Week 10 Big 12, Top 25 College Football Predictions

There are plenty of college football games to keep our eyes on, and we've again asked for some staff predictions. But first, let's talk about last week and see how we all did. We'll measure this ATS (against the spread).

Thursday, November 2nd 2023, 3:35 pm

By: News 9, News On 6

The highlight of the college football weekend for those of us in Oklahoma is, of course, Bedlam.

However, there are plenty of games to keep our eyes on, and we've again asked for some staff predictions. But first, let's talk about last week and see how we all did. We'll measure this ATS (against the spread).

Oklahoma City Thunder reporter Steve McGehee went 9-14.

The Blitz 1170 producer Scott Pfeil went 12-11.

Digital content director Ryan Welton went 15-8.

Digital producer Drake Johnson went 2-3.

Digital producer David Prock went 4-3.

All that matters, however, is this week. Here are the games we're looking at.

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Thursday, Nov. 2

TCU at Texas Tech (TTU -3)

Saturday, Nov. 4

10 Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (OU -6)

25 Kansas State at 7 Texas (TEX -4.5)

Houston at Baylor (BAY -4.5)

UCF at Cincinnati (UCF -4.5)

22 Kansas at Iowa State (ISU -2.5)

BYU at West Virginia (WVU -10)

Top 25 games of note:

Texas A&M at 11 Ole Miss (MISS -3)

12 Notre Dame at Clemson (ND -2.5)

Army at 17 Air Force (AFA -18.5)

14 Missouri at 1 Georgia (UGA -15)

5 Washington at 24 USC (WASH -3)

13 LSU at 8 Alabama (ALA -3)

18 Oregon State at Colorado (ORST -13)

Let's get started!

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News On 6 Sports Director John Holcomb

25 Kansas State at 7 Texas (TEX -4.5)

Wildcats make it very interesting until a late turnover. Texas wins 34-31

Houston at Baylor (BAY -4.5)

The Bears west down Houston in the second half and win 28-21

UCF at Cincinnati (UCF -4.5)

It's been tough for first year coach Scott Satterfield at Cincinnati. UCF 31-27

22 Kansas at Iowa State (ISU -2.5)

Dangerous spot for the Jayhawks after the upset of OU. The resurgent Cyclones with a 27-24 upset.

BYU at West Virginia (WVU -10)

If WVU QB Garrett Greene doesn't turn it over the Mountaineers will win. WVU 30 BYU 24

Top 25 Games:

Ole Miss 34 Texas A&M 21

Clemson 24 Notre Dame 21

Air Force 35 Army 20

Georgia 31 Missouri 27

Washington 45 USC 38

Alabama 31 LSU 24

Oregon St 33 Colorado 30

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Oklahoma City Thunder reporter Steve McGehee

TCU at Texas Tech (TTU -3)

Both teams need a pick-me up, I’ll go with the home team. (Tech -3)

10 Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (OU -6)

Tricky game to pick when it’s a rivalry game, and yes it’s a rivalry game! OU hasn’t been the same since the sweet win over Texas, while OSU flipped from kind of bad to pretty good in October.

I’ll take the road team. (OU -6) Here’s hoping they meet in a bowl game real soon.

25 Kansas State at 7 Texas (TEX -4.5)

Texas is banged up a bit, K-State has regrouped after losing Mizzou and OSU, for whatever reason K-State hasn’t been able to beat Texas lately. The KSU offensive coordinator lost his job after being too conservative in the 2nd half against Texas a couple of years ago. Give me the home team (Texas -4.5)

Houston at Baylor (BAY -4.5)

When in doubt, I always go with the home team. (Baylor -4.5)

UCF at Cincinnati (UCF -4.5)

Somebody will win their first Big 12 Conference game. I’m taking the Knights (UCF -4.5)

22 Kansas at Iowa State (ISU -2.5)

Will Kansas still be thinking about that win over OU? A coin-toss game in my mind. I’ll go with the Cyclones (ISU -2.5)

BYU at West Virginia (WVU -10)

BYU owns a win at Arkansas, before the Hogs went south. Cold weather shouldn’t be a factor for the Cougars. 10 pts is too much,, I’ll take BYU (WVU +10)

