My Big 12 picks are like a fine wine that get better (in this case, more accurate) with age. After going 4-1 last week, the column is 32-25 on the season and like Happy Gilmore, I am currently feeling the flow and working it.
Let’s get after it in week 11.
Against the spread on the year: 32-25
Oklahoma (-8) at West Virginia — Normally, I would always take the points and a home West Virginia team. However, think about it this way … Oklahoma has a first-year coach and truly a lot to play for. Culture, a better bowl game, shutting up a fan base and in this era of college football, spots on the roster going forward. West Virginia is probably going to fire its coach in a few days. Give me the more engaged football team.
THE PICK: Oklahoma 41, West Virginia 27
Iowa State (-1) at Oklahoma State — It is actually quite terrifying how confident I am heading into this game. Don’t get me wrong. Iowa State still has to figure out a lot on the offensive side of the football. For three quarters against West Virginia, we watched many of the same problems plague the Cyclones that were there during the 0-5 start to Big 12 play. But the lid popped off in the fourth quarter and confidence-gained is a real thing. I love the opponent here – Oklahoma State who has given up over 250 yards per game on the ground in its last three. There is a reason why a 1-5 Big 12 is favored over one that was ranked in the top 25 just a week ago.
THE PICK: Iowa State 27, Oklahoma State 13
Kansas at Texas Tech (-3.5) — I’m not trying to be a downer, but last week’s KU win over Oklahoma State had more to do with the Cowboys than the now bowl eligible Jayhawks. Texas Tech is really good at home and needs this one to play in a bowl game this year, which would be an incredible accomplishment for first-year head coach Joey Maguire.
THE PICK: Texas Tech 45, Kansas 35
Kansas State at Baylor (-2.5) — This is the Baylor team I picked to win the Big 12 in the preseason. Kansas State showed some muscle coming back last week against Texas, but have the Wildcats maxed out? Feels like it to me. Meanwhile, Baylor is currently playing its best football of the season.
THE PICK: Baylor 24, Kansas State 14
TCU at Texas (-7) — It feels like Texas is the trendy pick this weekend. The Longhorns very well might beat TCU – but anything over a touchdown and I would consider putting a little jack on the Horned Frogs. TCU, however, has been living on the edge week after week and it feels like that’ll catch up with them at some point.
THE PICK: Texas 38, TCU 35
