This may be the best week in the Big 12 so far this season. BYU takes on Notre Dame in a top-10 matchup, while Houston and Oklahoma State face off. West Virginia also looks to end its three-game skid against Cincinnati.
Big 12 Game of the Week
Best Game of the Week: Notre Dame vs. BYU
Both teams enter this game ranked in the top 10 in the AP poll and undefeated. Notre Dame has won every game this season, but this is their biggest challenge yet. BYU, meanwhile, has had close calls against TCU and Iowa State. This is also their first game against a ranked team so far this year.
Notre Dame and BYU rely on their defenses, meaning this will probably be a lower-scoring game. They both also have talented quarterbacks. Notre Dame's quarterback, CJ Carr, has far more passing touchdowns than Bear Bachmeier. The Cougars also seem to lack offensive weapons beyond Bachmeier, giving the Fighting Irish the edge. Even if Notre Dame wins, this will be an entertaining game to watch.
Big 12 Upset to Watch
Potential upset: Oklahoma State vs. Houston
Houston is currently favored in this game despite Oklahoma State being ranked higher in the AP poll. The Cowboys have a ranked win this season, while the Cougars do not, after losing their first ranked game of the season to Texas Tech in Week 2. Still, Houston is a well-rounded team that is capable of beating any team in the country. However, Oklahoma State is capable of making any game interesting with quarterback Drew Mestemaker who has over 1,500 passing yards this season in only five games. While I expect Houston to win, Oklahoma State certainly has the talent to take down the Cougars and give them their second loss of the season.
Other Big 12 action
Outside of those two games, the most interesting Big 12 matchup is Cincinnati vs. West Virginia. The Mountaineers are slightly favored at home despite losing their last three games, while the Bearcats are coming off their bye week. Both offenses thrive on the run, so this game may come down to who can run the ball better.
Utah will also be taking on Colorado as the Utes look to remain undefeated and the Buffaloes try to get their first Big 12 win of the season. Kansas is taking on Kansas State in an intrastate rivalry game. Texas Tech is heavily favored over Arizona State, while Baylor is favored against TCU.
Three Big 12 teams are on bye: Arizona, Iowa State, and UCF. Arizona enters the bye with a 2-1 conference record, while Iowa State and UCF are both 1-2 in Big 12 play to start the year.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Top Big 12 football games to watch, best matchups and upset pick