Big 12 Betting: Week 7

After taking a look at the Big 12 games on the schedule this week and the game FOX chose for the Big Noon show, I have to ask: Is there a contractual obligation to be a Big -Ten game to place in this slot? Just think about it. We have Iowa and Washington, each with two losses, and neither will miss the College Football Playoff. Neither team is particularly exciting to watch. This game has no impact on the Big Ten Championship picture. Why is Fox force-feeding us this game in the “Premium” slot on the infamous October 12th list?

As you will see in the Big 12 section of this column below, our league is the most entertaining league in the country. Not only that, but with a championship race and the birth of the CFP still up in the air, I'd rather watch any of Saturday's four games before seeing a single snap of Cade McNamara passing the ball or an open receiver at the 10 Yards subdues. FOX shouldn't be required to force the Big Ten on us. It would definitely be nice if a Big 12 media partner would present our league.

Let's get into it. Check out these spreads. No game with a spread of more than 5.5 points. It's practically like betting on the NFL. There is no separation. It'll be great to watch, but I bet it's absolutely terrible.

THE GAMES

#16 Utah (4-1) vs. Arizona State (4-1)

Kick-off: Friday 9:30 p.m. | TV: ESPN | The line: Utah -5.5 | O/U: 46.5

Let's assume Cam Rising isn't being played. I'm tired of singing this song and dancing with Utah every week. It is long past time to require some sort of injury report at this conference. The games Utah is playing with this are frankly ridiculous. And without confirming game status, there is simply no way to play against the spreads in this game.

Selection: Over 46.5

Cincinnati (3:2) at Central Florida (3:2)

Kick-off: 2:30 p.m. | TV: ESPN2 | The line: Central Florida -3 | O/U: 58.5

Every week there is at least one game where I know I will make a wrong choice no matter what I choose. This game is absolutely the real deal. UCF appears to be collapsing as starters enter the portal midway through the season. Cincy was pretty solid. This is an oddly small line.

Pick: Cincinnati +3

Arizona (3-2) at #14 BYU (5-0)

Kick-off: 3:00 p.m. | TV: FOX | The line: BYU -3 | O/U: 48.5

Well, isn't that another strange little line? Have you all heard that BYU is a vampire team? Check out these stats: BYU is 28-3 in night games and 17-19 in sunlight games since 2019. This game is played in the sun. That makes the choice pretty easy, doesn't it?

Pick: Arizona +3

#11 Iowa State (5-0) vs. West Virginia (3-2)

Kick-off: 7:00 p.m. | TV: FOX | The line: Iowa State -3.5 | O/U: 53.5

I've been calling this a “termination cancellation” since the summer. By that I mean the schedule is set for Iowa State to lose for the first time. Traveling to West Virginia is a tough road trip. These fans will be thrilled and the atmosphere on the night will be incredible. I think Iowa State is a very good football team. A loss certainly doesn't end hopes of a Big 12 championship. I can't in good conscience bet against us in this column, but I'm confident this will be a much lower-scoring game. Both teams love to run the ball. Take the under.

Selection: Under 53.5

#18 Kansas State (4-1) at Colorado (4-1)

Kick-off: 9:15 p.m. | TV: ESPN | The line: Kansas State -3.5 | O/U: 56

Call me crazy, but I like to see Kansas State bounce back here. They have already made a trip to the West this year, and I think they know exactly what not to do in this situation this time. Colorado is having a great season and having them as a potential contender is a big deal for the league. I can't wait to see this game.

Pick: Kansas State -3.5

There are no picks from around the country or the NFL this week because I keep losing those (I know, I've lost pretty much everything this year). Let's just stick with the Big 12 and the Big 12. Enjoy the games!

Season record: 26-38 (-15.8 units)