Big 12 Football Picks: Week 9
The Big 12 football season is here, which means it’s time for our BIG 12 football picks against the spread. Our picks went 1-4 against the spread last week, but we are still 17-12 on the season, so let’s go!
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Texas vs. West Virginia
The Mountaineers need to build on their passing attack from last week against Kansas State when Jarret Doege had his best game of the season as was noted above. Texas comes into the game giving up the second most passing yards per game in the Big 12 Conference at 278 ypg. Also, WVU is second in the Big 12 with 20 sacks in six games, while Texas has given up 16 sacks, the second-most in the Big 12 other than Kansas. That is part of what this game will come down to on Saturday. The defense will travel and the offense will do just enough for Neal Brown. Tom Herman wins as an underdog (last week), but he disappoints as a favorite.
The Pick: West Virginia +7 (buy 1/2 point if you have to)
Oklahoma vs. Kansas
Anytime you get a spread like this, you’re guessing. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. That being said, I bet against KU every game this season until last week, when I LOST that bet. So I’m going back to square one. Even OU back ups should roll the Jayhawks. I’ll take OU.
The Pick: Oklahoma -37
TCU vs. Texas Tech
The Red Raiders need to do something that you usually wouldn’t expect a team to want to do against TCU: run the ball. And many probably don’t realize, Texas Tech is second in the Big 12 Conference with 4.6 yards per carry, while TCU is giving up 4.6 yards per carry, which is the second-worst mark in the Big 12. That is highly unusual for Gary Patterson. Also, these teams play close games. Four of the last five match ups have been decided by three points or less. I see this one going that way as well, but ultimately Gary Patterson and the Horned Frogs will hold off the Red Raiders in the fourth quarter with a big stop. Tech will give up a couple of big plays on defense that will prove to be the difference in this game.
The Pick: Texas Tech +9
Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State
Kansas State is a reeling team, while Oklahoma State suffered a loss last week but is still at the top of the Big 12 standings and won’t be caught off guard on Saturday. The Pokes are also the best third down defense in the Big 12 by a wide margin (18% conversion, while OU is second at 31%), going up against K-State’s 9th-ranked offense on third downs. Oklahoma State was the better team last week against Texas, but turnovers (4-0) killed them. That won’t happen this week in Manhattan. Oklahoma State gets back on track and rolls.
The Pick: Oklahoma State -12.5
Iowa State vs. Baylor
Iowa State’s defense has been more vulnerable against the pass than the rush this year. But the problem is Baylor’s offense can’t get anything going. They’re last in the Big 12 in yards per carry and 9th in the Big 12 in passing efficiency. Also, the offensive line has had a slew of problems and Iowa State’s front line is one of, if not the deepest, in the Big 12 this fall. Iowa State is the far more talented team in a Big 12 title hunt with much more motivation heading into this game.
The Pick: Iowa State -14
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