Big 12 Predictions: No. 16 Utah-No. 17 Texas Tech, Baylor-Arizona State Headline Week 4

Here's to another great week of Big 12 football predictions!

Week 4 is here and loaded with some must-watch Big 12 games this week as No. 16 Utah hosts No. 17 Texas Tech and Baylor hosts Arizona State. Meanwhile, the Big 12 and ACC do battle again as TCU hosts SMU, and UCF will host North Carolina — which lost to 48-14 to TCU at home earlier this month.

With regards to my Big 12 picks, so far I'm 34-8 on the year. I went 8-2 last week, with Houston and West Virginia tripping me up. I'm still chasing that perfect week, but I’m hoping this week will be the one.

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With regards to poll implications, the Big 12 is now down to three ranked teams: No. 12 Iowa State, No. 16 Utah, and No. 17 Texas Tech. Thankfully there was a lot of chaos which allowed them to move up significantly. Meanwhile, BYU is still stuck at No. 26, while TCU and Arizona State aren't far behind at No. 30 and 31.

As I mentioned last week, it’s imperative for the Big 12 that its top teams keep piling up victories to elevate the conference’s profile and get more teams in the Top 25 to improve the perception of the league, as well as to improve its strength of schedule. The Big 12 needs and deserves more than one spot in the College Football Playoff, and its starts by having the top teams continue to win games and be consistent.

Without further ado, here's a look at the predictions this week.

Oklahoma State vs. Tulsa

Date: Friday, September 19
Time: 5:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN
Odds: Oklahoma State -11.5

Oklahoma State is in need of a win badly and the doctor gave them just what they needed with a home game against Tulsa Friday night. Coming off a bye week, hopefully the Cowboys have figured some things out and come out looking the best they have this season — it wouldn't take much.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 30, Tulsa 20

No. 16 Utah vs. No. 17 Texas Tech

Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MT)
TV: FOX
Odds: Utah -3.5

Big noon Kickoff will be in Salt Lake City which makes this game even more exciting!

This is a tough one for me to pick. Neither team has really played anyone great, so it's hard to say just how good these teams are. Talent and coaching wise, I think they are both one of the best in the Big 12 and it wouldn't surprise me to see this game come down to the wire. But with Utah playing at home, I'm giving them the edge. Should be a fun one at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Prediction: No. 16 Utah 28, No. 17 Texas Tech 24

TCU vs. SMU

Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 10:00 a.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN2
Odds: TCU -6.5

TCU has only played two games so far this year, but they've looked sharp in both. Saturday's test will be the toughest so far so we'll see how the Horned Frogs look and if they are up to the challenge. The Big 12 needs this win and if TCU comes through, they'll certainly position themselves as a Big 12 contender this year.

Prediction: TCU 34, SMU 31

UCF vs. North Carolina

Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 1:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: FOX
Odds: UCF -7.5

North Carolina hasn't looked good at all, while UCF has been hit and miss in two games against FCS opponents. This P4 game will show whether UCF is a contender in the Big 12 or not. If the Knights can't cover the spread in this one, it will likely be a very long season.

Prediction: UCF 31, North Carolina 23

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Kansas vs. West Virginia

Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 4:00 p.m. (MT)
TV: FS1
Odds: Kansas -13.5

West Virginia looks a lot better from what we saw the first two games of the year so Kansas better be ready. The Jayhawks should win this game as they are favored by nearly two touchdowns. I think the game will be closer than that as West Virginia will carry some momentum over, but Jalon Daniels and Kansas will be too much at home.

Prediction: Kansas 30, West Virginia 20

Baylor vs. Arizona State

Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 5:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: FOX
Odds: Baylor -2.5

This game is essentially a toss up, and oddsmakers think so to as the Bears are just 2.5 favorites at home. I could see either team winning, but I'm going with Baylor since they are playing at home. On paper, this game looks like a classic down-to-the-wire finish and I'm glad it will be on FOX so the whole nation can see.

Prediction: Baylor 34, Arizona State 31

BYU vs. East Carolina 

Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 5:30 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN2
Odds: BYU -6.5

BYU is coming off a bye week and will play their first game on the road. East Carolina looks like a great team and traveling two times zones away has been an issue for the Cougars over the years. It will be close early on, but I think BYU will pull away in the second half. The Cougar defense is too good and I don't see the Pirates putting up more than 17.

Prediction: BYU 27, East Carolina 17

Colorado vs. Wyoming

Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 8:15 p.m. (MT)
TV: ESPN
Odds: Colorado -13.5

This is what the doctored ordered as the Buffs need to regroup after getting blown out against Houston. A win would do wonders with not only Big 12 play starting next week, but the Buffs will also be taking on BYU. Colorado better have their quarterback situation figured out by then or things could go downhill fast.

Prediction: Colorado 30, Wyoming 17

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