
By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
October 10, 2024
This week’s Big 12 slate features five games, one on Friday and four on Saturday.
I went 3-3 in Week Six, bringing my overall season record to 36-15, good for a 71% success rate.
For Week Seven, I preview all five 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.
No. 16 Utah at Arizona State
Friday, October 11
7:30 pm PT, ESPN
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Utah -4.5
What’s at Stake: Utah’s season is on the line in Tempe.
The Conference loss to Arizona put the Utes a step behind in the Big 12 race and there are strong teams at the top.
A defeat to the Sun Devils could eliminate Utah from the league’s Championship Game.
Why Utah Wins: The offensive and defensive lines control the line of scrimmage to establish the run game on offense and stifle ASU’s running backs on defense.
Why Arizona State Wins: Sam Leavitt uses his mobility to extend plays, makes the correct decision, and executes accurate throws.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: Utah
Straight Up: Utah
Arizona at No. 14 BYU
Saturday, October 12
1:00 pm PT, FOX
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: BYU -3.5
What’s at Stake: BYU is undefeated and is hosting Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff show.
It’s the biggest moment in the program’s recent history.
A loss to Arizona would be a reality check.
Why Arizona Wins: Noah Fifita makes the correct decision on passing plays, the running backs average four of five yards per rush, and the defense creates turnovers.
Why BYU Wins: The BYU front seven wins the line of scrimmage to get pressure on Fifita, penetration into the backfield, and the offense establishes the run.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: BYU
Straight Up: BYU
No. 11 Iowa State at West Virginia
Saturday, October 12
5:00 pm PT, FOX
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Iowa State -3
What’s at Stake: Iowa State is undefeated and positioning itself for a spot in the Playoff.
But West Virginia might be the toughest opponent they have faced this season.
A Cyclones’ victory would underscore the narrative that ISU is the top team in the Big 12.
Why Iowa State Wins: The defense holds West Virginia’s rushing attack in check and the secondary makes plays on obvious passing downs.
Why West Virginia Wins: The WVU running backs find space against the Clones’ defense and routinely convert short-yardage runs for first downs.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: Iowa State
Straight Up: Iowa State
No. 18 Kansas State at Colorado
Saturday, October 12
7:15 pm PT, ESPN
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: Kansas State -3.5
What’s at Stake: The lights are shining and the spotlight is on.
Colorado is a better team than they were last season, and the players have their swagger back.
Kansas State struggled in Provo’s altitude and might have similar issues keeping up with CU’s skill players.
Why Kansas State Wins: The front lines on both sides of the ball establish themselves early and maintain their advantage throughout the game.
Why Colorado Wins: The Buffaloes’ wide receivers get into open space and the Colorado offensive line provides Shedeur Sanders enough time to deliver the ball.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: Colorado
Straight Up: Colorado
Best Bet
Cincinnati at UCF
Saturday, October 12
12:30 pm PT, ESPN2
BETMGMSPORTSBOOK Line: UCF -3
What’s at Stake: Cincinnati has taken a step forward in its second season in the Big 12.
The mid-afternoon matchup on the road at UCF is the ultimate measuring stick for just how far the program has come.
A defeat to the Knights would show how much further they still need to go. A victory, on the other hand, would be a statement to the rest of the league.
Why Cincinnati Wins: Brendan Sorsby runs the offense with his normal efficiency and the Bearcats’ defensive line wins the line of scrimmage.
Why UCF Wins: The offensive line wins the battle with Cincinnati’s defensive line and KJ Jefferson doesn’t turn the ball over.
—My Picks—
Against Spread: Cincinnati
Straight Up: Cincinnati
Dane Miller’s Big 12 Game Picks
2024 Week 7 Big 12 Games |
Straight-Up Picks |
No. 16 Utah at Arizona State Oct 11, 7:30 pm PT |
![]() Utah |
Cincinnati at UCF Oct 12, 12:30 pm PT |
![]() Cincinnati |
Arizona at No. 14 BYU Oct 12, 1:00 pm PT |
![]() BYU |
No. 11 Iowa State at West Virginia Oct 12, 5:00 pm PT |
![]() Iowa State |
No. 18 Kansas State at Colorado Oct 12, 7:15 pm PT |
![]() Colorado |
Miller’s Overall Big 12 Record | 36-15 (71%) |
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