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Big 12 football Week 9 games to watch, top matchups and upset pick

After a chaotic Week 8 in the Big 12, several games should be on everyone's radar.

Week 9 has plenty of intriguing games, including Arizona taking on Texas Tech, BYU looking to bounce back against Arizona State, and Utah looking to remain undefeated against Cincinnati.

Big 12 Game of the Week

Oct 24, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA;  Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (1) during the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Casino Del Sol Stadium.  Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

This is the only matchup between two ranked teams for any Big 12 opponent, and it has important ramifications. Both teams enter with a 6-1 record, with their lone loss coming in a conference game. Four teams currently have a 3-1 conference record in the Big 12. So, whoever wins this game will greatly improve their odds of making the conference championship game.

Both teams are talented. Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita is largely underrated, but may be one of the better quarterbacks in college football. Meanwhile, Texas Tech relies on its defense, though its top running back has 619 rushing yards.

Big 12 Upset to Watch

Oct 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA;  Utah Utes running back Wayshawn Parker (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium.  Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Cincinnati just upset Texas Tech, and while I doubt the Bearcats can pull off that kind of game again, there is always a chance. Texas Tech struggled a lot against Cincinnati's run-heavy offense. If Utah can't contain running back Cole Tabb, it will be a long day for the Utes and potentially another Big 12 upset.

Other Big 12 action

Oct 24, 2026; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Gavin Freeman (6) catches a pass against Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Trey Lathan (4) and safety Corey Gordon (3) during the second half  at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Among other Big 12 games, Baylor takes on UCF on Friday, making them the only Big 12 team not playing on Halloween. On Saturday, Colorado will look for its first conference win in over a year against Kansas State, which is short on healthy quarterbacks. BYU is also facing Arizona State and is heavily favored.

Kansas takes on TCU in a battle between teams near the bottom of the Big 12 rankings. Next up, Oklahoma State takes on Iowa State. The Cyclones' lack of a passing game should let the Cowboys' offense get going and put points on the board.

Houston and West Virginia are the only Big 12 teams on bye.

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