Texas A&M at 11 Ole Miss (MISS -3)

A&M will lose another close one, I’ll take the Rebels (Ole Miss -3)

12 Notre Dame at Clemson (ND -2.5)

Notre Dame is gaining momentum, Clemson needs a positive real soon on the football field, but not this weekend. I’ll take the road team (ND -2.5)

Army at 17 Air Force (AFA -18.5)

My dad and grandfather served in the Army, so I always root for them, but the Falcons are too good, give me the home win in Colorado Springs (-18.5 AFA)

14 Missouri at 1 Georgia (UGA -15)

Mizzou almost shocked Georgia one year ago, I think Georgia wins by 17, despite a much-improved team in Columbia. (UGA -15)

5 Washington at 24 USC (WASH -3)

Washington is only a 3 point favorite? Huskies roll in LA (Washington -3)

13 LSU at 8 Alabama (ALA -3)

Alabama is winning ugly at times this season, but I still like them against LSU (BAMA -3)

18 Oregon State at Colorado (ORST -13)

Weather looks to be great in Boulder. 13 points is a lot, OSU will win but Colorado will cover. I’ll take Colorado and the points (-13)

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Digital Content Director Ryan Welton

My 15-8 performance against the spread last week has me confident this week. I've got some hot hunches for a few of these tantalizing matchups!

TCU at Texas Tech (TTU -3)

Redshirt freshman QB Josh Hoover filling in again for injured Chandler Morris. He was great his first week at home against BYU and not so great on the road in Manhattan versus the Kansas State. Texas Tech is not Kansas State. I like the Frogs to cover.

PICK: TCU 42, Texas Tech 31

10 Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (OU -6)

Full disclosure: I am both a fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, just in case you were wondering. However, these are two teams headed in different directions with the Sooners having struggled the past two games and Oklahoma State really getting it together. I think OU will get a full dose of Ollie Gordon II, which will open up the passing game. And in the final Bedlam game in what will certainly be a while, I like the Cowboys to cover and win.

PICK: Oklahoma State 39, Oklahoma 36

25 Kansas State at 7 Texas (TEX -4.5)

Not sure if Quinn Ewers will be back this week, but Kansas State has been sneaky good all season. That loss to Missouri doesn't look bad at all at this point. But Texas has fared quite well except for that li'l game in Dallas. This will be a good game. I'll take Kansas State to cover.

PICK: Texas 38, Kansas State 34

Houston at Baylor (BAY -4.5)

Both teams here have been hard to figure out all season long, and I missed on the Baylor game last week. I'll go back to the well and pick them to cover at home this week.

PICK: Baylor 26, Houston 17

UCF at Cincinnati (UCF -4.5)

Losers of six straight, the Cincinnati Bearcats are hurting for a 'W.' I like the Golden Knights in this one.

PICK: UCF 31, Cincinnati 19

22 Kansas at Iowa State (ISU -2.5)

My colleague David pointed out that Iowa State is really good in November. I went through the box scores from the past three weeks, and Iowa State was awfully good in October, too, winning all its games by double-digits. They're currently tied for first in the Big 12, and they've got a lot to play for. Love the Cyclones.

PICK: Iowa State 26, Kansas 20

BYU at West Virginia (WVU -10)

The Mountaineers and Cougars both have had some moderately good wins this season, but BYU has struggled on the road except for one game -- against Arkansas. I get the feeling this one could be some crazy fun under the lights. Give me Brigham Young to cover.

PICK: West Virginia 42, BYU 35

Texas A&M at 11 Ole Miss (MISS -3)

Ole Miss to cover and win, 34-23.

12 Notre Dame at Clemson (ND -2.5)

On paper, it seems like Clemson is at rock bottom and Notre Dame should roll. But Clemson has been decent at home this year, aside from against Florida State, a likely playoff team.

Give me the Tigers to cover (and win), 35-31.

Army at 17 Air Force (AFA -18.5)

This is as good an Air Force team as we've seen in a long while and as poor an Army team as we've seen.

I like the Academy from Colorado Springs in this one, 27-7.

