Best Bets: BYU Sneaks Past Utah, Iowa State Rolls, UCF Cooked, TCU Struggles, West Virginia Fired!

Every season, the Big 12 delivers compelling storylines as underdog teams consistently challenge traditional powerhouses. Programs like Kansas State, Baylor, Oklahoma State, and TCU have all had their moments in the spotlight, proving they can rise to the occasion and upset the balance of power. The 2022 season was a perfect example, with TCU making an unexpected run to the College Football Playoff championship game after an undefeated regular season, showcasing the potential for any team in the conference to break through to the national stage. The high level of competition in the Big 12 is further amplified by the conference’s offensive and defensive diversity. Teams like Oklahoma State and Texas Tech have historically been known for high-flying, prolific offenses, while teams like Iowa State and Kansas State have built reputations on physical, disciplined play and stout defense. This range of styles means that teams have to be adaptable and well-rounded to survive the gauntlet of the Big 12 schedule. Adding to the competitiveness, the recent expansion of the Big 12 with programs like BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF brings fresh challenges and new rivalries that only strengthen the conference’s standing. These additions infuse the Big 12 with new talent and create a conference landscape that is more unpredictable than ever. The fierce competition extends beyond the field to recruiting battles and the race to develop talent that can compete nationally. The Big 12’s competitive nature ensures that every game is significant, and every team must fight for every win. This intensity makes for a season that keeps fans engaged and produces highlight-reel moments and close finishes that are rarely seen elsewhere. In the Big 12, success isn’t just about having one or two great seasons; it’s about consistently surviving and thriving in a conference where even the smallest misstep can derail championship hopes. This relentless competitiveness has become the hallmark of Big 12 football, solidifying its reputation as one of the most dynamic and exciting conferences in the sport. For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast ! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! ZBiotics Pre Alcohol Go to zbiotics.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to learn more and get 15% off your first order when you use LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with 100% money back guarantee so if you’re unsatisfied for any reason, they’ll refund your money, no questions asked. Robinhood Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new gold standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at ROBINHOOD.com/GOLD ROY Download Roy for iOS or Android and enter referral code LOCKED ON and you’ll automatically be entered into a sweepstakes to win $5,000 cash. Visit JoinRoy.com for additional details. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. Get off the sidelines and into the NIL game with Roy. 5-Hour ENERGY What’s your Fan Fuel this week?! Whatever it is, do it with a 5 Hour Energy! Available on 5HourEnergy.com. Shipped nationwide. HIMS Hims is changing men's healthcare by providing access to affordable sexual health treatments, all from the comfort of your home. Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/LOCKEDON for your personalized ED treatment options. LinkedIn These days every new potential hire can feel like a high stakes wager for your small business. That’s why LinkedIn Jobs helps find the right people for your team, faster and for free.Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE . Terms and conditions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM t o get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection a