Another year of "Predicting the Big 12 Season" is here! SicEm365's Grayson Grundhoefer predicts each game in the Big 12 season week by week in this yearly feature.
Previous: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7
Baylor 30 at Kansas 27
Both of these teams are coming off of emotional rivalry games. One of them is trending up while the other is staring a really bad season right in the face. I think that leads to a wild game between two teams who are still pretty desperate at this point in the season. Both teams score special teams touchdowns, have multiple turnovers, score a 50+ yard touchdown and are inconsistent on both sides of the ball. Ultimately, DJ Lagway is better than Cole Ballard at quarterback, which gives Baylor more opportunities late. Lagway is able to lead multiple efficient drives late in the game to seal the deal and keep the Bears ahead for the win.
BYU 27 at UCF 13
The Knights get BYU at a good time, coming off an emotional game against Notre Dame a week ago. Unfortunately, the Cougars lost that game and need a bounce-back; they get it. The defense dominates, especially in the red zone, as UCF kicks two field goals and doesn’t convert on a 4th down. That doesn’t bode well against one of the league's better teams. LJ Martin runs for 150 yards and two scores to lead the way.
Colorado 38 at Oklahoma State 47
Shootout alert! Julian Lewis and Drew Mestemaker take full advantage of the weak defenses they are facing, but Mestemaker is just a little better. Lewis turns it over a couple of times on the road, and the Pokes' run game combo with Caleb Hawkins gives them more stability. Oklahoma State scores points on every drive in this game.
Houston 34 at Utah 38
I expect this to be a very high-level football game between two programs on the path to strong seasons. I am expecting a bit of a shootout here as I think this game profiles as one where the offenses get rolling, and crazy things happen. There will be multiple explosives from both teams, and the running quarterbacks give both defenses some issues. Devon Dampier and Connor Weigman each score twice on the ground while being explosive throwing the football. The home-field advantage comes through late in this game, giving the Utes an edge in winning time as they outscore Houston 10-3 in the quarter.
Iowa State 14 at Arizona 33
It just keeps getting worse for the Cyclones as they go on the road and get pummeled by the Wildcats. Noah Fifita completes 80% of his passes, and the run game goes for over 200 yards. Jaylen Raynor turns it over twice, and those turnovers turn into 14 points for Arizona. The Wildcats take care of business.
Kansas State 24 at Arizona State 33
The inconsistent Wildcats' defense continues to show its warts, while the offense has also had ups and downs, especially with throwing the football. Cutter Boley hits on explosives to Omarion Miller and Reed Harris, while the run game with Kyson Brown succeeds more often than not. The Sun Devils go for over 400 yards as they move the ball with ease. The Wildcats answer often early on with Avery Johnson and Joe Jackson on the ground, but the pass game just doesn’t get it done late. Arizona State continues a strong start to the season.
Texas Tech 35 at Cincinnati 17
The Red Raiders go on the road and absolutely shut down the Bearcats' offense. Cincy struggles mightily with the pressure, and JC French is off-target all day long. Tech controls the clock on offense with a heavy dose of the run game. The score doesn’t tell the whole story as Tech really takes care of business.
West Virginia 20 at TCU 38
This is a nice bounce-back scenario for TCU against a weak defense. Jaden Craig throws for 250 yards and four touchdowns while the Frogs dial up a 200-yard performance on the ground. The defensive line gets after Michael Hawkins and forces two turnovers due to their pressure. Easy home win for TCU.
Big 12 Standings
1. Texas Tech — 7-0 (4-0)
1. Utah – 7-0 (4-0)
1. BYU — 6-1 (4-0)
4. Arizona – 6-1 (3-1)
4. Arizona State – 5-2 (3-1)
4. Baylor — 5-2 (3-1)
7. Houston — 6-2 (3-2)
8. TCU — 5-2 (2-2)
8. Oklahoma State — 4-3 (2-2)
10. West Virginia — 4-4 (2-3)
11. Cincinnati — 4-3 (1-3)
11. Kansas State — 4-3 (1-3)
11. Iowa State — 3-4 (1-3)
14. Kansas — 2-5 (0-4)
14. Colorado – 2-5 (0-4)
14. UCF — 2-5 (0-4)