14 Missouri at 1 Georgia (UGA -15)

Can Brady Cook and the 7-1 Missouri Tigers pull the big upset over Georgia in Athens? Aside from a 24-14 win over South Carolina, Georgia has not struggled at all at home. Missouri has done quite well, but the SEC wins have been over Vandy, South Carolina and Kentucky, the latter being the most impressive.

Give me Mizzou to cover but the Bulldogs to win, 37-24.

5 Washington at 24 USC (WASH -3)

Big hunch. Love the Trojans to cover and win, 62-60. I might be kidding on the final score but not the win. I think Washington hasn't looked all that great aside from the home win over Oregon. I'm not getting the hype on the Huskies, and Washington will have to stop USC from scoring.

13 LSU at 8 Alabama (ALA -3)

Alabama is quietly making a case for a spot in the college football playoffs, and this game is not in Death Valley.

Roll Tide, 27-21.

18 Oregon State at Colorado (ORST -13)

Deion and his Buffs acquitted themselves nicely against the spread last week versus UCLA. I think they do it again this week as the Beavers struggled against Washington State and Arizona on the road.

Buffs win this one 34-31.

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Digital Producer Drake Johnson

TCU at Texas Tech (TTU -3)

The ESPN matchup predictor has this Thursday night showdown as a tossup; with TCU having a 50.5% chance to win on the road in Lubbock.

TCU was embarrassed by KSU last week and I don't expect them to play like that again this week.

PICK: TCU 32 Tech 27

10 Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (OU -6)

These teams are trending in different directions the past few weeks. The Cowboys started its four-game win streak the night before OU took down Texas but since then, it's been all Cowboys.

Ollie Gordon is putting up new-age Adrian Peterson numbers while the Sooners limped past UCF and finally fell to KU. Injuries and trends lean toward OSU but the biggest question of this weekend is "Will Mike Gundy coach to win the game, or not lose?"

PICK: OU 38 OSU 35

25 Kansas State at 7 Texas (TEX -4.5)

Kansas State hasn't lost since they played OSU and they've won three straight games that haven't been particularly close. Texas, without Ewers, is still steamrolling and never gave BYU a chance last week. KSU is sneaky and I wouldn't be shocked if they pulled the upset, but I think Texas makes a statement this weekend.

PICK: Texas 42 KSU 28

Houston at Baylor (BAY -4.5)

Baylor lost at home last week to Iowa State and now they need to win 3/4 to reach a bowl game, a disastrous season that started with a loss to Texas State only gets worse in Waco as Houston earns another conference win.

PICK: Houston 27 Baylor 19

UCF at Cincinnati (UCF -4.5)

The Golden Knights let me down last week against West Virginia. I refuse to take Cincinnati, so this is an easy pick.

PICK: UCF 44 Cincinnati 27

22 Kansas at Iowa State (ISU -2.5)

The Cyclones have won 4/5 since that horrible loss to Ohio in September. KU, dealing with the uncertainty of Jalon Daniels all season, have stayed afloat with a 6-2 record and a spot in the CFP rankings.

This line (-2.5) is one that will have most people taking Kansas, but I won't. I expect ISU quarterback Becht to outduel Bean in a shootout and to come out on top.

PICK: ISU 30 KU 20

BYU at West Virginia (WVU -10)

BYU has had a decent first season in the Big 12. They're 5-3 without most of those wins coming out of conference, but experience at quarterback with Kedon Slovis has helped them compete this year. The Mountaineers bounced back against UCF last week and look have a great chance to stack wins with an easy schedule to end the season. It starts Saturday over BYU.

PICK: WVU: 44 BYU 24

Texas A&M at 11 Ole Miss (MISS -3)

This is exactly the type of game A&M wins to start the hype train again. Ole Miss is a solid team but the Aggies have been scrappy against solid opponents the past few games.

PICK: A&M 30 Ole Miss 27

12 Notre Dame at Clemson (ND -2.5)

Clemson is flailing and its head coach is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Notre Dame lands the finishing blow on the Tigers.

