Get ready for another thrilling week of Big 12 football predictions!
Week three is shaping up to be a good one, featuring some of the most exciting games of the season, including the first Big 12 Conference game of the season between TCU and UCF. Not to be outdone, No. 14 Kansas State will take on No. 20 Arizona in a Friday night showdown in Manhattan.
Like last week, when Utah hosted Baylor, another game (Kansas State vs. Arizona) will feature Big 12 teams that will count as a non-conference matchup when the two programs meet Friday night in Manhattan. This is due to these games being scheduled several years in advance and prior to these teams (Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Arizona State) joining the Big 12 this year on such short notice. So these games will remain a non-conference affair.
Big 12 Power Rankings: Utah, BYU, Iowa State Up — Kansas, Baylor Fall
The Big 12 has five ranked teams (Utah, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Iowa State and Arizona) in the AP poll with 4 teams (Kansas, BYU, TCU and UCF) who are also receiving votes.
Iowa State has a bye this week after coming off a big win over rival Iowa which was ranked 21st in the country at the time. With TCU-UCF and Kansas State-Arizona playing each other, this week’s Big 12 schedule has a total of 13 games.
Without further ado, here’s a look at the predictions this week.
Arizona State @ Texas State
Date: Thursday, September 12
Time: 5:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN
Big 12 vs. Sun Belt. On paper you’d think this would be an easy victory, but just ask Baylor how that went last year. The Bobcats have been on the rise over the last several years and have a lot of talent. There’s a reason why the Sun Devils are just 3 point favorite on the road. I give the edge to Arizona State as they’ve looked really good all year.
Prediction: Arizona State 30, Texas State 24
No. 14 Kansas State vs. No. 20 Arizona
Date: Friday, September 13
Time: 6:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: FOX
This will be the first big test for both teams this season and will be a great tone-setter for what’s coming for both teams.
Arizona looks to get its high-powered offense back up and running again after dreadful performance last week. However, the defense won’t get much of a break going up against a great Kansas State rushing attack, led by Avery Johnson. I’m expecting a really close game but I think Kansas State hold on at home.
Oddsmakers have Kansas State favored by a touchdown.
Prediction: No. 14 Kansas State 30, No. 20 Arizona 24
Kansas vs. UNLV
Date: Friday, September 13
Time: 5:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN
This should be a fun one after last year’s 49-36 bowl game between both schools! The key will be turnovers as Kansas has struggled mightily this year with six turnovers — including four against Illinois last week. Expect another high scoring game and Kansas gets back on track with a close win over UNLV.
Oddsmakers have Kansas is favored by a touchdown.
Prediction: Kansas 30, UNLV 27
No. 13 Oklahoma State @ Tulsa
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN2
Oklahoma State is favored by nearly 20 points in this one. Tulsa will put up a good fight in the first half, but I expect the Cowboys roll to a dominating victory as they look ahead to playing Utah next week.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 40, Tulsa 17
Big 12 Power Rankings: Utah, BYU, Iowa State Up — Kansas, Baylor Fall
Cincinnati @ Miami (OH)
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. (MT)
TV: ESPNU
This will be a big game for Cincinnati which looks to bounce back after a disappointing season last year. The Bearcats need to get this win if they want to go bowling this year as the season won’t get any easier after this. I think they do in a close one.
Oddsmakers have Cincinnati favored by 3 points on the road.
Prediction: Cincinnati 23, Miami (OH) 20
Texas Tech vs. North Texas
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MT)
TV: FS1
It’s not the start to the season that many expected so far, however, with star running back Tahj Brooks being hurt, the offense has done a decent job without him. It’s the defense and turnovers that have been the main issue. Will this be the week that the Red Raiders put it all together? I think so. Texas Tech is favored by nearly two touchdowns.
Prediction: Texas Tech 37, North Texas 23
West Virginia @ Pitt
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 1:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN2
Country roads, take us home.
Pitt narrowly avoided a loss against Cincinnati last week, but I’m predicting their first defeat will come this week.
West Virginia had a strong performance on the ground in this matchup last season, and they should do it again this year.
Look for Greene to be the standout player on the field, as he’s proven himself capable of thriving in tough road environments. After a letdown in their opener against Penn State, the Mountaineers will be eager to bounce back with a strong showing.
West Virginia is favored by 5 points and I think they get it done.
Prediction: West Virginia 27, Pitt 20
No. 12 Utah @ Utah State
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 2:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: CBSSN
Utah looks to be without star quarterback Cam Rising against rival Utah State on Saturday. The offense has struggled mightily in his absence under highly touted freshman QB Isaac Wilson. But with a week to prepare, I think Wilson will be improved. However, I still expect Kyle Whittingham to run the ball most of the game and only have Wilson throw it when he has to. Utah State’s offense hasn’t looked good at all.
Oddsmakers have Utah favored by 21 points.
Prediction: Utah 30, Utah State 6
Baylor vs. Air Force
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 5:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: FS1
I expect this to be a low scoring game, but I think Baylor bounces back after a tough loss to Utah last week. The Bears are favored by two touchdowns and should win easily.
Prediction: Baylor 24, Air Force 10
2024 Big 12 Schedule Rankings: Utah and Kansas Have Easier Paths, BYU and Colorado Face Tough Slate
Colorado @ Colorado State
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 5:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: CBS
Last year’s rivalry game was a classic as Colorado held on for a thrilling 43-35 victory in double overtime at home. The Buffs have struggled this year and I expect it to be another close one, but I think the Buffs find a way to win on the road. They are favored by a touchdown, but you never know which Colorado team is going to show up.
Prediction: Colorado 30, Colorado State 27
TCU vs. UCF
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 5:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: FOX
This game feels like a toss up.
Neither team has been tested so far this season, however, both teams are very talented. UCF was ranked No. 8 in the Big 12 preseason poll and TCU was 10th. I think that they are both better than that, but it will be interesting to see how it goes on Saturday. I’m giving TCU the edge here since they are playing at home. This should be a fun one!
Prediction: TCU 34, UCF 31
Houston vs. Rice
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 6:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN+
Houston may be 0-2 this year but they nearly knocked off Oklahoma last week — and probably should have. The Cougars should take care of business at home.
Prediction: Houston 27, Rice 17
BYU @ Wyoming
Date: Saturday, September 14
Time: 7:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: CBSSN
BYU looks to keep the winning streak going as the Cougars travel to Laramie to take on Wyoming in the final non-conference game of the season. Following the game, the Cougars will turn their attention to Big 12 play as BYU hosts Kansas State in the Big 12 home opener at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Heading into Saturday’s contest, the Cougars are looking to go 3-0 in non-conference matchups for the second consecutive year. Last year, the Cougars took down Sam Houston State, Southern Utah, and Arkansas. Speaking of streaks, BYU currently has a nine-game winning streak over the Pokes and should easily make that double digits on Saturday.
BYU is favored by 10 points and anything less than that will be viewed as a disappointment as Wyoming is not very good this year.
Prediction: BYU 27, Wyoming 13
