This week’s highlights in the Big 12 Conference include notable matchups that could have significant implications for the season’s standings.

Game to Watch
Oklahoma State (3-3, 1-1 Big 12) will visit No. 13 BYU (6-0, 3-0) on Friday at 10:15 p.m. ET, aired on ESPN. The Cowboys entered the season with aspirations of finishing third within the conference but have struggled to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, the Cougars have managed to surpass expectations, joining a select group of 11 teams that remain undefeated. After an initial surge that brought them to No. 13 in the AP Top 25, Oklahoma State has since suffered defeats to Utah and Kansas State, both of which were ranked at the time, as well as a severe home loss against West Virginia. Currently, the Cowboys rank last in the Big 12 for both offensive and defensive performance, which sets up a daunting challenge facing a formidable BYU squad known for its physicality. The Cougars are riding high after a resounding victory over Arizona.

The Undercard
Arizona State (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) is set to clash with Cincinnati (4-2, 2-1) on Saturday at noon ET on ESPN+. The Sun Devils have emerged as one of the Big 12’s unexpected contenders this season, aiming for a shot at the conference title following a disappointing 3-9 record last year under head coach Kenny Dillingham. Arizona State’s star running back, Cam Skattebo, has established himself as one of the nation’s top players in his position, contributing to one of the team’s best starts since 2019. However, the Sun Devils will need to continue their winning ways without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is sidelined with a rib injury sustained against Utah. Senior Jeff Sims will step up in his absence. On the other hand, the Bearcats have also improved after finishing last season with a 3-9 record during the debut of coach Scott Satterfield. Cincinnati has experienced narrow losses in two games, totaling just four points, and boasts one of the conference’s leading quarterbacks, Brendan Sorsby, who has achieved 13 touchdown passes with three interceptions.

Key Players
Caleb McCullough of Arizona State has showcased his resilience, playing through tough seasons and recently standing out in a matchup against Utah, where he recorded two interceptions—one sealing the game—and made 12 tackles, including 1.5 for loss.

Stat Highlights
No. 9 Iowa State (6-0, 3-0) is experiencing its most successful beginning to a season since 1938 as it prepares for a home game against UCF. Meanwhile, Kansas State’s defense exhibited its power by limiting Colorado to a staggering minus-29 yards rushing last weekend, a record low in the Big 12 since 2006. UCF stands out offensively, leading the conference and ranking 13th nationally with 473.8 yards per game. Additionally, Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan currently leads the Big 12 and ranks third nationally in receiving yards with a total of 742. Notably, the conference’s running backs have collectively surpassed 175 rushing yards on six occasions, outperforming all other Power Four conferences combined. Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks holds an impressive third place nationally with an average of 135.8 rushing yards per game.