun to rank every game based on how interested I am in watching each one.
There may not be a ranked-vs.-ranked matchup on the schedule, but there are still plenty of intriguing games as conference play ramps up. From important Big 12 matchups to interesting road tests — and, yes, a couple of total duds — here are my Big 12 games ranked from best to worst for Week 4.
1. Oklahoma State at West Virginia
While we may not have any ranked matchups in the Big 12 this weekend, we do get a fantastic game in Morgantown as West Virginia hosts Oklahoma State. The Mountaineers are coming off a monster Top 25 win over Virginia, while just two weeks ago, the Cowboys took down a Top 10 Oregon team.
We’re going to find out just how good these teams truly are. Both teams have talented offenses, with West Virginia’s ground game and Oklahoma State’s passing attack, but both defenses have some question marks.
I believe the winner of this game could emerge as a dark-horse Big 12 title contender, and I can’t wait to watch these two go at it.
More: Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia Prediction, Pick and Odds
2. No. 15 Utah at Iowa State
Before the season, this game didn’t look like much, but the more time that has passed, the more intrigued I’ve become.
Even though the competition hasn’t been top-notch, Utah has looked like a legitimate Big 12 title contender as the Utes have steamrolled their opponents. Meanwhile, there are still plenty of questions about Iowa State and just how good the Cyclones are.
Sure, they gave Iowa a scare, but can their offense put up points against a solid Utah defense? I guess we’ll find out Saturday. I also find it very interesting that the betting line has dropped significantly since Sunday.
More: Utah vs. Iowa State Prediction, Pick and Odds
3. Kansas State at Cincinnati
So far this season, Kansas State has looked much improved under first-year head coach Collin Klein. Avery Johnson appears to finally be the guy we all thought he could be, and the defense has shown flashes of being better than it was a year ago.
In years past, I wouldn’t have been shocked to see Kansas State lose a random game like this, but I think this is a different team.
As for Cincinnati, I wonder if the Bearcats can keep up after that miraculous comeback against Miami (Ohio). This is the time for Cincinnati to step up and prove it can compete with one of the better teams in the Big 12.
More: Kansas State vs. Cincinnati Prediction, Pick and Odds
4. Colorado at Baylor
While this may not be a top-tier matchup, I think it has some of the best storylines of the weekend.
Colorado got its doors blown off by Northwestern last weekend in one of the most embarrassing performances I’ve seen in a prime-time slot. How the Buffaloes respond will be fascinating to watch after Deion Sanders ripped his team.
Meanwhile, DJ Lagway is returning for Baylor, and with Dave Aranda on the hot seat, this feels like a must-win game for the Bears.
More: Colorado vs. Baylor Prediction, Pick and Odds
5. TCU at UCF
I put this conference matchup behind the others for a reason: I don’t think either team has a chance to compete for much this season.
UCF is dealing with injuries, including quarterback Alonza Barnett III, while TCU looks like a middle-to-bottom-tier team in the Big 12.
However, someone has to win this game and pick up an important first conference victory of the season.
More: TCU vs. UCF Prediction, Pick and Odds
6. Arizona at Washington State
For a non-conference matchup, I don’t mind this one at all.
After all, these two programs played together in the Pac-12 not too long ago, although it already feels like a lifetime ago. I haven’t seen a ton of Washington State, but I do know the Cougars haven’t been particularly impressive, especially offensively.
Still, this is an opportunity for Arizona to pick up a nice road win in Pullman, which is always a weird place to play.
More: Arizona vs. Washington State Prediction, Pick and Odds
7. No. 25 Houston at Georgia Southern
There isn’t a whole lot to say here, as Houston is a heavy favorite even on the road.
Why the Cougars are going to Georgia Southern is a question in itself, but the biggest thing that interests me is how Houston responds after a tough loss to Texas Tech.
The Cougars came incredibly close to knocking off the defending Big 12 champions. Now we’ll see whether they can put that disappointment behind them and take care of business.
8. Sam Houston at No. 11 Texas Tech
It’s Week 4 and this game is on the slate.
Yuck.
Get me back to conference games, please!
Texas Tech should have a massive talent advantage, and anything other than another comfortable Red Raiders victory would be a major surprise.
