Oct 8, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Max Duggan (15) throws a pass during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
After a 3-1 mark last week, we are back to our winning ways here on the picks column where I am beginning to notice a common theme with my Big 12 selections going forward this season.
Take the points.
Against the spread record on the year: 21-19
Baylor (-3.5) at West Virginia — A question I seem to be asking myself every time I attempt to pick a Big 12 game right now … “Is the top much different from the bottom in this league?” The overwhelming answer is no. Morgantown on a Thursday night will be bonkers. I can’t get out of my mind the fact that the Mountaineers are two plays away from being 4-1 this year.
THE PICK: Baylor 27, West Virginia 24
Kansas at Oklahoma (-9) — So far this season, Oklahoma has given up the most points in the conference by a whopping 33 and has scored the third-fewest points of any team. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel is supposed to be back, but what have we seen this year to make Kansas a two score dog? This feels like a trap, but I am willing to fall for it.
THE PICK: Oklahoma 34, Kansas 28
Iowa State at Texas (-16.5) — Iowa State hasn’t been blown out very often under Matt Campbell. It’s a potential trap game for a Texas program that hasn’t really proven it can stay focused yet. Iowa State’s elite defense and struggling offense lead me to believe that the Cyclones could really try to limit possessions in this game. I’m a big fan of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (think he’s a future first pick in the NFL Draft). I don’t see Iowa State winning the game but expect this to be a lower scoring, ugly slog of a contest.
THE PICK: Texas 27, Iowa State 14
Oklahoma State at TCU (-4) — If the season ended right now, one would have to think hard about voting Max Duggan for the Heisman Trophy. But it’s been three emotional weeks in a row for the Horned Frogs, who have picked up wins over SMU (rival), Oklahoma and Kansas. It seems like TCU is all the rage these days and for good reasons, but I’ll take Mike Gundy and the boys from Stillwater to take a stronghold in the Big 12.
THE PICK: Oklahoma State 42, TCU 41
