Big 12 Football Week 7 Predictions: Key Matchups, Betting Insights & Analysis

As we enter Week 7 of the 2024 Big 12 football season, fans and analysts alike are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling weekend of action. This week’s games could significantly impact the Big 12 championship race and the national College Football Playoff (CFP) picture. With exciting matchups and unpredictable outcomes, it’s time to dive into the upcoming games, predictions, and betting odds.

Big 12 Standings Entering Week 7

Before jumping into predictions, here’s a look at how the Big 12 standings are shaping up as of Week 7:

• Texas Tech: 3-0 (5-1 overall)
• BYU: 2-0 (5-0)
• Iowa State: 2-0 (5-0)
• Colorado: 2-0 (4-1)
• West Virginia: 2-0 (3-2)
• Arizona State: 1-1 (4-1)
• Kansas State: 1-1 (4-1)
• Utah: 1-1 (4-1)
• Arizona: 1-1 (3-2)
• UCF: 1-1 (3-2)
• Cincinnati: 1-1 (3-2)
• TCU: 1-2 (3-3)
• Houston: 1-2 (2-4)
• Oklahoma State: 0-3 (3-3)
• Baylor: 0-3 (2-4)
• Kansas: 0-2 (1-5)

The standings are tight at the top, with several teams vying for the Big 12 title. Now, let’s look at this week’s key matchups and predictions.

16 Utah vs. Arizona State (Friday, October 11)

• Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. MT
• TV: ESPN
• Insider Predictions: Steve Bartle and Mitch Harper predict a Utah win.

Utah is coming off a bye week, and under head coach Kyle Whittingham, the Utes have historically performed well after a week off. Utah’s record after a bye stands at 13-6, and while the availability of star quarterback Cam Rising remains uncertain, Utah’s defence and coaching give them an edge in this matchup.

Arizona State, with a strong 4-1 record, will be no pushover, but the defensive prowess of Utah, especially players like Van Fillinger, could be the key to securing a road win.

Betting Insight: The spread favours Utah by 5.5 points, but with questions surrounding Rising’s status, this game could be closer than expected. Betting on the over of 46.5 points might be a safer option, as both teams have offensive firepower that could push the total over.

Cincinnati vs. UCF (Saturday, October 12)

• Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. MT
• TV: ESPN2
• Insider Predictions: Both Bartle and Harper pick Cincinnati.

This game is an intriguing matchup, especially with UCF facing turmoil midseason. Several players have entered the transfer portal, which has undoubtedly raised eyebrows and caused concern for the Knights. Conversely, Cincinnati has been quietly solid and led by quarterback Brendan Sorsby; they’ve managed to put together an impressive season so far.

UCF has a strong run game, but with internal distractions and Cincinnati’s consistency, the Bearcats are the pick to win on the road.

Betting Insight: The line favours UCF by 3 points, but the distractions surrounding the Knights make Cincinnati a solid underdog pick. Taking Cincinnati +3 is a good bet, as the Bearcats have a strong chance to win outright.

Arizona vs. No. 14 BYU (Saturday, October 12)

• Kickoff: 2 p.m. MT
• TV: FOX
• Insider Predictions: Both Bartle and Harper pick BYU.

This matchup could be a low-scoring affair, with both teams boasting stout defences. BYU’s offensive line will need key player Connor Pay, which could affect their ability to move the ball. However, Arizona will have to find a way to break through BYU’s defence, which will be challenging.

One interesting stat to consider: BYU has been impressive 28-3 in night games since 2019, but they’re just 17-19 in games played during the day. With this game set to be played in daylight, could that be an advantage for Arizona?

Betting Insight: The line for this game favours BYU by 3 points. However, the daylight factor and Arizona’s star player, Tetairoa McMillan, could make this game closer than expected. Arizona +3 could be a value bet, and taking the under on the total of 48.5 points might be smart, given the defensive strength of both teams.

11 Iowa State vs. West Virginia (Saturday, October 12)

• Kickoff: 6 p.m. MT
• TV: FOX
• Insider Predictions: Bartle picks West Virginia, and Harper picks Iowa State.

This matchup has the makings of a trap game for Iowa State. While the Cyclones boast the Big 12’s No. 1 defence and an undefeated record, going to West Virginia is always a tough challenge, especially in a night game. The Mountaineers have a potent running attack led by Jaheim White and CJ Donaldson, which could cause problems for Iowa State’s defence.

While Iowa State is the favourite, West Virginia could pull off the upset at home, as the atmosphere at Mountaineer Field will be electric.

Betting Insight: The line has Iowa State as a 3.5-point favorites, but this game could easily go either way. A safer bet might be on the under of 53.5 points, as both teams prefer to run the ball, which could result in a lower-scoring game.

18 Kansas State vs. Colorado (Saturday, October 12)

• Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. MT
• TV: ESPN
• Insider Predictions: Both Bartle and Harper pick Kansas State.

Kansas State will be looking to bounce back from their recent loss, and this game against Colorado presents the perfect opportunity. The Wildcats have already travelled out west once this season and likely learned from their mistakes. Meanwhile, Colorado has been having a great season, and they’ll be looking to keep their Big 12 title hopes alive.

This game is one of the weekend’s highlights, as both teams are contenders in the Big 12.

Betting Insight: Kansas State is favoured by 3.5 points, a reasonable line. The Wildcats should be able to cover the spread, but Colorado is no slouch, and this game could be closer than expected. Betting on Kansas State -3.5 is the safer option, but the over of 56 points might also be worth considering, as both teams can score quickly.

Final Thoughts

Week 7 of the Big 12 football season is shaping to be an exciting weekend, with several close matchups that could go either way. Whether you’re a fan of the Big 12 or just looking for some exciting football to watch, these games won’t disappoint.

There are plenty of intriguing options from betting perspectives, from taking underdogs like Cincinnati and Arizona to betting on totals like the under in the Iowa State vs. West Virginia game. As always, it’s important to keep an eye on injury updates, especially with players like Utah’s Cam Rising, who could significantly impact their team’s performance.

Enjoy the games, and may your bets be in your favour!