The Big 12 football schedule delivers another loaded slate in Week 7, featuring two ranked matchups, heated rivalry games, and major conference title implications. From a top-20 showdown between Oklahoma State and Houston to the latest edition of the Sunflower Showdown between Kansas and Kansas State, this weekend could have a significant impact on the Big 12 championship race and College Football Playoff picture.
#1. No. 8 BYU vs. No. 2 Notre Dame
This is the game everyone in college football will be watching. BYU has been one of the biggest surprises in the country, while Notre Dame continues to carry the national brand and College Football Playoff expectations that come with it. It’s not often the Big 12 gets a regular-season non-conference matchup of this magnitude, and the winner will leave with a massive boost in the national rankings and playoff conversation.
The quarterback matchup alone makes this worth your attention, but what really stands out is how complete both teams have looked at different points this season. BYU has shown it can win in multiple ways, while Notre Dame brings the physicality and depth that few programs can match. Add in the atmosphere, the national spotlight, and the postseason implications, and it’s easy to see why this is the biggest game on the Big 12 schedule this weekend.
More: BYU vs. Notre Dame Prediction and Pick
#2. #18 Oklahoma State at #20 Houston
It’s not often that the Big 12 features two ranked matchups in the same weekend, but that’s exactly what fans get in Week 7. While Notre Dame vs. BYU will grab plenty of national attention, this game deserves just as much respect.
Over the last few weeks, Oklahoma State’s offense has been firing on all cylinders as Drew Mestemaker has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. On the other side, Houston’s Connor Weigman may be the most underrated quarterback in the country. Both teams are playing some of their best football of the season, and if there were ever a game for Houston fans to pack the stadium, this is it.
More: Oklahoma State vs. Houston Prediction and Pick
#3. TCU at Baylor
Even though TCU is enduring a disappointing season by its standards, this rivalry remains one of the best in the Big 12. While recent meetings have produced plenty of shootouts, don’t expect this one to become an offensive showcase.
That said, rivalry games often have a way of defying expectations. Baylor enters the weekend as one of the few remaining undefeated teams in Big 12 play and has a chance to strengthen its position in the conference race.
More: TCU vs. Baylor Prediction and Pick
#4. Kansas at Kansas State
Another rivalry game? Absolutely.
It’s rare to have a weekend featuring two ranked matchups and two major rivalry games, but that’s the case in the Big 12 this week. While the Sunflower Showdown has been largely dominated by Kansas State in recent years, don’t be surprised if Kansas makes things interesting.
Both teams are coming off losses, making this a critical opportunity to get back on track. The biggest question is simple: Can the Jayhawks finally snap the streak?
#5. Cincinnati at West Virginia
This matchup may not have major Big 12 title implications, but it’s more intriguing than it appears at first glance. Cincinnati enters with just one loss, though the Bearcats are coming off a lopsided defeat to Arizona.
Ironically, Arizona is the same team that handled West Virginia with ease last weekend. Both teams are looking to bounce back, and with questions surrounding each defense, this game has the potential to turn into one of the highest-scoring contests of the weekend in Morgantown.
#6. Arizona State at #10 Texas Tech
Before the season began, this looked like one of the more appealing matchups on the conference schedule. Unfortunately, Arizona State’s recent performances have taken some of the shine off the game.
The Sun Devils were blown out by Baylor two weeks ago and struggled against Hawaii last weekend. Texas Tech has concerns of its own, but the Red Raiders simply have a significant talent advantage and should be in control throughout this one.
#7. #11 Utah at Colorado
It’s rare to see a road team favored by more than two touchdowns, but that says everything about where these programs currently stand.
Utah has looked like one of the best teams in the Big 12, if not the best, and the Utes appear poised to continue their strong run. Meanwhile, Colorado has struggled mightily in recent weeks. Unless the Buffaloes can find something they’ve been missing all season, Utah should roll into Boulder and leave with a comfortable victory.
