Oklahoma State and TCU get the week off as four Big 12 matchups take place in week seven. We are now about halfway through the season, and getting into the thick of conference play. With such competition amongst almost all 10 teams for the conference championship, each game matters. Here are the Big 12 games in week seven:
Kansas State at Oklahoma - 11:00 AM on ESPN
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Both teams are coming off of close conference wins against Texas Tech and Texas, respectively. Kansas State has not lost in Norman since 2009. They have the top defense in the Big 12, but the Wildcats will need all hands on deck to try and pull the upset again. Defensive turnovers led to the last two KSU wins at Oklahoma, and the pass rush vs Baker Mayfield will be the deciding factor in this game. The Sooners are scoring at will vs teams not named Houston and Ohio State this season, but can Perine and Mixon generate a power run game to open up the passing against a stout run defense?
Prediction: Oklahoma 34, Kansas State 24
West Virginia at Texas Tech - 11:00 AM on FS1
The Red Raiders have the top passing offense in the nation and Patrick Mahomes at the helm, but their defense is absolutely atrocious. West Virginia will have a somewhat difficult time slowing down Kingsbury's high-powered offense, but their defense has been good enough to keep them in games and allow Skyler Howard to make plays. Tech has home field advantage, and West Virginia has looked very beatable despite an undefeated start. West Virginia needs a win to stay atop the conference standings with Baylor and Oklahoma; Texas Tech needs a win to keep realistic bowl hopes afloat. Expect this game to go down to the wire with a key defensive stop making the difference.
Prediction: West Virginia 44, Texas Tech 42
Kansas at Baylor - 2:30 PM on FS1
Kansas has been making small strides under coach David Beaty, coming up just short last week in an upset bid over TCU. Ryan Willis tore apart the Horned Frogs' secondary, but threw a handful of interceptions as well. Baylor is coming off of a bye week, which means KD Cannon has had time to nurse his leg injury back to health. However, he might not be needed. The Bears have had a chance to dwell over their dangerously close win in Ames two weeks ago, and it is doubtful that they underprepare for Kansas.
Prediction: Baylor 52, Kansas 20
Iowa State at Texas - 6:00 PM on LHN
This is an interesting matchup. The Longhorns fell short in the Red River Rivalry, and Charlie Strong is fighting for his job. Iowa State has taken their last two opponents, Oklahoma State and Baylor, down to the wire - they held leads of 17 and 14 in those two games - but failed to capitalize with a win. The Cyclones shut out Texas in their last meeting, but this one is more likely to be a shootout. Both teams are looking good on the offensive side of the ball, and both teams are overall pretty bad on defense. Texas had all the looks of a great defense, but so far that group has not showed up this season (see game vs OU). Lanning and Lazard are an underrated QB-WR duo, and they could do some damage in Austin. However, the guys in the UT locker room understand that their coach desperately needs a win. Texas should be motivated.
Prediction: Texas 41: Iowa State 35
