After a wild Week 3, Week 4 brings another loaded slate for the Big 12 with several key matchups and a pair of conference games this weekend.
From Oklahoma State heading to Morgantown to Iowa State hosting Utah, we’re about to learn a lot more about several teams across the conference. Here are my five biggest questions for the Big 12 heading into Week 4.
Will Deion’s Tactics Work?
After Colorado’s embarrassing 41-7 loss to Northwestern last weekend, it was clear head coach Deion Sanders wasn’t happy with how his team performed or how some players handled the loss. Sanders noted that several players were laughing and smiling after the game, something he clearly did not appreciate.
During his press conference earlier this week, Sanders said he made changes to the roster by dismissing several players. It was obvious he was fired up and all business while addressing the media. While I can appreciate what he’s trying to accomplish, I wonder whether it will ultimately work or if the whole thing could implode from within.
The good news for Colorado is that it’s a new week. The Buffaloes will head to Waco on Saturday to take on Baylor and attempt to get things back on track.
Can Houston Avoid Disaster?
Despite being a double-digit favorite this weekend, it’s unusual to see Houston traveling to Statesboro, Georgia, to face Georgia Southern. It’s not often that a Power Four program hits the road to play a Group of Five opponent, especially in Week 4.
I bring it up because this game has “trap game” written all over it. Houston is coming off a heartbreaking loss at Texas Tech and must now travel to face a motivated Georgia Southern team before returning home to host UCF in its conference home opener.
I’m not saying Houston will lose, but the Cougars can’t show up expecting Georgia Southern to roll over. This is exactly the type of game that can become dangerous if you aren’t fully focused.
Is Utah for Real?
Through three games, Utah has been dominant, outscoring opponents 142-24. However, those wins have come against Idaho, Arkansas, and Utah State.
The Utes have certainly looked the part, but it’s fair to question just how good they are given the level of competition they’ve faced. I believe Utah is a legitimate Big 12 title contender, but the Utes have yet to be truly tested.
That changes on Saturday when they travel to Ames to face a scrappy Iowa State team. We’re going to learn a lot about Utah this weekend.
Is Cincinnati Ready for the Gauntlet?
Even at 3-0, it’s fair to criticize Cincinnati, especially after the Bearcats needed a miraculous comeback to beat Miami (Ohio) last weekend.
Now the schedule gets much tougher, starting with a home game against Kansas State. A win could quiet many of the doubts surrounding Scott Satterfield. A loss, however, could send this season in a very different direction.
Just look at what’s ahead. Cincinnati still has home games against Kansas State, Texas Tech, Utah, and Colorado, while also making road trips to Arizona, West Virginia, Houston, Iowa State, and BYU. One could argue the Bearcats have the toughest conference schedule in the Big 12.
More: Kansas State vs. Cincinnati Prediction, Pick and Odds
Who Is the True Dark Horse Contender?
Before the season, many people viewed Oklahoma State as a potential dark horse Big 12 title contender because of the talent the Cowboys brought in under head coach Eric Morris.
What few people saw coming was West Virginia starting 3-0 for the first time in eight years. After beating a Top 25 Virginia team by double digits, the Mountaineers went from being an interesting story to a team demanding everyone’s attention.
Of all the Big 12 games this weekend, this is the biggest one in my opinion. The winner will earn its first conference victory and could emerge as the conference’s true dark horse contender. Whoever comes out on top will leave Morgantown with plenty of momentum and a legitimate case as a sleeper in the Big 12 title race.
