Every team in the Big 12 has played at least six games. We're officially entering the back half of the season.
But 13 of the 16 teams have played only three conference games. As the saying goes, there's a lot of football left.
This week's relatively light slate — six total games with four teams on bye — could turn into a "Separation Saturday."
Texas Tech and BYU, two of the teams that are 3-0 in league play, face teams that are 2-1 — ASU and Utah, respectively. The outcomes of those games will determine whether the conference race tightens or widens.
Meanwhile, Arizona visits Houston, which is also 2-1 in Big 12 play. The Wildcats are 1-2 and need a win to stay in contention (and avoid a two-game losing streak).
Our staff prognosticators, Michael Lev and Justin Spears, are back to pick every game on this week's slate straight up and against the spread. Lev and Spears are joined this season by Jordan Hamm of .
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Arizona wide receiver Kris Hutson, left, gets a high Wildcat hand sign from fellow receiver Chris Hunter after his touchdown catch in the first quarter against BYU, Oct. 11, 2025, at Arizona Stadium.
For more on our predictions — plus an in-depth breakdown of the UA-Houston matchup — check out The Wildcast. It’s available on ,Ìý or wherever you get your podcasts.
SATURDAY, Oct. 18
Matchup:Â Arizona (-1.5) at Houston
Time/TV: 9 a.m., FS1
Hamm's prediction: Arizona to win and cover
Lev’s prediction: Arizona to win and cover
Spears’ prediction: Arizona to win and cover
Matchup:Â Baylor (+3.5) at TCU
Time/TV: 9 a.m., ESPN2
Hamm's prediction: TCU to win and cover
West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez looks on during the first half against Utah on Sept, 27, 2025, in Morgantown, W.Va.
Lev’s prediction: Baylor to win outright
Spears’ prediction: TCU to win and cover
Matchup:Â West Virginia (+7.5) at UCF
Time/TV: 10 a.m., TNT
Hamm's prediction: UCF to win and cover
Lev’s prediction: UCF to win, West Virginia to cover
Spears’ prediction: UCF to win, West Virginia to cover
Matchup:Â Texas Tech (-9.5) at ASU
Time/TV: 1 p.m., FOX/11
Hamm's prediction: Texas Tech to win, ASU to cover
Lev’s prediction: Texas Tech to win and cover
Spears’ prediction: Texas Tech to win and cover
Cincinnati defensive tackle Dontay Corleone (2) and linebacker Jake Golday (11) celebrate after their win over UCF on Oct. 12, 2024, in Orlando, Fla.
Matchup:Â Cincinnati (-21.5) at Oklahoma State
Time/TV: 5 p.m., ESPN2
Hamm's prediction: Cincinnati to win, OSU to cover
Lev’s prediction: Cincinnati to win and cover
Spears’ prediction: Cincinnati to win, OSU to cover
Matchup:Â Utah (-3.5) at BYU
Time/TV: 5 p.m., FOX/11
Hamm's prediction: Utah to win and cover
Lev’s prediction: Utah to win and cover
Spears’ prediction: Utah to win and cover
LAST WEEK'S RECORDS
Hamm: 4-3 straight up, 2-5 against the spread
Lev: 6-1 SU, 2-5 ATS
Spears: 4-3 SU, 4-3 ATS
SEASON TO DATE
Hamm: 38-15 SU, 26-27 ATS
Lev: 38-15 SU, 25-28 ATS
Spears: 39-14 SU, 29-24 ATS
Contact sports reporter/columnist Michael Lev at mlev@tucson.com. On X (Twitter): @michaeljlev. On Bluesky: @michaeljlev.bsky.social
Michael Lev
Sports Reporter/Columnist
Breaking down Arizona’s game vs. Houston, other happenings in the Big 12 | Michael Lev
