Big 12 Fan Nation Week 9 Game Predictions
The Texas Longhorns are off this week, but they have some work to do as they’re coming off a loss to Oklahoma State.
But what about the rest of the Big 12 this weekend?
Staff members from Longhorns Country, Inside the Bears and Red Raider Review provide their picks for each of the other Big 12 games this week.
No. 7 TCU at West Virginia, 11 a.m. central, ESPN
Zack Dimmitt, Staff Writer: The Horned Frogs have looked like one of the best teams in the country and are likely to see little resistance from a West Virginia team that was just blown out by Texas Tech. TCU 40, West Virginia 23
Matthew Postins, Staff Writer: I mean this feels like the perfect trap game for the undefeated Horned Frogs, right? The Mountaineers are coming off a horrible loss to Texas Tech, are back home and coach Neal Brown may be fighting for his job. This is the first time TCU has been away from Fort Worth in three week and is coming off back-to-back wins over Oklahoma State and Kansas State. It’s all a recipe for a let-down. But I don’t think the let-down is enough to allow the Mountaineers to forge an upset. TCU 33, West Virginia 26
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer: Man, I want to pick the upset here. The Mountaineers are 2-1 at home and have shown the ability to put the points against lackluster defenses. But man, the Horned Frogs are a good program. Sonny Dykes is hard to bet against. TCU wins by a field goal late. TCU 34, West Virginia 31
Connor Zimmerlee, Staff Writer: After an upset win in a Thursday night thriller over Baylor, West Virginia came crashing down to earth again last week against Texas Tech. With that, I expect TCU to come in and do the same thing, making light work of West Virginia and staying undefeated in Big 12 play this season. TCU 49, West Virginia 14
Oklahoma at Iowa State, 11 a.m. central, FS1
Zack Dimmitt, Staff Writer: The Iowa State defense will be a tough out for the Sooners, but Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel has started to find his stride again after recovering a concussion. The Sooners pick up a win in what should be an interesting late-season run up the conference standings. Oklahoma 29, Iowa State 17
Matthew Postins, Staff Writer: Two years ago these two teams met in the Big 12 Championship game. Now? They’re just trying to get to a bowl game. Cyclones by a field goal. Iowa State 30, Oklahoma 27
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer: Is this a road game for the Sooners? Yes. Will quarterback Dillion Gabriel, who threw for over 400 yards against Kansas be back under center? It’s closer than Sooner fans want, but OU prevails for a 10-point win. Oklahoma 30, Iowa State 20
Connor Zimmerlee, Staff Writer: After three straight embarrassing losses to start Big 12 play, Oklahoma seems to have righted the ship, even if temporarily. A road trip to Ames won't be easy but the Iowa State offense simply cannot keep up with Oklahoma's. This game will be close at halftime but Oklahoma pulls away and cruises to an easy victory in the second half. Oklahoma 42, Iowa State 21
No. 9 Oklahoma State at No. 22 Kansas State, 2:30 p.m. central, FOX
Zack Dimmitt, Staff Writer: The Cowboys looked inconsistent against Texas last week but put it all together in the fourth quarter. It was the opposite for the Wildcats, who got off to a hot start against TCU before crumbling. A true toss-up game favors Kansas State at home. Kansas State 43, Oklahoma State 39
Matthew Postins, Staff Writer: Both the Cowboys and the Wildcats have a loss in Big 12 action. The winner stays in second place. The loser drops to third. Only the top two games get to Arlington for the Big 12 Championship Game. Yep, plenty of stakes. The Cowboys steal one in Manhattan. Oklahoma State 37, Kansas State 31
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer: Should Kansas State quarterback Adrian Martinez play, give me the Kitty Kats. Should Kansas State quarterback Will Howard start, give me the Pokes by 10. It’s looking more like Howard is getting the call for the injured Martinez. Sorry, K-State. Oklahoma State 34, Kansas State 24
Connor Zimmerlee, Staff Writer: This game almost serves as a de facto Big 12 championship semifinal, with the winner likely to take on TCU in the title game in December. Arguably the game of the week on paper, if Oklahoma State can keep its offense rolling then it will leave with the victory over Kansas State, which I fully expect to happen in this one. Oklahoma State 38, Kansas State 28
Baylor at Texas Tech, 6:30 p.m. central, ESPN2
Zack Dimmitt, Staff Writer: Something tells me the Behren Morton magic will continue for Tech against Baylor. But the same could be said for a freshman on the other side, as Bears running back Richard Reese looks to continue his sensational play. Once again, it’s hard to go against the home team, as I think Tech takes this one to all but eliminate Baylor’s hopes at repeating as conference champs. Texas Tech 39, Baylor 37
Matthew Postins, Staff Writer: Both the Bears and the Red Raiders are on the periphery of the Big 12 Championship Game race, tied for third place. The winner stays in the race. The winner drops its third Big 12 game and is most likely done. Baylor went into a valley at the start of the month, but I think they’re emerging from it. Holding the lead is the key. The Bears barely did it last week at home. The Red Raiders have been good at home all season. I think the trend continues by a field goal. Texas Tech 33, Baylor 30
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer: Honestly, this might be the Big 12 Game of the Week. Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire plays host to his former boss and has the Red Raiders two wins away from being bowl eligible. That being said, the Bears have a potent offense that’s averaging 31 points per game away from McLane Stadium. It’s close, but the Bears pull this out thanks to a late touchdown by Taye McWilliams. Baylor 38, Texas Tech 34
Connor Zimmerlee, Staff Writer: Just going to get this out of the way, but this game being given the nickname "BUTT Bowl" is one of the things that makes college football special. Texas Tech is undefeated at home this season and Jones AT&T Stadium is a spooky stadium to play in at night. Baylor will keep this one close but its slide down the Big 12 standings will continue with a loss at the hands of Texas Tech on the road. Texas Tech 35, Baylor 31
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