The Big 12 enters its final stretch with the conference championship race wide open. Multiple teams are battling for position as every game carries major implications.
Top 25 matchups defining the race
No. 17 Cincinnati (7–1, 5–0 Big 12) faces #24 Utah (6–2, 3–2 Big 12) tonight at 10:15 p.m. ET in a game that could shift the conference balance.
Cincinnati’s offense averages 413.7 yards per game (36th nationally) and 33.7 points per game (22nd). The defense ranks 40th overall and 49th in SP+. The Bearcats allow significant passing yards but rank 26th nationally against the run.
No. 13 Texas Tech defeated Kansas State 43–20 on the road, improving to 8–1 overall and 5–1 in conference play.
The Red Raiders showcase one of college football’s most explosive offenses. They average 36.4 points per game (4th nationally) and 456.7 total yards (7th nationally). Texas Tech converts 48.2% of third downs (8th nationally) and scores on 90.9% of red zone trips (14th nationally).
The defense remains a concern, allowing 33.5 points (113th) and 452.9 yards per game (120th). However, Texas Tech ranks 2nd nationally in stop rate and makes key plays when needed.
Kansas State dropped to 4–5 overall and 3–3 in Big 12 play.
Major upset shakes standings
West Virginia (3–6, 1–5 Big 12) stunned #22 Houston (7–2, 4–2 Big 12) with a 45–35 road victory.
The win gave the Mountaineers their first conference victory of the season. It’s West Virginia’s first win over a ranked opponent since October 30, 2021.
Houston’s defense had been a strength all season, ranking 21st in points allowed and 20th in total yards allowed. The unit couldn’t contain West Virginia’s offense in the upset.
The Cougars’ offensive struggles continued. Houston ranks 71st in scoring and 115th in total yards, complicating their conference championship path.
Week 11 championship showdown
No. 10 BYU (8–0, 5–0 Big 12) faces No. 13 Texas Tech (8–1, 5–1 Big 12) on November 8 in the week’s marquee matchup.
BYU used its Week 10 bye to prepare for the critical game with major conference title implications.
The Cougars dominate both sides of the ball. Offensively, they rank 23rd nationally in efficiency while scoring 35.8 points per game. BYU totals over 430 yards per contest, including 216.6 rushing yards per game (16th nationally).
BYU’s defense allows just 15.6 points per game (15th nationally). The unit ranks 4th in red zone defense with a 69.8% stop rate.
Texas Tech’s high-powered offense will test BYU’s defense. The Red Raiders rank 4th nationally in scoring and 7th in total yards. Their third-down and red zone efficiency will be critical against BYU’s defense.
“Every drive matters from this point forward. November football is about execution and discipline.”
That’s according to BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. The matchup carries championship implications for both teams.
Conference race coming down to wire
Multiple teams remain in championship contention as the season enters its final weeks.
BYU, Texas Tech, and Cincinnati lead the race. Houston, Utah, and other teams continue fighting for positioning in the standings.
Every possession in November could determine who reaches the Big 12 Championship game.
The next two weeks will separate contenders from pretenders as teams make their final push toward the conference title game.
