It's a relatively light week in the Big 12.
Five of the conference's 16 teams — including three that are ranked — are on bye.
But every game will have a significant impact on what's shaping up as a tight league race. Teams at the top can't afford a slip-up; teams at the bottom still have a chance to salvage their seasons.
West Virginia (1-0 in the Big 12) vs. Oklahoma State (0-2) is one such example; Baylor (0-2) vs. No. 16 Iowa State (1-0) is another.
Arizona (1-0) vs. Texas Tech (2-0) is the only Big 12 game this week pitting teams with unblemished conference records.
Star sports staffers Brett Fera, Michael Lev and Justin Spears have plenty of blemishes on their records when it comes picking games this season. But Lev and Spears have inched over .500 against the spread, so there's hope.
For more on our predictions — including a complete breakdown of the Arizona-Texas Tech game — check out The Wildcast Podcast. It’s available on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
TCU wide receiver Jack Bech (18) is tackled by Kansas safety Marvin Grant (4) after catching a pass for a first down during the first half of their game on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo.
FRIDAY, OCT. 4
Matchup: Houston (+16.5) at TCU
Time/TV: 4:30 p.m., ESPN
Fera’s prediction: TCU to win, Houston to cover
Lev’s prediction: TCU to win, Houston to cover
Spears’ prediction: TCU to win, Houston to cover
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27
Matchup: West Virginia (+3) at Oklahoma State
Time/TV: 1 p.m., ESPN2
Fera’s prediction: Oklahoma State to win and cover
Lev’s prediction: Oklahoma State to win and cover
Spears’ prediction: Oklahoma State to win and cover
Matchup: Baylor (+11.5) at No. 16 Iowa State
Time/TV: 4:30 p.m., FOX/11
Fera’s prediction: Iowa State to win and cover
Lev’s prediction: Iowa State to win, Baylor to cover
Spears’ prediction: Iowa State to win and cover
Matchup: UCF (-2.5) at Florida
Time/TV: 4:45 p.m., SEC Network
Fera’s prediction: Florida to win outright
Lev’s prediction: Florida to win outright
Spears’ prediction: UCF to win and cover
Matchup: Kansas (+2.5) at Arizona State
Time/TV: 5 p.m., ESPN2
Fera’s prediction: ASU to win and cover
Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks answers questions from the media during Big 12 Media Days in Las Vegas on July 9, 2024.
Lev’s prediction: ASU to win and cover
Spears’ prediction: ASU to win and cover
Matchup: Texas Tech (+6) at Arizona
Time/TV: 8 p.m., FOX/11
Fera’s prediction: Arizona to win, Texas Tech to cover
Lev’s prediction: Arizona to win and cover
Spears’ prediction: Arizona to win and cover
LAST WEEK'S RECORDS
Fera: 3-4 straight up, 4-3 against the spread
Lev: 3-4 SU, 5-2 ATS
Spears: 4-3 SU, 5-2 ATS
SEASON TO DATE
Fera: 26-13 SU, 19-20 ATS
Lev: 26-13 SU, 21-18 ATS
Spears: 26-13 SU, 21-18 ATS
