Things to look forward to this week in the Big 12 Conference:
Matchup of the Week
No. 21 Colorado (6-2, 4-1 Big 12) at Texas Tech (6-3, 4-2), 4 p.m. ET, Saturday (Fox)
Coach Deion Sanders and his Colorado Buffaloes begin November tied for second place in the conference standings. Despite having a bye last weekend, Colorado ascended in the AP poll after Texas Tech defeated the previously-undefeated Iowa State, placing No. 9 BYU as the only Big 12 team without a loss. This victory by the Red Raiders followed back-to-back losses and sets the stage for a crucial encounter. Both Colorado and Texas Tech have already secured bowl eligibility and are now making their final push for a spot in the Big 12 championship game, which is expected to feature the top two teams from the expansive 16-team conference. Travis Hunter, a standout player for Colorado, is currently ranked second in the Big 12 with eight touchdown receptions and third in receiving yards with 757. Furthermore, from his cornerback role, he shares the conference lead with seven pass breakups.
The Undercard
No. 9 BYU (8-0, 5-0, No. 9 CFP) faces off against Utah (4-4, 1-4) in their first meeting since 2021. This instate rivalry, known as the “Holy War,” returns after both teams last competed as conference partners in 2010 in the Mountain West. BYU is among only five teams in the FBS to maintain an undefeated record. Utah began its inaugural season in the Big 12 as a strong contender, yet they have experienced four consecutive losses following an initial win at Oklahoma State (3-6, 0-6). This matchup will mark the 102nd affair between the two Utah-based universities, although BYU accounts for only 95 of those games, having started its intercollegiate football journey in 1922.
Key Player to Watch
TCU’s Jack Bech has emerged as a crucial player, leading the Big 12 with nine touchdown receptions, a stat that ties him at the top amongst Power Four players. The former transfer from LSU has recorded two touchdown receptions in three of his last six outings. With an impressive average of 102.6 yards receiving per game, Bech has also set a career-high with 51 catches, surpassing his freshman total of 43 with LSU in 2021.
Interesting Facts
No. 17 Iowa State (7-1, 4-1) aims to achieve a milestone by pursuing its seventh straight Big 12 road victory on Saturday, which would set a new school record. They will face off against Kansas (2-6, 1-4) at Arrowhead Stadium. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State (3-6, 0-6) is set for a matchup against TCU on Saturday and must secure wins in its remaining regular season games to avoid witnessing its first losing season since 2005 – the same year Mike Gundy began his tenure as head coach and the last time the Cowboys missed a bowl appearance. Additionally, Baylor (5-4, 3-3) will have a bye week following a thrilling last-second field goal to overcome TCU. This outcome followed Texas Tech’s exhilarating last-minute touchdown against Iowa State the previous Saturday. Collectively, this season has already seen 12 go-ahead touchdowns in the final minute of Big 12 games, the highest tally in the nation.
Mobile Quarterbacks
Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby currently leads all Big 12 quarterbacks with six rushing touchdowns, while Garrett Greene from West Virginia holds the record for rushing yards among QBs in the league with 443. These two former Big East rivals will compete on Saturday, and last season, Greene showcased his capabilities with 154 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns during a 42-21 victory over Cincinnati. Sorsby stands out as one of the league’s premier passers as well, averaging 263.5 passing yards per game. He has successfully completed 172 out of 262 passes (65.6%) this season, recording 15 touchdowns against four interceptions.