Betting the Big 12: Week 9

Last week was an unmitigated disaster. The writing was on the wall when Texas Tech blew a 2 score lead to push and immediately fired their coach. KANSAS even covered last week. Who could’ve imagined? I can promise I’m eager to flush it and start over. Anyway, I think we can all agree that last week’s slate of games were bad so there’s no way an 0-fer is happening again (gulp). It’s Halloween weekend which will always leave me weary of any college football spookiness. Proceed with caution, but we’ll get ourselves back on track.

THE GAMES

Texas (4-3) at #16 Baylor (6-1)

Kickoff: 11:00am | TV: ABC | The Line: Baylor -2.5

We’re starting off with an extremely suspicious line. Why is this only 2.5 points? Baylor is 6-1 and in the conference championship chase. Texas has lost 2 straight and their season is teetering. Plus, Baylor should benefit from a hostile home crowd. I’m going to trust my gut here and take Texas because I can’t understand why this line isn’t higher. Vegas must know something we don’t.

Pick: Texas +2.5

#22 Iowa State (5-2) at West Virginia (4-3)

Kickoff: 1:00pm | TV: ESPN+ | The Line: Iowa State -7

Possible let down for the Cyclones here, but they’ve absolutely had West Virginia’s number the last 3 years, winning by a combined score of 110-34. Breece Hall returns to the spot of his initial breakout and Iowa State wins by 10. The ‘Eers will have trouble scoring more than 17 points.

Pick: Iowa State -7

Texas Tech (5-3) at #4 Oklahoma (8-0)

Kickoff: 2:30pm | TV: ABC | The Line: Oklahoma -19

Normally the first game with an interim coach is a great gambling opportunity. For some reason, I’m not seeing it here. I don’t think Matt Wells was holding this particular Tech team back, even if he was holding the program back. Tech can’t stop anyone. Oklahoma actually lost a spot in the polls for the clunker they put up against Kansas last week. This is a get right game for the Sooners as they cover easily.

Pick: Oklahoma -19

TCU (3-4) at Kansas State (4-3)

Kickoff: 2:30pm | TV: ESPNU | The Line: Kansas State -3.5

Oof. Who knows with these teams? At 3.5 points I’ll throw my hands up and take the underdog in an expected close game.

Pick: TCU +3.5

Kansas (1-6) at #15 Oklahoma State (6-1)

Kickoff: 6:00pm | TV: FS1 | The Line: Oklahoma State -30

I’ve said all along that I need to see Kansas cover against somebody before they can be trusted. Well, mission accomplished. This is less about Kansas improving and more about Oklahoma State being in a classic letdown spot. They should do enough to win, but 30 points is too many.

Pick: Kansas +30

BEST BET AROUND THE COUNTRY

Kentucky at Mississippi State -1.5

Well, we have an unranked SEC home favorite against a ranked Kentucky squad that couldn’t move the ball against the best defense they’ve seen this year. Sounds like a winner. Just don’t bring any candy corn to the stadium.

NFL PICK OF THE WEEKEND

Eagles at Lions +3.5

The Eagles stink out loud. Detroit has to get one eventually, and this is one of their last, best chances. More than a field goal at home sounds good to me.

PROP OF THE WEEK FOR TCU FANS

Coach to get fired first?

Gary Patterson -200

Steve Sarkisian +150

The Field +200

SEASON RECORD: 28-25 (+0.5 units)