Is the Big 12 the most competitive conference in college football? Based on some week two results, there is not a truly weak team. Yes, that means Kansas isn’t a penciled-in win anymore. Of course, it never was for Texas. But we move on. Week two brought another day of being on the plus side of the picks. Week two straight-up selections went 6-3, ATS went 4-4, and totals went 5-3. There are some interesting lines in week three. So where are we going to find our Big 12 week three winners? All lines and totals are courtesy of BetMGM.
Season straight up: 14-4
Season ATS: 8-4-1
Season totals: 9-4
Big 12 Week Three Winners
#6 Oklahoma At Nebraska (+11.5)
Nebraska has become a national punch line that finally knocked out Scott Frost. Instead of waiting another two weeks and saving $7.5 million to fire him, the Cornhusker decision makers and boosters understood what this upcoming game on a national stage means. Firing him now sends a message of “we are not going to accept this anymore no matter the cost.” So with all the turmoil of this season so far, in true college football form, the Cornhuskers will inexplicably find a way to keep this close. They do so by just getting in a track meet with the Sooners.
Straight Up: Oklahoma ATS: Nebraska Total (64.5): Over
Texas State At #17 Baylor (-30.5)
How will head coach Dave Arranda and his team adjust after suffering a 26-20 loss to future conference member BYU? Quarterback Blake Shapen was given the keys to the offense in the spring with the idea that the ceiling of the Bear’s attack was higher with him at the helm. Against BYU, Baylor did not look very explosive. They have a get-right game against Texas State in Waco this week. Expect a thumping, but it will be worth monitoring how well the defending Big 12 champs fair offensively moving forward.
Straight Up: Baylor ATS: Baylor Total (53.5): Under
Towson At West Virginia
Is Neal Brown on his last leg? The results this season are certainly not helping. However, his buyout might keep him around for at least one more year. Of course, Nebraska is the most recent example of money not being an obstacle when college football change is needed. West Virginia is going to handle its business against Townson. But is West Virginia trending to finish last in the conference? That’s the story for the rest of the year.
Straight Up: West Virginia ATS: N/A Total: N/A
Ohio (+17.5) At Iowa State
Matt Campbell finally exercised his Cy-Hawk demons. Now, Iowa State returns home to square off a feisty MAC opponent. Iowa State also hosts Baylor next week to kick off Big 12 play. There are still plenty of concerns offensively, but they should handle their business at home. But with a bit of a look-ahead factor at play, Iowa State never truly pulls away in a low-scoring affair.
Straight Up: Iowa State ATS: Ohio Total (49.5): Under
Tulane At Kansas State (-14.5)
More and more people are starting to take notice of these Wildcats. Kansas State is bludgeoning its opponents with its physical rushing attack. The dark horse title of Big 12 champion is growing by the week for Kansas State. Head coach Chris Klieman and his squad send another emphatic message to the rest of the Big 12.
Straight Up: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State Total (48): Over
Kansas At Houston (-10)
Of all the Big 12 Week three winners Last Word is handing out this week, this one is the toughest to get a read on. Houston has had to go to OT for the first two weeks. Kansas is 2-0 and sitting atop the Big 12 standings after a big road last week. Houston still has a more talented roster than the Jayhawks. They also are finally getting a chance to play at home. All signs point to Houston taking care of Kansas and covering. But if Kansas wins this one, expectations of Lance Leipold and the Jayhawks will have to change drastically.
Straight Up: Houston ATS: Houston Total (62.5): Under
Arkansas-Pine Bluff At #8 Oklahoma State
Could Oklahoma State have done more last week against a down Arizona State team? Sure. But they didn’t stub their toe against the Sun Devils. Are they really good enough to be considered the eighth-ranked team in the nation? It doesn’t feel that way, but neither do most of the other teams at five through twenty in the polls. This week should be a cakewalk for the Pokes.
Straight Up: Oklahoma State ATS: N/A Total: N/A
Texas Tech (+10.5) At #16 North Carolina State
The Wolfpack will be playing in front of sold-out crowd when the Red Raiders come to town this week. Texas Tech will test NC State, and keep it close, but the 16th nationally ranked team remains undefeated.
Straight Up: NC State ATS: Texas Tech Total (55.5): Under
UTSA At #21 Texas (-11)
Can Texas deliver back-to-back great performances against another good team? That is the biggest thing Texas has been unable to do in recent memory. The Longhorns always get up for Oklahoma annually. They have also played 2019 LSU and 2022 Alabama within one score. But they lose multiple games a year to teams that they are vastly more talented than. So this game of the Big 12 week three winners getting bestowed upon the readers should be approached with caution. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has not ruled out any of his quarterbacks for this game. He also has not provided any clarity on who the starter will be. Regardless of who the quarterback is, assuming the Texas defense plays close to the level they did last week, the Longhorns will prove last week was not a fluke.
Straight Up: Texas ATS: Texas Total (60.5): Under
