By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
November 14, 2024
This week’s Big 12 slate features six games, starting on Friday with Houston at Arizona and finishing with five on Saturday.
I went 3-3 in Week 11, bringing my overall season record to 55-28, good for a 66% success rate.
For Week 12, I preview all six contests, breaking down what’s at stake, and highlighting what each team must do to win.
My picks against the spread and straight-up are summarized in the table below.
Houston at Arizona
Friday, November 15
7:15 pm PT, FS1
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Arizona -1.5
What’s at Stake: Bowl eligibility is on the line for Arizona.
The Wildcats must win their last three games to reach six wins.
A defeat on Friday might be the final straw that costs Brent Brennan his job.
Why Houston Wins: The quarterback run plays are effective on offense while the defense limits Arizona’s run game.
Why Arizona Wins: Noah Fifita doesn’t turn the ball over and runs the ball enough times to keep the Houston defense honest.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: Houston
Straight Up: Houston
Baylor at West Virginia
Saturday, November 16
1:00 pm PT, ESPN2
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Baylor -2.5
What’s at Stake: Baylor’s matchup with West Virginia in Morgantown is the Big 12’s Under the Radar Game of the Week.
Both programs are 5-4 overall and the winner will become bowl eligible.
Each has momentum, too, with Baylor on a three-game winning streak and West Virginia on a two-game win streak.
Why Baylor Wins: Sawyer Robertson extends plays with his legs, is accurate with his throws, and effectively runs the ball.
Why West Virginia Wins: The running backs have efficient games, the offense doesn’t turn the ball over, and the front seven prevents Robertson from creating explosive plays on the ground.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: Baylor
Straight Up: Baylor
Arizona State at No. 16 Kansas State
Saturday, November 16
4:00 pm PT, ESPN
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Kansas State -9
What’s at Stake: The team that loses this matchup will be eliminated from the Big 12 Championship Game.
With two conference losses each, the contest in Manhattan is arguably the Game of the Season for both schools.
An Arizona State victory would be a statement to the rest of the league.
Why Arizona State Wins: The power running of Cam Skattebo combined with Sam Leavitt’s willingness to run creates an effective offense that puts up points.
Why Kansas State Wins: The front seven contains Leavitt when he scrambles and the secondary generates interceptions when he throws on the move.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: Kansas State
Straight Up: Kansas State
Cincinnati at Iowa State
Saturday, November 16
5:00 pm PT, FOX
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Iowa State -9.5
What’s at Stake: Iowa State enters the matchup on a two-game losing streak.
The Cyclones were once the Big 12’s top-ranked team and looked to be the favorite to make the Playoff.
The season has been derailed and a defeat at home to Cincinnati would be an embarrassment.
Why Cincinnati Wins: Brendan Sorsby doesn’t turn the ball over, Corey Kiner exceeds 100 yards rushing, and the defense limits yards after catch.
Why Iowa State Wins: The offensive line doesn’t allow multiple sacks and the receivers create explosive plays in the passing game.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: Cincinnati
Straight Up: Iowa State
Best Bets
Utah at No. 17 Colorado
Saturday, November 16
9:00 am PT, FOX
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Colorado -11.5
What’s at Stake: The Playoff is at stake in all three of Colorado’s remaining games.
The Buffs are currently in sole possession of second place in the Big 12 and must win to stay in position.
For Utah, the season has been a complete disaster, and a defeat to “rival” Colorado would only underline the failures.
Why Utah Wins: The defensive line wins the physicality battle to get consistent pressure on Shedeur Sanders and the ground game is established on offense.
Why Colorado Wins: The offensive line provides the time needed for Sanders to connect with his receivers and the front seven rattles Isaac Wilson with pressure.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: Colorado
Straight Up: Colorado
Kansas at No. 6 BYU
Saturday, November 16
7:15 pm PT, ESPN
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: BYU -2.5
What’s at Stake: BYU remains in a favorable position to make the Big 12 Championship Game with a shot at the Playoff.
But the team looked questionable against Utah and needs a bounce-back performance to allay concerns.
Kansas has played much better over the last few weeks, potentially putting BYU on Upset Alert.
Why Kansas Wins: Jalon Daniels continues to limit his interceptions, scores at least one touchdown on the ground, and the defensive line matches BYU’s physicality in the trenches.
Why BYU Wins: The offensive line gets the push required to establish a consistent ground game, Jake Retzlaff has an efficient game in the air, and the defense wins the turnover margin.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: BYU
Straight Up: BYU
Dane Miller’s Big 12 Game Picks
2024 Week 12 Big 12 Games |
Straight-Up Picks |
Houston at Arizona Nov 15, 7:15 pm PT |
Houston |
Utah at No. 17 Colorado Nov 16, 9:00 am PT |
Colorado |
Baylor at West Virginia Nov 16, 1:00 pm PT |
Baylor |
Arizona State at No. 16 Kansas State Nov 16, 4:00 pm PT |
Kansas State |
Cincinnati at Iowa State Nov 16, 5:00 pm PT |
Iowa State |
Kansas at No. 6 BYU Nov 16, 7:15 pm PT |
BYU |
Miller’s Overall Big 12 Record | 55-28 (66%) |
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