It was a very profitable start for Last Word in week one. The Big 12 had an opportunity to really make a great first impression, but it might be Penn State is just really good. But this week is the week where the Big 12 needs to have a great week if it is to get more than one team into the playoff. There are 10 total games in which the Big 12 is playing an opponent from another P4 conference. Don’t forget Kansas State is in a trap spot going to Tulane this week. So let’s dive into these Big 12 week two winners. All lines are courtesy of FanDuel.
Moneyline: 14-2
Against The Spread: 8-8
Totals: 10-5
Locks: 0-1
Big 12 Week Two Winners
BYU (+10.5) At SMU
The Big 12 week two winners start on a Friday night in Dallas, Texas. The Ponies are looking to keep their offense humming in their third game of the season. BYU gets its first real test with a road trip to an ACC opponent. Expect both teams to put up some points. The Cougars should keep it close, but SMU never is ever threatened to lose this game.
Moneyline: SMU ATS: BYU Total 55.5: Over
Kansas State #17 (-9.5) At Tulane
In Chris Klieman’s previous five seasons in Manhattan, Kansas, he has never gone undefeated in non-conference play. The good news for the Wildcats is Tulane is no longer coached by Willie Fritz. Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson and company will be too much for the Green Wave in this one.
Moneyline: Kansas State ATS: Kansas State Total 49.5: Over
Pitt At Cincinnati (-1.5)
Last season, when Cincinnati beat Pitt, it was supposed to springboard their season. Turns out both teams were just really bad as both finished 3-9. Now, with the Panthers coming to Nippert Stadium, this game will try to serve the same purpose as last year. In a coin-flip matchup, the home team gets the edge in a lower-scoring showdown.
Moneyline: Cincinnati ATS: Cincinnati Total 59.5: Under
Arkansas At #16 Oklahoma State (-7.5)
Against South Dakota State, the Pokes showed they were more than up for the task. They dominated the game start-to-finish and Mike Gundy avoided the week one trap. The Jackrabbits were able to move the ball a good amount against the Cowboys. Arkansas should be able to do the same. However, this Oklahoma State team is too complete to have any issues with a bottom-tier SEC team.
Moneyline: Oklahoma State ATS: Oklahoma State Total 59.5: Over
Baylor At #11 Utah (-14.5)
Rice–Eccles Stadium is a place the opponents simply don’t win at. In the last three seasons, only one road team has won a game at the home of the Utes (Oregon in 2023). That hook smells funky in the line. But Utah will suffocate the Bears defensively and overpower them on the offensive side of the ball.
Moneyline: Utah ATS: Utah Total 53.5: Under
Iowa State At #21 Iowa (-2.5)
North Dakota dominated time of possession last week against the Cyclones. Ultimately it didn’t matter as Iowa State won 21-7. However, Iowa plays much better defense and (whispers “maybe”) the Hawkeye offense has figured out enough to pose a threat to its in-state rival. The total has only been cleared one time in the last five years, so don’t expect a lot of points. But the Hawkeyes scrape out a victory in this rivalry game.
Moneyline: Iowa ATS: Iowa Total 35.5: Under
Sam Houston State At UCF (-21.5)
Sam Houston made the jump up to FBS football last season. In the second half of last year, they were seemingly making the adjustments to be competitive. While early signs in 2024 show the same thing, they still aren’t ready for the Knights rushing attack. UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson has a better game through the air and the Knights run away with this one.
Moneyline: UCF ATS: UCF Total 57.5: Over
#19 Kansas (-5.5) At Illinois
This is the line of all the Big 12 week two winners that makes the least sense. With Jalon Daniels last season, the game wasn’t close as Kansas won 34-23 (It was 34-15 until eight minutes left in the 4th). Daniels is healthy again, and Illinois has not done anything to suggest they are any better this year. Lock up the Kansas to cover the spread with ease.
Moneyline: Kansas ATS: Kansas Total 55.5: Under
Colorado (+7.5) At Nebraska
The 2023 edition of this rivalry stunk because Nebraska had some of the worst quarterback play in the country. However, with the arrival of quarterback Dylan Raiola, early returns suggest this freshman is as good as advertised. The Buffalo defense looks unchanged from last year, so this will turn into a fun shootout between these teams. Matt Rhule finally breaks the Nebraska disease of finding ways to lose games. But Colorado will score enough to stay within a touchdown.
Moneyline: Nebraska ATS: Colorado Total 57.5: Over (Lock)
Houston At #15 Oklahoma (-28.5)
One-sided is not a strong enough word for this game. Oklahoma is likely going to cover the total by themselves. The long season for Houston fans only gets longer after a smackdown in Norman.
Moneyline: Oklahoma ATS: Oklahoma Total 53.5: Over
Texas Tech (-1.5) At Washington State
Texas Tech has to be better on defense. Even with improvements on defense, the pirate ghost himself will ensure these two teams play a shootout. The Red Raiders survive a trip to Pullman in a wild late-night game.
Moneyline: Texas Tech ATS: Texas Tech Total 65.5: Over (Lock)
Mississippi State (+6.5) At Arizona State
No team move up more in the Big 12 power rankings than Arizona State. The Sun Devils appear they will, at a minimum, not be the worst team in the Big 12. But Mississippi State will show that the Sun Devils still will have struggles this season. In a surprisingly competitive game, the Bulldogs get a win in the desert.
Moneyline: Mississippi State ATS: Mississippi State Total 57.5: Over
No Lines, No Problems
There are three Big 12 week two winners that involves Big 12 vs. FCS opponents. Vegas views this teams so unevenly matched, that they have not put out the lines for these games. So, for the University of Albany at West Virginia, Long Island at TCU, and Northern Arizona at #20 Arizona, do not expect any upsets as all Big 12 teams roll.
