We were *this* close to getting some major shake-ups last week in the Big 12. But because UCF and Iowa State had to pull out victories from the late fire, it absolutely smushed any of the Big 12 week eight against-the-spread picks. The moneyline went a decent 4-4, but against the spread went 2-6. The totals went 5-3 and the lock lost (again). It’s time for a late-season push to pull those against the spread (and lock) numbers to bowl eligibility. So what wildness should we expect in the Big 12 week nine winners? All lines are courtesy of FanDuel.
Season Totals
Moneyline: 48-31
Against The Spread: 30-45
Totals: 39-35
Locks: 1-8
Big 12 Week Nine Winners
#11 BYU (+2.5) At UCF
BYU has only had to play one road Big 12 game so far this season. But it faces its most hostile environment to date when they take on the Knights at the Bounce House. UCF acquitted itself very well against Big 12 contender Iowa State but still came up short. Gus Malzahn’s team is in the middle of a four-game winning streak. But yet, Vegas has UCF favored? Yes, the Cougars aren’t the same team away from home. But any upset for the Big 12 week nine winners has to be found somewhere else. BYU keeps UCF’s running attack in check and remains undefeated.
Oklahoma State At Baylor (-6.5)
Whoever loses this game has some hard questions to answer. Mike Gundy’s team is still winless in Big 12 play, but it played its best conference game last week against BYU. Meanwhile, Baylor also put together its best conference game performance in a win over Texas Tech last week. Even before last week, the Bears seemed to be trending in a better direction with the change at quarterback to Sawyer Robertson. With a banged-up Ollie Gordon and having to turn the offense back over to Alan Bowman, the Pokes slide to the bottom of the Big 12 continues.
Texas Tech (+6.5) At TCU
This battle for the Saddle has all kinds of possible outcomes. In the last few years, we have seen some wild back-and-forth games. But if Texas Tech registers zero tackles behind the line of scrimmage, the Saddle will go to Sonny Dykes’ Horned Frog team. However, Joey McGuire should see a better performance by his defense as Texas Tech becomes the second underdog of the Big 12 week nine winners to win outright.
West Virginia (+3.5) At Arizona
It has been a rough home season for Neal Brown and company. Before they promptly got beat up by Kansas State, Brown had some interesting comments for fans to still keep showing up to games. This team has looked outclassed when playing ranked teams. But a trip away from Morgantown might be exactly what this team needs. Arizona has lost three in a row and the offense has only gotten worse during that stretch. Both teams need a win to stay in the hunt for bowl eligibility. But the up-and-down nature of the West Virginia season suggests this is the spot to which they climb back up.
Kansas At #16 Kansas State (-9.5)
The Sunflower Show Down is the train stop for the “Don’t overthink this game” express. Even with Kansas finally putting it all together for four quarters in a win over Houston, this is not the rivalry game to throw the records out. Kansas State has won 15 straight over the Jayhawks. The Wildcats have gotten better every week. Most notably, quarterback Avery Johnson’s throwing ability has shown growth making this offense even more explosive. Chris Klieman’s team makes quick work of Lance Leipold’s Jayhawks.
Cincinnati At Colorado (-5.5)
Colorado rounds out the Big 12 week nine winners again with some after-dark action against Cincinnati. The Buffalos have been going about their business in a very quiet fashion, which could suggest this team is ready to assert itself as one of the best teams in the conference. Meanwhile, the Bearcats don’t have a win of true significance. But they have still looked good with Brendan Sorsby running a high-scoring offense. Colorado has seemed to play better this year as the underdog. This game will be a high-scoring affair (lock it up), but Shedeur Sanders is too good over a playmaker for the Bearcats to handle and Colorado covers the 5.5. points.
