Betting the Big 12: Week 11

We’re in a little bit of a rut right now. It took everything we had to scrape out a 2-2-1 week. But I’m willing to cut some slack. Last week’s slate of games was terrible. This week is the exact opposite. Iowa State is playing it’s most important game of the season, and as a nightcap, Bedlam! Texas and Kansas being off the schedule means we get to ease our way into a can’t miss Big 12 double header. Get excited folks!

THE GAMES

Kansas State (4-3) at #17 Iowa State (5-2)

Kickoff: 3:00pm | TV: FOX | The Line: Iowa State -11

This spread has so many red flags it’s bringing a NASCAR race to a stop. I think Iowa State will win the game, but I’m not expecting a lot of points. I think Matt Campbell is focused on winning the game no matter how ugly. To me, that means a lot of Breece Hall, and a safe passing game to limit mistakes from Brock Purdy. Kansas State will inexplicably keep it close, and I’m only basing this on some weird voodoo from a Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl windbreaker hidden in the visitor’s locker room.

Pick: Kansas State +11

#14 Oklahoma State (5-1) at #18 Oklahoma (5-2)

Kickoff: 6:30pm | TV: ABC | The Line: Oklahoma -7

This game doesn’t carry the shine that some of the recent editions of the rivalry, but I believe this could be the best on-field product in awhile. The contrast of styles is startling. Oklahoma State has played unexpectedly great defense all season. Oklahoma’s offense has absolutely caught fire. The Sooners are the more logical play, but Oklahoma State has just had a way of pulling out games. I’ll take Okie State on the basis of having Chuba Hubbard and Tylan Wallace available. Even in a diminished capacity, that should give them just enough offensive firepower to keep it close.

Pick: Oklahoma State +7

BEST BET FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY

Cincinnati -6 at UCF

The Bearcats look completely invincible right now. We had them to cover as 27.5 point favorites last week against East Carolina. It looked dicey for awhile, but Luke Fickell called a fake punt up 32 late in the 4th quarter. That tells me all I need to know about how he coaches and how important style points are to their hopeful playoff case. As for UCF, I don’t see how their defense stops Desmond Ridder and Co.

NFL PICK OF THE WEEKEND

Packers +2.5 at Colts

This brings me no joy as a Bears fan, but this isn’t overly complicated to me. Aaron Rodgers is the better quarterback. In fact, Phil Rivers has cost more than a few people money this year. Furthermore, this is the “reversal of fortune” game of the week. The Packers looked terrible against the Jags, and the Colts took care of the Titans. Buy low on Green Bay, and sell high on Indy.

PROP OF THE WEEK

Will Breece Hall be mentioned on a Heisman graphic by ESPN and/or FOX this weekend?

Yes +100

No -120

SEASON RECORD: 37-26-2 (+8.7 units)