In baseball, no one wants their batting average associated with “The Mendoza Line.” The good news is Last Word’s week eight winners were above the line significantly. But, no one actually came out in the green. With all of the potential chaos that nearly unfolded, both against the spread and moneyline selections went 3-3. However, the totals stayed in the red with a 2-4 showing. The lock also failed us as well. There are some interesting numbers Vegas has set for this slate of games. So let’s dive into the week nine winners from the Big 12 without any further delay. As always, all lines/totals are reflected in the most common number across multiple sports books at the time of publication.
Week Nine Winners From the Big 12
Season Record ML: 47-24
Season Record ATS: 24-35
Season Record Totals: 29-30
Lock of the Week: 3-2
#6 Oklahoma at Kansas (+10)
It doesn’t matter which conference it is. There are not very many times where the home team has a competent offense and is getting 10 points as an underdog. Oklahoma has looked more consistently like the team who showed up last week against UCF than the team who beat Texas. Don’t forget that Brent Venables has to keep his team from looking ahead to Bedlahm next week. Lance Leipold has made it clear that it doesn’t matter that much who his quarterback is, the offense will score points. Oklahoma has been playing with fire too much this season. So not only will the Jayhawks cover the two scores, they are going to pull the upset.
Moneyline: Kansas ATS: Kansas Total 66.5: Over
Houston at Kansas State (-17)
This could get ugly for Dana Holgorsen and company as suggested by the large point spread. Kansas State has been an absolute machine since losing a game to Oklahoma State a few weeks ago. The Wildcats have a menacing ground game that bleeds the life out of any defense. It’s also gotten a shot of adrenaline thanks to the incorporation of Avery Johnson. Houston has had major emotional highs and lows in the last two weeks. A trip to visit Chris Klieman and his team in Little Apple is about the last thing the Cougars needed. The Wildcats smash Houston before taking on Texas next week.
Moneyline: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State Total 59.5: Under
West Virginia at UCF (-7)
It’s no secret that one astute Big 12 correspondent was very high on UCF coming into the season. But there is enough data (seven games) to show that those feelings might have been misplaced. So seeing a team as a seven-point favorite when it is 0-4 in the conference is very surprising. Yes, West Virginia has lost two straight, but the Mountaineers aren’t playing bad football. However, usually, when Vegas posts a head-scratching number, they have good reason to do so. So even though this game has the strangest line of the week nine winners, we will side with Vegas as the Knights get their first Big 12 victory.
Moneyline: UCF ATS: UCF Total 59.5: Under
BYU (+17.5) at #7 Texas
It’s all but certain that Quinn Ewers will not play in this game as he is dealing with a shoulder injury. Quarterback Maalik Murphy’s play against Houston last week did give a clear picture of what the offense will look like with him taking the first-team reps in practice all week. So while BYU isn’t explosive on offense, there is going to be a bit of experimenting in the offense for at least the first half. Steve Sarkisian shouldn’t have to worry about this game ever being in real doubt, but with an anticipated slow offensive start, BYU covers the number.
Moneyline: Texas ATS: BYU Total 50.5: Under
Iowa State (-2.5) at Baylor
This was another line that didn’t make much sense. Iowa State, while having early season struggles, had been rolling going into the bye week. Baylor’s offensive effort last week against Cincinatti was aided by the fact that the Bears were…playing Cincinatti. The Bears have otherwise had a hard time moving the ball all season. If Texas Tech can go into Waco and be physically dominant over the Baylor offensive line, there is no reason why Iowa State can’t either. Matt Campbell will see his team move to 4-1 in Big 12 play in a low-scoring affair.
Moneyline: Iowa State ATS: Iowa State Total 47.5: Under
Cincinnati at Oklahoma State (-7.5)
There is no hotter team in the Big 12 right now than Mike Gundy’s Cowboys. They just so happen to be playing the worst team in the Big 12 at home this week. So let’s lock up Oklahoma State to dominate a down Bearcats team. Ollie Gordon II should have another 25 carries and roughly 175 yards on the ground. The Cowboy’s defense has been a little suspect during this winning streak. However, the Bearcats offense has been so bad, they won’t come close to keeping this within two touchdowns. The Pokes make it four straight heading in their showdown with the rival Sooners next week.
Moneyline: Oklahoma State ATS: Oklahoma State Total 52.5: Over
