With BYU and Utah vying for one of the final spots in the postseason, each remaining game is effectively an elimination matchup.
The Cougars go on the road to face Cincinnati, while Utah travels to Manhattan to play Kansas State.
I preview those two games here, along with Arizona’s showdown against Baylor and Arizona State’s contest against Colorado.
And at the bottom, I give a “look in” at the other games in the Big 12 this week.
Baylor at Arizona
Saturday, November 22
10:00 a.m. PT, TNT
It’s not often that Arizona’s football program is hitting on all cylinders. But when they get rolling, they become a force.
The momentum feels very similar to the 10-win season in 2023.
Facing a Baylor offense that relies mostly on the pass, defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales must be salivating. But Sawyer Robertson can be a capable runner, despite what his stats say this season, and he must be contained.
Allowing chunk runs to the quarterback could be game-changing. On top of that, the Bears come into the game with the No. 1 passing offense in the Big 12.
However, the Arizona secondary is arguably the best in the league and features a scheme that frustrates opposing offenses. Utilizing pre-snap movement, variable looks, and aggressive playcalling, the UA defense could shine against the Bears.
Plus, Robertson is not running like he was last season and is only averaging 0.3 yards per rush in 2025.
On the other side of the ball, Noah Fifita is crushing it. The redshirt junior has become Arizona’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns, and he’s nowhere near finished.
Combined with multiple weapons at running back and a crew of receivers that make plays, this Wildcat team is for real.
Look for the Cats to make a statement against Baylor.
No. 12 Utah at Kansas State
Saturday, November 22
1:00 p.m. PT, ESPN2
That has to be the mindset for Utah in their game against Kansas State. Yet, despite their horrible season, the K-State fanbase is going to turn up for this one. It’s personal.
These are blue-collar farm boys who take deep pride in where they are from and what they represent. The disrespect that the loudest elements of Utah’s online fanbase showed the Big 12 over these last few years matters to them.
If this is not a rivalry, it will be by the end of the game.
And it’s not going to be a cakewalk. It doesn’t matter how much the Wildcats have struggled this year or what the Vegas oddsmakers think.
This is Manhattan, Kansas. The home fans are going to let the Utes know what a road game in the Big 12 really feels like.
As for the actual X’s and O’s on the field, containing Avery Johnson is crucial. He can gash opposing defenses when he runs, which opens up their entire offense.
The K-State offensive line is adequate, but not great. If Utah can establish itself in the trenches, it should keep the KSU “O” in check.
As for Utah’s offense, a couple of early shots downfield might be needed. Kansas State will likely sell out to defend the run, and a few deep throws could loosen them up.
Don’t even look at the spread in this one because it doesn’t matter. It’s going to be a war.
No. 11 BYU at Cincinnati
Saturday, November 22
5:00 p.m. PT, FOX
Cincinnati was destroyed by Utah and just lost to Arizona at home. Forget what the analytics or the stats say. The Cougars should not lose this game.
The key is to force interceptions. In every single one of the Bearcats’ wins, Brendan Sorsby has taken care of the ball. In each of their three losses, he’s thrown an interception.
Bringing pressure is one way to do it. But the corners must be aggressive, and the safeties or linebackers need to be ready for tipped passes.
It all comes down to the battle along the lines. The Utes and Wildcats won the physicality matchup. Can BYU do the same?
On offense, establishing the run is critical. The rest of the college football world still hasn’t forgotten how the Cougars looked against Texas Tech. The disparity along the line was shocking.
This matchup presents an opportunity to change perceptions.
Win the fight up front on offense, and the Cougars should get the “W.” Lose, and frankly, the team doesn’t deserve to make the Playoff.
No. 25 Arizona State at Colorado
Saturday, November 22
5:00 p.m. PT, ESPN2
The honeymoon is over for Deion Sanders, and reality is setting in. Nobody is coming through that door. At least not this season.
The Buffs had a bye week to prepare, which could provide somewhat of an advantage. But CU just doesn’t have the offensive weapons to threaten ASU’s defense.
The Colorado receivers are solid. But the run game is nonexistent, and the quarterback issues are a problem.
The scoring offense is second-worst in the Big 12, averaging just 22.0 points per game.
Making matters worse, CU’s run defense is the worst in the Conference. They are giving up 210.9 yards rushing per contest and face an Arizona State rushing attack that’s No. 5 in the league.
The analytics just don’t pan out well. That’s without even considering the blowout losses to Utah and Arizona that Coach Prime has suffered over the last few weeks.
Anything can happen. Yet, a clear Arizona State victory seems more likely than not.
The Rest of the Big 12
Houston is back in the Top 25 of the Playoff Rankings and gets a national television spotlight on FOX against TCU.
The Vegas oddsmakers are expecting a very tight game, which feels about right.
The Horned Frogs are a reasonably strong team and could pull off the upset.
But it’s a home game for the Cougars and a rivalry matchup to boot. It’s a contest Houston shouldn’t lose.
Iowa State hosts Kansas in an under-the-radar game.
The Cyclones are coming off a bye after beating TCU on the road while Kansas used its bye week to mentally recover from the loss to Arizona.
The Jayhawks need the win to reach bowl eligibility.
It may not draw the attention of anyone outside the Conference. But this game matters to both programs and should be close.
UCF hosts Oklahoma State at the Bounce House in Orlando.
The Knights have yet to take the next step in the Big 12 since joining in 2023. After making a bowl game in their inaugural season, it looked like Central Florida was an emerging threat.
But after going 4-8 last year and on the brink of another losing season, the program is at risk of being a perennial bottom feeder.
A blowout win over the Cowboys could help spark a resurgence.
