As the Big 12 season barrels toward its final stretch, the race for the conference crown is
tighter than ever. Contenders are rising, underdogs are fighting for survival, and every snap
from here on out could reshape the championship picture.
This week, high-stakes matchups are defining the upper half of the Big 12.
Tonight, No. 17 Cincinnati (7-1, 5-0 Big 12) faces #24 Utah (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) at 10:15 p.m. ET, a pivotal late kickoff that could shift the balance of power in the conference.
Cincinnati's offense ranks 36th in yards per game (413.7) and 22nd in points per game
(33.7), while the defense sits 40th overall and 49th in SP+. Though the Bearcats allow one
of the nation's highest totals in passing yards, their run defense has been strong, ranking
26th nationally in yards allowed, keeping them competitive in nearly every contest.
Meanwhile, No. 13 Texas Tech went on the road and handled Kansas State, 43-20, improving
to 8-1 overall and 5-1 in Big 12 play. The Red Raiders continue to showcase one of the
nation's most explosive offenses, averaging 36.4 points per game (4th nationally) and 456.7
total yards (7th nationally). They excel on third down (48.2%, 8th nationally) and in the red
zone (90.9%, 14th nationally). Despite defensive struggles -- allowing 33.5 points (113th) and
452.9 yards per game (120th) -- Texas Tech's defense remains opportunistic, ranking 2nd
nationally in stop rate and proving capable of making key plays when it matters most.
Kansas State, meanwhile, fell to 4-5 overall and 3-3 in conference play.
Over in Houston, West Virginia (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) pulled off a stunning upset, defeating #22
Houston (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) 45-35 on the road. This victory not only gave the Mountaineers
their first conference win of the season but also handed Houston their second loss of both
the season and in conference play. West Virginia's win is also their first against an AP-
ranked opponent since October 30, 2021, marking a historic moment for the program and
shaking up the Big 12 standings in surprising ways.
Houston's defense, which had been a strength all season -- ranking 21st nationally in points
allowed and 20th in total yards allowed -- was unable to contain West Virginia's offense.
Houston's struggles on offense, sitting 71st in scoring and 115th in total yards, were
compounded by this defeat, further complicating their path in the conference race.
Looking ahead, the spotlight shifts to Week 11, when No. 10 BYU (8-0, 5-0 Big 12) will face No. 13 Texas Tech (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) on November 8. After a bye in Week 10, BYU will have extra time to prepare for this critical matchup that carries major conference title implications.
BYU has been dominant on both sides of the ball this season. Offensively, they rank #23
nationally in efficiency, scoring 35.8 points per game and totaling over 430 yards per
contest, including 216.6 rushing yards per game (16th nationally). Defensively, BYU
allows just 15.6 points per game (15th nationally) and ranks #4 in red-zone defense, with
a 69.8% stop rate, making them a formidable opponent for any team.
Texas Tech's offense will test BYU's defense, ranking 4th nationally in scoring (36.4
points per game) and 7th in total yards (456.7 per game). Their ability to convert on third
downs and in the red zone will be critical, as their defense continues to be a weakness
despite an elite stop rate (2nd nationally).
"Every drive matters from this point forward," said BYU head coach Kalani
Sitake. "November football is about execution and discipline." This matchup promises to be a defining moment in the Big 12 season, with championship implications hanging in the balance.
With multiple teams still in contention, the Big 12 race is coming down to the wire. BYU,
Texas Tech, and Cincinnati remain at the top, while Houston, Utah, and other teams
continue to fight for positioning. Every play, every possession, and every November
Saturday could decide who earns a ticket to the Big 12 Championship -- and who is left
watching from the sidelines.
"This is where contenders become champions," said a recent analyst. "The next
two weeks will separate the elite from the hopeful." The Big 12 race is just heating up.