PICK: ND 31 Clemson 10

Army at 17 Air Force (AFA -18.5)

PICK: Army +18.5

14 Missouri at 1 Georgia (UGA -15)

It's upset weekend. After the initial CFP poll is released, a top team always seems to fall. Missouri gave Georgia fits last year in Columbia and are now ranked 12 in the nation. Without Bowers, even though it didn't matter against the Gators last week, Georgia finally falls.

PICK: Missouri 31 Georgia 29

5 Washington at 24 USC (WASH -3)

Washington has been playing with fire the same way the Sooners have recently. USC, although without a defense, can still put up points and I still have massive respect for Caleb Williams' talents. Penix and the Huskies are a great, fun team to watch but I think Riley and the Trojans get it done and jump back into the national spotlight.

PICK: usc 55 Washington 51

13 LSU at 8 Alabama (ALA -3)

The Alabama machine rolls on and they make Daniels look pedestrian.

PICK: Alabama 38 LSU 28

18 Oregon State at Colorado (ORST -13)

Poor Deion...

PICK: Oregon State 40 Colorado 35

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Digital Producer David Prock

This will be a crucible week for the Big 12 with three big games between the Top 6 teams in the conference. 22 Kansas takes on Iowa State, 7 Texas goes head-to-head with 25 Kansas State and of course, 10 OU travels to Stillwater for the final Bedlam match up in the Big 12.

TCU at Texas Tech (TTU -3)

I’m going with the Frogs this week. They got embarrassed in their last game against K-State, one week after hanging 40+ on BYU. TCU has been up and down all year and coming up against Texas Tech who is on a two-week skid, I just think this is going to be an up week for TCU.

FINAL: TCU 35 –- Texas Tech 20

25 Kansas State at 7 Texas (TEX -4.5)

This is a much more evenly matched game than most will give it credit for. Both of these teams have been nearly perfect in Big 12 play with Oklahoma schools playing spoiler for each. This is one of the three big games to watch and will go a long way to determining who is on top. I am going with the upset. K-State beats Texas in a nail-biter.

FINAL: KSU 41—UT 38

10 Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (OU -6)

This is it, the final Big 12 match-up between the Sooners and Cowboys. The Cowboys have bounced back from an awful start earlier this year to go 4-1 in conference play. They are looking for the last laugh as OU prepares to head to the SEC and they can really spoil OU’s CFP hopes with a final win in Stillwater. The Sooners are already coming off of a historic loss to Kansas, the first time they have lost to the Jayhawks since 1997. The Sooners were blowing teams out through the first five weeks but their last three games have been decided by 5 points or less. It just feels like something crazy should happen. I have no dog in this fight, I grew up an Arkansas Razorback fan so there is no bias behind this pick. I’m going to take the safe bet, Sooners in a frustratingly competitive game.

FINAL: OU 38 --- OSU 35

Houston at Baylor (BAY -4.5)

The Cougars have fought some tough fights this year but I don’t think they have what it takes this week against Baylor. The Bears haven’t exactly lit the Big 12 on fire either but I think they will establish a clear line between the old schools and the newcomers.

FINAL: BU 40 –- UH 10

UCF at Cincinnati (UCF -4.5)

Both teams are looking for their first conference win in the Big 12 and they will have to settle for another newcomer. It’s been a tough year for, but the Knights have been able to put more points on the board despite their losses.

FINAL: UCF 27 --- CINCY 10

22 Kansas at Iowa State (ISU -2.5)

Iowa State is 5-3 overall this season but it is looking good with a 4-1 record in the Big 12, only losing to Oklahoma so far. Kansas started off hot this season but ran into bumps against Texas and Ok State. Still, they did the unthinkable last week and snapped a 17-year losing streak against the Sooners. I underestimated Kanas last week and it would hurt to it again. Unfortunately, for the Jayhawks, I think the party comes to an end as the Cyclones improve to 5-1.

FINAL: ISU 30 --- KU 21

BYU at West Virginia (WVU -10)

Of the new Big 12 teams BYU has looked the best this season and could have a bright future in the conference. But I’m going with the Mountaineers this week in a close one.

