We’re in for another exciting week of Big 12 football, and I thought it would be fun to rank every Week 6 game based on how interested I am in watching each one, starting with Houston-Kansas State, and ending with Arizona State-Hawaii.
There may not be a ranked-versus-ranked matchup on the schedule, but conference play is in full swing, and there are still plenty of intriguing storylines. From critical Big 12 showdowns to fascinating road tests, and yes, a couple of duds, here are the Week 6 Big 12 football games ranked from most to least compelling.
#1: #22 Houston at Kansas State
If Kansas State hadn’t fallen to Cincinnati two weeks ago, this easily could have been a Top 25 matchup and the premier game in the conference this weekend. Even so, it’s still one of the most important games on the schedule.
Both teams already have one loss, and another setback could put a serious dent in their Big 12 title hopes before we even reach the middle of October. Houston has proven it’s a legitimate Top 25 team, but what exactly is Kansas State? The Wildcats showed plenty of promise during non-conference play, only to come up short in their Big 12 opener. Back at home, this feels like a must-win game if they’re going to re-establish themselves as conference title contenders.
#2: Arizona at West Virginia
With two conference losses already, West Virginia is likely out of the Big 12 championship race. Still, the Mountaineers remain one of the most entertaining teams in the league thanks to their dynamic rushing attack led by Cam Cook and Michael Hawkins Jr.
Can Arizona slow them down? The Wildcats have been competitive against quality opponents like BYU and are coming off a dominant win over Cincinnati. This feels like the weekend we’ll find out whether Arizona is a legitimate sleeper in the conference or simply a middle-of-the-pack team.
More: Arizona vs. West Virginia Prediction, Pick and Odds for Week 6
#3: Iowa State at #8 BYU
I know Saturdays belong to college football, but there’s something special about Big 12 football under the Friday night lights.
Provo should be electric as Iowa State comes to town. And how about Aiden Flora? The Cyclones’ star has been one of the conference’s most productive players. Can BYU’s defense contain him? On the other side, can the Cougars bounce back offensively after a sluggish performance in Fort Worth last weekend? These are two physical teams that love running the football, which should make for a highly competitive matchup.
#4: UCF at #18 Oklahoma State
This marks Oklahoma State’s first game as a ranked team in more than two years.
The Cowboys boast one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, thanks to quarterback Drew Mestemaker and the playmakers surrounding him. UCF’s offense may not generate the same headlines, but the Knights have shown they can play defense. The biggest question is whether they have enough to slow down Oklahoma State’s high-powered attack in Stillwater.
#5: Kansas at #12 Utah
Of all the games on this week’s slate, this one feels the most lopsided.
Kansas has done little to inspire confidence so far this season, while Utah looks every bit like a legitimate Big 12 championship contender. The Utes continue to field one of the league’s top defenses, and their offense appears even more dangerous than it was a year ago. Could Kansas pull off a surprise? On the road in Salt Lake City, it seems highly unlikely.
#6: Hawaii at Arizona State
Do I really need to explain why this one is last?
It’s the only non-conference game involving a Big 12 team this weekend, and Arizona State is coming off a blowout loss to Baylor. There simply isn’t much intrigue here compared to the rest of the schedule. Unless you’re an Arizona State fan looking for a bounce-back performance, this game is easy to pass on in favor of the conference matchups.
