Predicting the 2023 Big 12 Season: Week 6

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The Red River Shootout highlights a loaded conference slate in the Big 12.

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Previous Weeks: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5

Friday, October 6th

Kansas State 24 at Oklahoma State 21

This one is going to be a slugfest between two really solid defenses. Will Howard is the difference in this game though as he throws three touchdowns and does not turn the ball over. His leadership and calm presence keeps the offense on track even with the Cowboys defense flying around. The Pokes shut down the run game but give up too many 3rd down conversions through the air and allow the Wildcats to score on all four of its red zone trips. Alan Bowman throws for 300 yards but turns it over twice, the offense on the day isn’t efficient. Howard gets the Wildcats out to a 24-7 lead and they are able to hold on late.

Saturday, October 7th

Texas Tech 27 at Baylor 38

I still don’t trust Texas Tech to stop the run against elite rushing teams especially not on the road. They pay for it once again as Richard Reese and Dominic Richardson combine for 250 yards on the ground with Blake Shapen mixing in some big plays with play action as he throws two scores. The Red Raiders passing attack has success as Tyler Shough throws for 280 yards and two touchdowns but he is sacked five times and turns it over twice. The Bears hold serve at home with a convincing win over Tech.

TCU 20 at Iowa State 17

The Cyclones continue to struggle offensively but the defense does more than enough to keep them in this one. The group forces three turnovers, including a TJ Tampa pick-six. They also hold TCU under 100 yards on the ground. Unfortunately Hunter Dekkers early season struggles continue as he turns it over twice and throws for less than 200 yards. Chandler Morris makes enough plays for the TCU offense to win the game highlighted by a 55-yard touchdown pass to JoJo Earle. The Horned Frogs continue the win streak.

UCF 43 at Kansas 40

One of the highest scoring games of the season so far comes in Lawrence as Jalon Daniels and John Rhys Plumlee put on a show. Both quarterbacks total over 350 yards of total offense and four touchdowns. This game is full of fireworks and big plays from all the stars. The Jayhawks take a 40-36 lead with four minutes left on a Devin Neal touchdown run. But they left too much time on the clock…John Rhys Plumlee leads the Knights down the field and finds Kobe Hudson in the corner of the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.

Oklahoma 41 vs. Texas 44 (Dallas)

This feels like the kind of game that Oklahoma will show up for after what happened last year and the fact that I have them starting off strong this season. Both teams come into this game with a lot of momentum and I am expecting a fun one. The Sooners get off to a hot start as Dillon Gabriel throws three touchdowns in the first half as he leads them to a 24-14 lead at half. But things change in the second half as Quinn Ewers connects on a couple deep balls to AD Mitchell and Xavier Worthy while Jonathan Brooks gets rolling in the run game. Let the shootout begin….both teams trade scores in the 4th quarter but a pick six by Jahdae Barron gives the Longhorns a 10-point lead which they hold on to. This is a fun one.

Big 12 Standings

1. TCU — 6-0 (3-0)

1. Texas — 5-1 (3-0)

3. Kansas State — 5-0 (2-0)

4. Oklahoma — 5-1 (2-1)

4. Baylor — 5-1 (2-1)

6. Oklahoma State — 3-2 (1-1)

6. West Virginia — 3-2 (1-1)

6. BYU — 3-2 (1-1)

9. Kansas — 4-2 (1-2)

9. UCF — 4-2 (1-2)

9. Texas Tech — 3-3 (1-2)

12. Cincinnati — 2-3 (0-2)

12. Houston — 2-3 (0-2)

14. Iowa State — 2-4 (0-3)