Let’s jump right in. The Big 12 week three winners were a hot mess. Picking the winners of the games straight up still was a success, going 7-2. However, we went an abysmal 2-5 both ATS and in the totals. But with each week, and learning more about each of these teams, the winners and losers should become easier to spot. Which, in theory, should make everyone’s checking book very happy. Now that we have dusted ourselves off, it is time to give out the Big 12 week four winners. All lines and totals are courtesy of BetMGM
Season straight up: 21-6
Season ATS: 10-9-1
Season totals: 11-9
Big 12 Week Four Winners
West Virginia At Virginia Tech (+2.5)
This matchup is a clash of styles. West Virginia is averaging 46 points a game offensively. Virginia Tech is only yielding 12.3 points a game defensively. Something has to give. The Hokies have not looked impressive at the start of the Brent Pry era. Dropping the season-opening game to Old Dominion, and having an offense that has looked very pedestrian hasn’t exactly inspired a lot of confidence. But something about traveling to Lane Stadium on a Thursday night seems like too much for this struggling West Virginia team.
Straight Up: Virginia Tech ATS: Virginia Tech Total (50.5): Over
Duke At Kansas (-7.5)
No, they aren’t going to play this game at Allen Fieldhouse. But it would be pretty cool if they could figure that out. The Blue Devils’ 3-0 start is partially propped up by a weak non-conference schedule. But it certainly is something the many previous Duke teams would not have escaped unscathed. Kansas is making itself harder and harder for the national college football landscape to ignore. Jalon Daniels leads an explosive Jayhawk offensive attack. There also should be some unexpected life to the crowd at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, even for an 11 am local kickoff.
Straight Up: Kansas ATS: Kansas Total (66.5): Over
#17 Baylor (+2.5) At Iowa State
Of all the Big 12 week four winners, this one feels like the biggest coin flip of a game. If Baylor is going to successfully defend their Big 12 title, they must get off to a good start in conference play against a trick Iowa State team. Baylor is only 3-3 against Iowa State in their last six matchups. Their average margin of victory in those three wins is only 2.3 points. They also haven’t won in Ames since 2016. If Matt Campbell finds a way to win this one, the Cyclones should find themselves in the top 25 next week. But the talent advantage the Bears possess in the trenches on both sides of the ball should be the difference in what should be a low-scoring affair.
Straight Up: Baylor ATS: Baylor Total (45): Under
TCU (-2) At SMU
Head coach Sonny Dykes gets to coach a game he is very familiar with, but just on the other sidelines. In fact, he has been on the winning side of the Iron Skillet battle in the last two matchups. But now dawning purple instead of red and blue, he leads the Horned frogs against an SMU team he should be very familiar with. With Chandler Morris still out, the TCU offense will continue to be led by Max Duggan. And while the TCU quarterback situation could get murky again when Morris gets healthy, TCU fans should expect the skillet to come back to Fort Worth when the clock strikes 0:00 in University Park.
Straight Up: TCU ATS: TCU Total (70.5): Under
#22 Texas (-6.5) At Texas Tech
Every time Texas comes to Lubbock, the 2008 game seems to be the only real highlight clip that makes its rounds in the build-up to the game. And while it was recognized as one of the greatest college football games ever played, it also happens to be the last time the Longhorns lost in Lubbock. Ironically, Red Raider legend Michael Crabtree will also be present to be honored for his upcoming induction into the college football hall of fame. Texas Tech has already looked like a vastly improved team in just three games under head coach Joey McGuire. There is no doubt the crowd will be juiced up in the first registered sell-out since 2018. But a combination of a Texas Tech offense failing to develop consistency in-game, and the explosive offensive talent on the Longhorn sidelines, proves to be too much for the Red Raiders.
Straight Up: Texas ATS: Texas Total (60): Under
Kansas State (+13.5) At #6 Oklahoma
The most intriguing game of the Big 12 week four winners resides in Norman. Is Oklahoma as good as everyone thinks they are? Or are they partially being propped up by the fact they stomped a really bad Nebraska team? No doubt the Sooners have looked impressive in Brent Venables’ start as head coach. The offensive looks just as explosive as it did under Lincoln Riley, and the defense has been stifling. But this is their first true test against a competent opponent.
Kansas State comes into this one licking its wounds after getting upset at home by Tulane in week three. The Wildcats have significant playmakers on all three levels on the defensive side of the ball. And while it appears that the only true threat offensively is Deuce Vaughn, he still can single-handedly beat the Sooners. Vaughn has averaged just under 160 yards of total offense in his two career games against Oklahoma. Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman will have his team ready, and they will keep it close in a physical game. But, in the end, the home team makes a few more plays and secures victory.
Straight Up: Oklahoma ATS: Kansas State Total (53.5): Under
