Big 12 Update: Conference Favorites Emerging

The Oklahoma State Cowboys got to watch the chaos of the Big 12 unfold from their coach this weekend.

As OSU was idle, there were five conference games that helped further differentiate the contenders and pretenders in the Big 12. Here’s what happened this weekend in the Big 12.

Arizona State 27, No. 16 Utah 19

Utah hasn’t won a game since beating OSU two weeks ago in Stillwater. While the Utes proved to not be a real contender after all as preseason conference favorites, Arizona State showed its early success isn’t a fluke, handling Utah 27-19 to improve to 5-1. Utah dropped to 4-2 after starting the season undefeated.

Each team’s superstar was the difference. ASU running back Cam Skattebo, who is second in the country in rushing yards, ran for 158 yards and a pair of TDs. Meanwhile, Utah quarterback Cam Rising returned after missing three games because of a hand injury. He struggled in his return, throwing three interceptions compared to no touchdowns.

The Sun Devils travel to Cincinnati next at 11 a.m. Saturday, while Utah will host a struggling TCU team for some Big 12 After Dark action at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Cincinnati 19, UCF 13

UCF was another team that showed this week it’s not a real contender to get to Arlington after losing to Cincinnati and dropping to .500 at 3-3. Cincinnati, though, could be a dark horse at 4-2 with one Big 12 loss so far.

Cincinnati hosts Arizona State next in a game the winner should be considered a surprising Big 12 contender. UCF will head to undefeated Iowa State.

No. 14 BYU 41, Arizona 19

The Cougars remained undefeated at 6-0 heading into their matchup with OSU on Friday night. Arizona has lost its designation as a conference dark horse at 3-3 and a home date with Colorado next.

No. 11 Iowa State 28, West Virginia 16

The Big 12 is the Cyclones’ to lose.

A week after WVU thumped OSU in Stillwater, ISU went to Morgantown and beat the Mountaineers to stay unbeaten at 6-0. The Cyclones host UCF next, while WVU hosts Kansas State at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

No. 18 Kansas State 31, Colorado 28

The Buffaloes lost two-way star Travis Hunter early but still kept things close before ultimately falling short to K-State.

The Wildcats have emerged as legit contenders after losing their Big 12 opener to BYU. They get WVU next. Saturday night was Colorado’s chance to solidify itself as a contender but instead suffered its first Big 12 loss.

Big 12 Standings