Even with two teams on a bye this week, this week feels where the real contenders of the Big 12 will reveal themselves. Due to the depth of the conference, the Big 12 will still continue to cannibalize itself out of the playoff. But the journey will still be fun till the bitter end. Overall, last week’s picks were in the green as the Straight up and ATS picks both went 2-2, while the totals were 3-1. Everyone should expect lots of offense, regardless of who the Big 12 week eight winners are. As always, all lines and totals are courtesy of BetMGM.
Season Straight Up: 33-13
Season ATS: 21-16-2
Season Totals: 18-21
Big 12 Week Eight Winners
Kansas (+10) At Baylor
Could this game be a battle of the backup quarterbacks? Well, it appears the Bears might have their main signal caller back. Blake Shapen returned to practice Wednesday, but head coach Dave Arranda hasn’t confirmed if Shapen will play on Saturday. All signs are pointing to him playing against the Jayhawks. Kansas also had its QB1 return back to practice on Wednesday. But Jalon Daniels only returned to practice in a limited capacity. Quarterback Jason Bean has played well in relief since Daniels suffered a shoulder injury against TCU two weeks ago.
The Jayhawk defense is not great, but Baylor’s defense hasn’t been stifling by any means. This game will kick off the trend of all the Big 12 week eight winners that offenses will reign supreme this week. Call it an upset special if you want, but everyone will need to call Kansas bowl eligible when this one is over.
Straight Up: Kansas ATS: Kansas Total 58.5: Over
West Virginia at Texas Tech (-6)
There have been multiple applications to Take Three University. Chancellor/Head Coach Joey McGuire has been looking to grow his attendance at his new school of defense in Lubbock. Assuming those applications get processed, the Red Raiders should be victorious in a high-scoring showdown against the Mountainers.
Straight Up: Texas Tech ATS: Texas Tech Total 64.5: Over
#20 Texas at #11 Oklahoma State (+6.5)
Winston Churchill famously once said, “Those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it.” One would think that over a decade worth of data would be plenty of historical evidence one would need to understand what should happen in Stillwater. And we aren’t talking about Texas’ record against Oklahoma State. Just when Texas is about to meet those lofty expectations, they fall flat. Much of the time, it comes against a team less talented than them.
But Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns gave us the first new evidence to suggest they can live up to their potential. This road test is about as hard of a test as the Longhorns have remaining on their schedule. They are facing a seasoned Cowboys squad that will undoubtedly be playing with a raucous crowd supporting them. Mike Gundy should have his team focused after last week’s collapse against TCU. However, this is the game of the Big 12 week eight winners that will be closest through and through. Quarterback Quinn Ewers leads a last-minute drive to set up a game-winning score as the Longhorns build momentum to a Big 12 championship run.
Straight Up: Texas ATS: Oklahoma State Total 60.5: Over
#17 Kansas State (+3.5) at #8 TCU
TCU’s start to the season has been the second biggest surprise of the season behind the Jayhawk revolution. It really has been incredible to see what Sonny Dykes has done with Gary Patterson’s team. In a transform portal college football world, it is typical to see lots of roster turnover when a new head coach comes in. But Dykes experienced very little change in terms of players leaving and any players he brought into the program with him. He has done a masterful job maximizing the roster he inherited.
But here comes that other big bad purple people eater of the Big 12. Chris Klieman’s team has had two weeks to prepare for their trip to Fort Worth. This vaunted Wildcat rushing attack, one of the top in the country, squares off the 55th-ranked rushing defense. The Horned Frogs are coming off an emotionally charged come-from-behind victory last week. So a natural letdown would not be a surprise, even as the home team. Quarterback Adrian Martinez and running back Deuce Vaughn run over TCU and take back the top spot in the Big 12.
Straight Up: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State Total 54: Over
