November has arrived, and the stakes across the Big 12 have never been higher. The conference race is beginning to take shape, bowl eligibility hangs in the balance for several programs, and one of college football’s fiercest rivalries takes center stage this weekend. From the Holy War’s championship implications to critical games for teams trying to keep their postseason hopes alive, here are the biggest questions facing the Big 12 heading into Week 10.
Who Wants to Go to Jerry World?
The best rivalry in the Big 12 takes center stage this weekend as Utah hosts BYU in the latest edition of the Holy War.
While the two schools are separated by fewer than 45 miles, the intensity of this rivalry feels much greater than that. As important as bragging rights are, there’s far more on the line this year.
Utah remains the only undefeated team in the conference, while BYU enters with just one loss. Most importantly, both teams control their own destiny in the Big 12 title race.
Yes, there are still games remaining after this weekend, but this is easily the toughest challenge left on either team’s schedule. The winner will take a massive step toward securing a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game at AT&T Stadium, while the loser will suddenly find its margin for error greatly reduced.
Can Cincinnati Shake Its November Blues?
If you read my Tuesday Takes column this week, you already know where I stand on this issue.
Cincinnati has developed a troubling trend under head coach Scott Satterfield. Since taking over in 2023, Satterfield is just 1-11 in games played during November.
Ironically, that lone victory came against Houston, the same team Cincinnati faces this weekend.
The problem is that this Houston team looks significantly different from the one the Bearcats beat years ago. The Cougars have established themselves as one of the Big 12’s top contenders, while Cincinnati is still trying to prove it belongs in that conversation.
Following last week’s lopsided loss to Utah, the Bearcats badly need a bounce-back performance to prove this year’s team can avoid another November collapse.
Who Wants to Go Bowling?
This may not be the most high-profile matchup of the weekend, but Baylor versus Iowa State carries significant postseason implications.
Baylor appeared rejuvenated last week under interim head coach Joe Klanderman, dominating UCF shortly after the dismissal of Dave Aranda. Now the Bears sit one victory away from bowl eligibility.
When you look at Baylor’s remaining schedule, this weekend may represent its best opportunity to get that sixth win. The Bears face a difficult closing stretch, making this game especially important.
Meanwhile, Iowa State still needs two wins to become bowl eligible. A victory in Waco would provide a major boost and create a much more realistic path to postseason play during the final month of the season.
Will Oklahoma State’s Defense Show Up?
After surrendering 51 points and more than 500 yards to Iowa State last weekend, it’s fair to question whether Oklahoma State’s defense can hold up down the stretch.
The Cowboys’ offense can score with anyone in the conference. Unfortunately, their defense has often prevented them from capitalizing on that firepower.
This week presents a prime opportunity to turn things around.
Kansas State enters the game dealing with major quarterback concerns and is expected to rely on its third-string signal-caller. If Oklahoma State can’t produce a strong defensive performance in this matchup, it will raise even more questions about the unit heading into November.
Can West Virginia Make Things Interesting in Lubbock?
If there’s one thing West Virginia knows how to do, it’s score points.
The Mountaineers’ rushing attack, led by Michael Hawkins Jr. and Cam Cook, has been one of the most explosive offenses in the conference. Their ability to create big plays on the ground has caused problems for defenses all season.
The issue, of course, is that West Virginia’s defense has struggled just as much as its offense has excelled.
That combination tends to create shootouts nearly every week.
Texas Tech enters the matchup with a solid defense, but the Red Raiders have experienced inconsistencies on offense throughout the season. While it’s difficult to imagine West Virginia completely slowing Texas Tech down, the Mountaineers may have enough offensive firepower to make the game far more competitive than many expect.
If that offense gets rolling early, this one could turn into one of the more entertaining games on the Week 10 schedule.