FINAL: WVU 38 –- BYU 31

Charlotte at Tulsa (TU -4.0)

The Golden Hurricane and Charlotte are both in desperate need of wins this week. They both are flirting with the bottom of the AAC conference. Tulsa has struggled to find its identity this season at quarterback and as a team. They’ll need to find something special this week after being blown out against SMU. Charlotte, on the other hand, has been weakened by some self-inflicted injuries. Coach Biff Poggi suspended an unspecified number of players for conduct issues during Friday's loss to Florida Atlantic. That could be enough to help TU sneak by.

FINAL: TU 17 --- Charlotte 6

Arkansas at Florida (FLA – 6.0)

I love the Hogs but Florida has done what they can’t, win an SEC game in 2023. Sports analysts across the country still have this one close. It’s going to be an important game for the future of Coach Sam Pittman in Fayetteville because he needs something good over the next 4 games to avoid the hot seat. Florida hasn’t looked impressive against tough competition this year but they are still sitting at 3rd in the SEC East. It’s in Gainesville, where the Razorbacks have won since 2016.

FINAL: UF 31 ---ARK 24

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News On 6 Reporter Cal Day

TCU at Texas Tech (TTU -3)

Tech coach Joey McGuire once said “everything runs through Lubbock.” Well, there hasn’t been much running through anything for the Red Raiders or the national runners-up this season. TCU with the upset on the road.

10 Oklahoma at Oklahoma State (OU -6)

If this game were played in September, I’d feel much more confident about a pick. The Sooners are beat up and the Cowboys have the best running back in the country. There’s a reason Gundy doesn’t want to play the game again unless it’s bowl season. The Sooners win, but the Cowboys cover.

25 Kansas State at 7 Texas (TEX -4.5)

Kansas State quietly has dominated since a Friday night loss in Stillwater. Most Longhorns fans are talking about redemption in the Big 12 title game, but that’ll be hard to do when the Wildcats leave Austin with a win.

Houston at Baylor (BAY -4.5)

Both of these coaches need a win. Houston put up a good fight in Austin, but looked lifeless against Kansas State. Cougars upset Baylor in Waco.

UCF at Cincinnati (UCF -4.5)

Cincinnati has been favored in some games and around a touchdown underdog in others this season that frankly didn’t go their way at all. UCF has some firepower, and covers in a comfortable win on the road.

22 Kansas at Iowa State (ISU -2.5)

A primetime slot for these universities usually would involve basketball season. This quietly is one of the most interesting matchups of the weekend. Kansas keeps rolling and covers on the road.

BYU at West Virginia (WVU -10)

The Cougars cover in the cross-country meeting, but the Mountaineers win outright. Neal Brown probably lives to see another season in Morgantown.

Texas A&M at 11 Ole Miss (MISS -3)

It feels like the Aggies are written off this season and the Rebels should win. Texas A&M has a stout defense, and a win in Oxford quiets the buyout crowd for a least a week. Jimbo’s squad wins on the road.

12 Notre Dame at Clemson (ND -2.5)

Dabo Swinney may have more Tyler’s calling after this weekend. Notre Dame shows lots of signs of life in Death Valley. Fighting Irish comfortably cover.

Army at 17 Air Force (AFA -18.5)

This game may be over in two hours with loads of running plays. Army covers, but Air Force keeps its New Year’s Six bowl game hopes alive in a win.

14 Missouri at 1 Georgia (UGA -15)

Everyone is waiting for Georgia’s winning streak to come to an end. The Tigers played hard in Columbia last year and look even better this year. Mizzou covers but the Bulldogs get a resume booster.

5 Washington at 24 USC (WASH -3)

I’ve been on the receiving end of watching an Alex Grinch defense and hoping for week-to-week improvement. This feels like a trap game for the Huskies, but seriously, that USC defense is atrocious. Washington wins, and covers, on the road. Will Lincoln decline connections to the Bears, Raiders or Chargers jobs in the post-game presser?

13 LSU at 8 Alabama (ALA -3)

If only this game were in Baton Rouge. LSU can score, but they can also allow a lot of scoring. Alabama has the better defense and the home-field advantage. Tide covers.

18 Oregon State at Colorado (ORST -13)

Ironically, this may be the game with the highest viewership this week. Colorado covers, and may win outright, but I’ll go with the Beavers to win.

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