Welcome to the Big 12 Buzz. This is a place where you can relax, have a drink and get your Big 12 fix. And if you just happen to catch a good buzz here then there’s no need to worry, trust me, it happens.
Think of this space as a good local dive bar. The floors are sticky, the jukebox is blaring, and the ice never melts in the urinal trough. Here, the bottles stay full, the beers stay cold, and everyone is somebody.
So pull up a stool, and let’s see what we have in store this week.
Easy Drinkers
I call these easy drinkers because just like a delicious Ames Lager, they will go down smoothly, and you’ll always have more than one.
- Oklahoma State at No. 14 Texas Tech
- TCU at West Virginia
For the first time all season, Texas Tech looked human and got beat by Arizona State. And if there ever was a game to bounce back, it’s their upcoming date with the worst Oklahoma State team I have ever seen.
Tortilla throwing will be a bigger threat to Texas Tech on Saturday in Lubbock than Oklahoma State will be. Even still, Tech fans could throw thousands of tortillas, get 200 yards of penalties for it and the Red Raiders would still win by 40.
Next up, TCU heads north to the land of pepperoni rolls and moonshine to take on the worst West Virginia team I have ever seen. Josh Hoover should have no trouble against a bad Mountaineer defense, and I don’t see TCU having any issues stopping West Virginia’s junior high offense. There’s a reason this is the only Big 12 game on ESPN+ this weekend.
Hair of the Dog
- Kansas State @ Kansas
We get an early kickoff in the Sunflower state and whether you want a mimosa, a screwdriver, or a morning brew (and I ain’t talking coffee), then this is the way to start your day after a late Friday night.
It’s that time of year again in the state of Kansas. It’s Sunflower Showdown this weekend which sounds like the softest rivalry of all time. But don’t expect a pillow fight in Lawrence because Kansas and Kansas State absolutely hate each other.
Both teams have two losses in conference play, and the loser of this one is practically eliminated from a Big 12 title opportunity. Despite the disappointment for Kansas State, they still have a lot of talent on that roster with Avery Johnson and the guys around him.
If there was a game to run the ball, it’s this one as Kansas has the worst run defense in the conference. However, Kansas may be the best offense Kansas State has seen so far with Jalon Daniels on the other side. The Wildcats have won 16 straight against the Jayhawks which means the streak can drive already.
Beer Goggles
- Houston @ No. 24 Arizona State
I have had my fair share of questions about Houston. Is the beer making them better than they actually are? Well, we are about to find out.
We all know about Arizona State and Sam Leavitt, but this game is more about Houston than anything else. The fighting Willie Frtiz’s are the best kept secret in the Big 12 sitting at 6-1 right now. However, they, like many other teams (outside of their opponent this week) got demolished by Texas Tech.
Defensively, Houston has been fine but it’s their offense led by Connor Weigman that has been the biggest surprise. Well now he gets a shot at one of the best defenses in the conference and we are going to find out just how far this Houston team can go. A win here would immediately catapult them into the Big 12 title conversation.
Shot of the Week
- Baylor at No. 21 Cincinnati
Just like when you walk into any bar, you never know what’s going to be up on that board. And just like this game, I am not really sure what to expect.
Baylor is coming off a tough loss to TCU as they hit the road up to Skyline chili country to face Cincinnati who is just one of two teams undefeated in Big 12 play.
Much like their game against TCU, I expect this one to look like another classic Big 12 game from ten years ago where defense is optional. Both offenses are really good between Sawyer Roberston and Brendan Sorsby but neither defense is great.
Expect a lot of drama, a lot of points, and whole lot of constipation with the amount of cheese they top that chili with. Seriously, have you seen it? Oh yeah, and if Baylor loses, they may as well leave Dave Aranda there.
Top Shelf Special
- No. 11 BYU at Iowa State
Our special this week takes us to little ol’ Ames, Iowa where the fans are passionate and the beers are endless. But if you see a BYU fan, make sure to give them a cup of milk, a can of pop or whatever the hell they drink because they are nice people.
It will be a sold-out crowd at Jack Trice as the Cyclones look to get back on track and after back-to-back losses on the road. Rocco Becht and that offense will have their work cut out for them and good luck to their defense trying to stop Bear Bachmeier who looks like a mini-Tim Tebow on the field and in church.
This is the biggest game of the week in the Big 12 and Iowa State’s last chance to keep their Big 12 title hopes alive and for BYU to remain as the only undefeated team in the conference. Call me crazy, or drunk but I smell an upset brewing.
Last Call
- Colorado at Utah
With kickoff set for 9:15 p.m. central time, this game is perfect for all you late night sickos and degenerate gamblers out there.
Colorado hits the road to Salt Lake City to take on Utah. The Buffaloes are coming off a bye week after taking down Iowa State two weeks ago while Utah is still recovering after a bitter loss to their in-state rival, BYU.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what the Utes are going to do. Utah has the best rushing offense in the conference and Colorado has the second worst run defense in the Big 12. Unless Deion brings the mid 90’s Dallas Cowboys with him, Utah is going to run the ball right down their throat with ease.
