Somehow, we are nearly a quarter of the way through the college football season, and things are starting to take shape in the Big 12 race.
So, let’s take a look at a few overreactions from Week 4, as well as a few things to look ahead to in Week 5.
Oklahoma State’s Offense Is the Best in America
After a rough Week 1, Oklahoma State has looked like one of the most explosive and dominant offensive teams in America. This past weekend only drove that point home.
Oklahoma State picked up a huge 41-24 win on the road at West Virginia, which is never an easy place to play. Caleb Hawkins rushed for 180 yards and a touchdown, while Drew Mestemaker, my pick to lead the league in passing yards, led the way with 389 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Wyatt Young dominated the Mountaineers’ secondary with eight catches for 192 yards and a touchdown.
It was a dominant effort all the way around, and it showed that the Cowboys’ ceiling is as high as anyone in America when it comes to offensive output.
Kansas State Was Overrated Ahead of Conference Play
Kansas State went on the road for the first time this season and, after jumping out to a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter, ended up losing 31-26 to Cincinnati.
The Wildcats looked dominant in all three phases during the first three weeks of the season, but was it just a mirage against lesser competition?
It’s possible.
While the season isn’t over by any means for Kansas State, getting off to an 0-1 start in conference play is certainly not ideal.
There’s also a chance we overlooked Cincinnati. The Bearcats are 4-0 and did a great job punching back after falling behind early. Cincy may not be a Big 12 title contender, but the Bearcats appear to be much better than many anticipated heading into the season.
Colorado Is the Worst Team in the Big 12
After such a promising start to the season, Colorado looks like it may be the worst team in the Big 12.
The Buffaloes took a beating on the road at Northwestern before falling to 0-1 in conference play with a 23-13 loss at Baylor this past weekend.
And things aren’t going to get any easier.
Colorado has three consecutive games against ranked teams coming up. First, the Buffaloes host No. 12 Texas Tech. Next, No. 13 Utah comes to Boulder. After that, Colorado travels to Stillwater to take on the red-hot Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Looking at the rest of the Big 12 schedule, Colorado may only be favored in one more game this season, and that would be on November 28 at home against UCF. And let’s be clear: the Buffaloes may not even be favored in that game.
If Colorado finishes the season with three wins, will Coach Prime be on the hot seat? He should be.
Right now, Colorado looks like the worst team in the Big 12 heading into October.
So, what should we be watching as we turn our attention to Week 5?
West Virginia at Iowa State Could Be Sneaky Good
Both of these teams had a bit of a letdown last week.
West Virginia got punked at home by Oklahoma State, while Iowa State was dominated by Utah in Ames.
One of these teams will bounce back, and this feels like a game that could come down to the wire. Iowa State is an early three-point favorite, but West Virginia may have the better roster, so this one could go either way.
A sneaky-good game may be on the horizon in Ames this weekend.
BYU and Texas Tech Hit the Road
The Big 12’s two highest-ranked teams, No. 10 BYU and No. 12 Texas Tech, hit the road this weekend.
BYU travels to TCU, while Texas Tech heads to Colorado. Early lines have BYU as roughly a touchdown favorite over TCU, while Texas Tech is favored by around two touchdowns against Colorado.
These are two of the favorites to make it to the Big 12 Championship Game. But Utah, Oklahoma State and now Cincinnati would like a word. Road conference games can get weird, and we’re about to learn a little more about the two teams sitting atop the Big 12 rankings.
Big 12 After Dark in Arizona
Speaking of Cincinnati, the 4-0 Bearcats are heading to Tucson to take on Arizona for some Big 12 After Dark action.
Both teams are coming off big wins. Cincinnati knocked off Kansas State, while Arizona picked up a road victory at Washington State.
This likely isn’t a game that will decide the Big 12 race, but it’s an important one for both teams as we start thinking about the postseason. Arizona is an early seven-point favorite, but if Cincinnati can pull off another upset, it may be time to start viewing the Bearcats as legitimate contenders in the Big 12.
Cincinnati would be 5-0 with a win on Saturday.
Arizona will do its best to make sure the Bearcats finally leave a stadium with a loss.
As we enter October, Big 12 football is just starting to get cooking.
Things are about to get really fun in this conference.
