The Big 12 schedule may not be loaded with ranked matchups this week, but there’s still plenty on the line across the conference. The Holy War takes center stage with massive Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff implications, while several teams continue fighting for bowl eligibility and positioning in the conference standings. Here’s how I rank all eight Big 12 games heading into Week 10.
#1: No. 7 BYU at No. 3 Utah
This is the best game of the weekend, and it isn’t particularly close.
Not only is it the only ranked matchup in the Big 12 this week, but one could also argue it’s the biggest conference game of the season to this point.
The Holy War already stands as the best rivalry in the Big 12, but this year’s stakes make it even bigger. This isn’t just about bragging rights. Utah is the conference’s only undefeated team, while BYU enters with just one loss. The winner will be in prime position to earn a trip to AT&T Stadium for the Big 12 Championship Game.
There are still games left to be played, but this is the biggest remaining obstacle for both programs. The only complaint? A game of this magnitude deserves a night kickoff.
More: BYU vs. Utah Prediction and Preview
#2: TCU at No. 24 Arizona
There is a noticeable drop-off after the Holy War, but this matchup still intrigues me.
Arizona is coming off a disappointing road loss at Texas Tech and needs to show it can respond to adversity. The Wildcats remain a quality football team and haven’t been completely eliminated from the conference title race.
Meanwhile, TCU is fresh off a comeback victory over Kansas and still needs a strong finish to quiet any lingering questions surrounding Sonny Dykes’ future.
We know Arizona is the more talented team on paper. The question is whether the Wildcats can regroup and handle business at home on Friday night.
More: TCU vs. Arizona Prediction and Preview
#3: Cincinnati at No. 17 Houston
Both teams enter this game looking to bounce back.
Houston suffered a damaging loss to Utah that handed the Cougars their second conference defeat of the season. Cincinnati, meanwhile, is trying to recover from a lopsided defeat against that same Utah squad.
Houston still has slim Big 12 title hopes alive, but the Cougars likely need to win out to remain within striking distance.
As for Cincinnati, the Bearcats are once again trying to overcome their November struggles under Scott Satterfield. Given their recent history late in the season, all eyes will be on how they respond this week.
More: Cincinnati vs. Houston Prediction
#4: West Virginia at No. 13 Texas Tech
There’s a reason Texas Tech is favored by more than two touchdowns.
West Virginia owns arguably the worst defense in the Big 12, and that’s usually a dangerous combination when facing a ranked opponent on the road.
That said, the Mountaineers can score with anyone.
Michael Hawkins Jr. and Cam Cook have powered one of the conference’s most explosive rushing attacks, giving West Virginia enough offensive firepower to make things uncomfortable for the Red Raiders.
I’m not predicting an upset, but I do think the Mountaineers are capable of making this more competitive than many expect.
#5: Oklahoma State at Kansas State
Even without Avery Johnson, Kansas State still has a chance in this game because Oklahoma State’s defense has been that bad.
The Cowboys surrendered 51 points to Iowa State last week and continue to struggle on that side of the ball. At the same time, Oklahoma State’s offense remains one of the most dangerous units in the conference.
The result is simple: no lead ever feels safe when the Cowboys are involved.
If Kansas State can generate enough offense with its backup quarterback situation, this could be one of the sneakiest entertaining games of the weekend.
#6: Iowa State at Baylor
There may not be major conference title implications here, but there’s still plenty riding on this game.
Baylor looked revitalized last week under interim head coach Joe Klanderman, dominating UCF on the road. Iowa State, meanwhile, is coming off one of its best wins of the season after upsetting Oklahoma State.
The Bears can clinch bowl eligibility with a victory, while Iowa State continues its push toward six wins.
I’m curious to see which team handles success better after a pair of emotional victories last weekend.
#7: Colorado at Arizona State
This matchup features two programs searching for momentum.
Deion Sanders continues to navigate an eventful season at Colorado, while Kenny Dillingham appears to have Arizona State moving in the right direction despite an inconsistent record.
Neither team is likely to factor heavily into the conference race, but this game should provide a good measuring stick for which program has made the most progress over the last month.
#8: UCF at Kansas
There’s not much separating these two teams right now.
Both are coming off disappointing losses, and both desperately need a win to keep their bowl hopes alive.
For Kansas, this may be one of the final opportunities to add another victory to the schedule. For UCF, it’s a chance to avoid another frustrating setback in a season filled with missed opportunities.
One team will leave feeling much better about itself. The other will take another step toward the bottom of the Big 12 standings.
