West Virginia ruined a possible perfect week with its Baylor upset. This week, the Big 12 schedule is trimmed down with four teams on byes, but all three games could conceivably go either way.
I'll be in the studio this week, so be sure to tune in to Big 12 Live on Saturday night at 11 CT. You can watch on Fox Sports Southwest, Midwest and other regional Fox affiliates. I'll be on with Gary Reasons, Jon Berger and Ric Renner to break down this week's games with highlights, interviews, insight and opinion.
You can also follow my work on Facebook and follow me on Twitter. It's always fun on game days.
On to the picks!
Last week: 4-1 (.800)
Overall: 46-4 (.920)
Kansas State 24, Texas 21: The Longhorns match up well with K-State and currently boast the Big 12's best defense in conference games, if defensive yards per play are your thing. The Longhorns should slow down K-State's running game with Malcom Brown and Jordan Hicks up the middle. Tyrone Swoopes' arm has given Texas' offense more balance than anyone thought it would have in a post-David Ash, 2014 world. That keeps this game close but the experienced SnyderCats get a late score and a stop to stay undefeated in Big 12 play.
West Virginia 41, Oklahoma State 31: OSU is tougher at Boone Pickens Stadium than many realize, but WVU is playing solid football on both sides of the ball. This is the week the 'Eers turnover dam breaks and gives them a big road win. Injuries to Daryl Worley, Terrell Chestnut and Rushel Shell are concerns, but Dana Holgorsen indicated none are major injuries and no member of that trio is ruled out of Saturday's game. Either way, Holgorsen and WVU continue their march to reputation reclamation since joining the Big 12.
TCU 48, Texas Tech 28: Tech had one of its most balanced offensive days under Kingsbury against Kansas last week, but TCU is much stronger up front along the defensive line. The Frogs have a good shot to take away Tech's running game and reduce the Red Raiders to a mostly one-dimensional offense. Yet again, though, TCU's revitalized offense is the difference and turns this from a nailbiter to a comfortable win.
