Predicting the Big 12 Season: The Top of the League Separates From the Pack
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 | Week 8
Baylor 28 at UCF 27
Ultimate trap game for Baylor and one I view as a 50/50 toss up with it being on a Friday night during Halloween weekend. This is a scary spot but I a having trouble thinking Baylor is the less talented team in this one. The Bears beat the Knights in 2023 on the road and torched them in 2025 with mediocre teams. This years version should be better than both of those teams. I also question how healthy Alonza Barnett is going to be this late in the season and if this offensive line will be able to block Baylor’s front four. I think DJ Lagway goes back to Florida and guides the Bears to a top 25 ranking following this victory.
Arizona 22 at Texas Tech 30
This is going to be a game because of Noah Fifita’s arm. He really pushes the Texas Tech secondary and comes up big in key moments. Unfortunately the lack of a running game and the Red Raider pass rush is just too much. Will Hammond’s legs are the difference for Tech’s offense while the defense really bows up in key moments.
Arizona State 21 at BYU 30
The Cougars are a good bet at home and I think that continues in a pretty hyped up matchup against a good Sun Devil team. BYU scores a special teams touchdown and forces two turnovers. Outside of those moments the game is pretty even but those moments shift a win vs. a loss.
Utah 27 at Cincinnati 20
I believe this will be a close game because of Cincy’s strength up front on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately I don’t trust JC French or Scott Satterfield to pull off the upset. I give the nod to Devon Dampier and the Utes defense to win them this game but it won’t be easy. This might be the end of the Scott Satterfield era.
Kansas 27 at TCU 38
Big game for TCU and a chance to really bury Kansas this season. It happens as Jaden Craig hits on some big plays to Jordan Dwyer, he finishes with over 100 yards and two scores. The run game churns out consistent yardage with Jeremy Payne as well. Kansas moves the football like they have all year but they just don’t have good enough quarterback play and the defense remains awful.
Kansas State 41 at Colorado 37
Another week, another bad defensive performance by these two squads. Both Avery Johnson and Julian Lewis light it up for over 300 yards and four touchdown each. The offensive firepower is on full display but, unfortunately for Colorado, the Wildcats get the ball last. They take the air out of the ball and runs the ball exceptionally well to close the game with a key touchdown drive that secures the win. This will be a fun one.
Oklahoma State 24 at Iowa State 23
Ugly game coming. Drew Mestemaker completes under 50% of his passes as the Cyclone defense makes life tough for him. But Jaylen Raynor doesn’t do much better as he turns it over twice in this game. Neither team plays well on offense so it becomes a bit of a slugfest. Ultimately the difference is a late Caleb Hawkins drive as he carries the Cowboys down the field to set up a game-winning field goal. It’s good! Very close game here.
Big 12 Standings
1. Texas Tech — 8-0 (5-0)
1. Utah – 8-0 (5-0)
1. BYU — 7-1 (5-0)
4. Baylor — 6-2 (4-1)
5. Arizona – 6-2 (3-2)
5. Arizona State – 5-3 (3-2)
5. Houston — 6-2 (3-2)
5. TCU — 6-2 (3-2)
5. Oklahoma State — 5-3 (3-2)
10. West Virginia — 4-4 (2-3)
10. Kansas State — 5-3 (2-3)
12. Cincinnati — 4-4 (1-4)
13. Iowa State — 3-5 (1-4)
14. Kansas — 2-6 (0-5)
14. Colorado – 2-6 (0-5)
14. UCF — 2-6 (0-5)
