Big 12 Update: Frontrunners Emerge from Out West as Oklahoma State Remains Winless

For the first time this season, there are only two clear favorites to meet in Arlington for a Big 12 title.

As Iowa State fell again, BYU used a few miracles to beat rival Utah and Colorado fought off Texas Tech to sit atop the Big 12 standings together. Meanwhile, on the other end, Oklahoma State is still the only Big 12 team winless in conference after a 38-13 thumping to TCU.

Here’s everything that happened throughout the Big 12 this weekend.

West Virginia 31, Cincinnati 24

These two teams officially swapped roles as West Virginia notched its second straight win while Cincinnati lost for the second time in two outings. Both squads are now 5-4 needing only one win to reach eligibility. The Mountaineers have three chances left against Baylor, UCF and Texas Tech. Cincy’s road is a little more challenging with Iowa State, Kansas State and TCU.

Kansas 45, No. 17 Iowa State 36

The Jayhawks played like we expected them to all season in this one. At 3-6, KU has won two of its past three, and that lone loss was a two-point deficit to instate rival Kansas State. The Jayhawks need to win out to reach a bowl for the third straight season, but that looks out of reach with No. 9 BYU next at 9:15 p.m. Saturday.

The Cyclones, meanwhile, are on a two-game skid after being undefeated and firmly atop the Big 12 standings alongside BYU. ISU, at 7-2, could now slip out of the next College Football Playoff Rankings and is one of four teams in the Big 12 with a 4-2 conference record. ISU needs Colorado to slip up to have any chance of playing that first Saturday in December, but first, the Cyclones need to get back on track against Cincinnati at 7 p.m. Saturday.

No. 20 Colorado 41, Texas Tech 27

The Sanders family got its first full Lubbock experience, with tortillas and all, and survived. In the win, Shedeur was 30-of-43 for 291 yards and three TDs. He also rushed for a score. Then, his bother Shilo returned a fumble to the end zone for the final points of the game.

🎁

From: Shedeur Sanders
To: Red Raider Fans pic.twitter.com/KHCXoE9ccn

— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) November 10, 2024

The hype might be annoying, but Coach Prime’s Buffaloes are officially legit Big 12 title and College Football Playoff contenders at 7-2 and on a three-game winning streak. If Colorado wins out with three games left, it’ll be playing for a Big 12 title in its first season back in the league.

Texas Tech, at 6-4, will get a week off before a trip to Stillwater.

Arizona State 35, UCF 31

The Sun Devils keep exceeding expectations at 7-2 and are one of those teams hoping for a few others to slip to get to Arlington. It’s a tough few weeks for ASU ahead, though, with Kansas State and BYU next on the schedule. UCF needs to win its last two games against West Virginia and Utah to reach a bowl.

No. 9 BYU 22, Utah 21

At least for entertainment purposes, I’m glad the Big 12 gave us the Holy War. In the night cap, BYU got a defensive holding call on fourth down to keep a drive alive that ultimately ended with a game-wining 44-yard field goal with three seconds left.

FOR THE WIN!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/YANqIrS4uW

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) November 10, 2024

The Cougars just keep finding ways to win at 9-0, while Utah just can’t seem to win a game and hasn’t since beating OSU five games ago.

Big 12 Standings

Big 12 Week 12 Schedule

Houston at Arizona — 9:15 p.m. Friday on FS1

Utah at Colorado — 11 a.m. Saturday on FOX

Baylor at West Virginia — 3 p.m. Saturday on ESPN2

Arizona State at Kansas State — 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN

Cincinnati at Iowa State — 7 p.m. Saturday on FOX

Kansas at BYU — 9:15 p.m. Saturday on ESPN