Big-12 Predictions: Colorado Headlines Must-Bet Games

The people have spoken… allow us to present the 2024 #Big12FB Media Preseason Poll 📊 pic.twitter.com/9JQw1J21Fv

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) July 2, 2024

Utah is a narrow favorite at +320 odds to win the Big 12 closely followed by Kansas State which sits at +380. Next, there are several teams grouped together with Oklahoma State (+750) and UCF (+800) next in line.

Texas and Oklahoma may be gone, but the Big 12 spotlight is still bright with the addition of Coach Prime Deion Sanders’ Colorado. Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State also make their Big 12 debuts in 2024.

If pressed to make a futures bet on an uncertain Big 12, Arizona (+1000) and TCU (+1800) offer nice value as sleepers to win the conference.

Here are the four matchups that will define the Big 12.

The 4 Biggest Big 12 Games to Watch and Bet on in 2024

1. Sunflower Showdown Between Kansas and Kansas State Could Determine Big 12 Title Race (October 26)

It may be surprising to think the Big 12 title runs through Kansas, but these two rivals could shape the title race. It starts at quarterback as Kansas State begins the Avery Johnson era in Manhattan.

At Kansas State, Avery Johnson starting at QB is hype level 1 million pic.twitter.com/PKBkMRJ1xo

— Split Zone Duo (@SplitZoneDuo) June 10, 2024

Johnson is one of the top playmaking quarterbacks in the Big 12 thanks to his elite speed. Meanwhile, Kansas QB Jalon Daniels’ season was derailed by injuries in 2023.

The Wildcats are generating more preseason buzz, but the Jayhawks could be hanging around in contention for this October 26 matchup. At the very least, Kansas could play spoiler to Kansas State’s Big 12 run.

Bet on Kansas State to Win Big 12 (+380)

2. Coach Prime Comes to Orlando as UCF Hosts Colorado (September 28)

Both of these teams are talking like they have Big 12 championship aspirations. Coach Prime is out to prove Colorado can take the next step.

With the addition of KJ Jefferson, UCF is hoping to turn some of last season’s close losses into Ws. This one starts with the coaches and quarterbacks.

New #UCF QB1 KJ Jefferson: “Orlando is treating me really well. I fell in love with the place, the people, the community, the coaching staff, my teammates. Everything has been such a welcoming moment for me… And there’s always something to do in #Orlando.”🔥#ChargeOn #GKCO pic.twitter.com/IHZZsHfMGm

— Jonathan Adams (@JonDAdams) July 13, 2024

Coach Prime versus Gus Malzahn as well as Jefferson against Shedeur Sanders.

Coach Prime (@DeionSanders) gives #UCF coach @CoachGusMalzahn a shoutout in opening remarks. Reflects on Coach Malzahn recruiting Shedeur Sanders out of high school. #ChargeOn #GoBuffs #Big12 #GKCO pic.twitter.com/RytlF0kmk4

— Jonathan Adams (@JonDAdams) July 10, 2024

The Bounce House is one of the more underrated atmospheres in college football. Did we mention both of these schools recruit the state of Florida?

Colorado had a September to remember in 2023, but it was the other months that were the problem. This is early enough in the season for both of the team’s conference championship hopes to be alive. The Buffaloes are well down in BetUS college football odds at +2600 to win the Big 12.

3. Utah Makes Big 12 Debut at Oklahoma State (September 21)

Oklahoma State is among the Big 12 contenders at BetUS sportsbook as the Pokes sit at +750. In one of the more confusing technicalities, this will be Utah’s Big 12 opener as the previously scheduled September 7 Baylor game will remain a non-conference matchup.

Utah will look to prove it deserves the status of Big 12 favorite in its debut season in the conference. The Utes will have to endure a challenging road environment in Stillwater.

Even if Oklahoma State fails to live up to expectations, star running back Ollie Gordon is plenty of fun to watch.

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4. Black Friday Showdown Between Utah-UCF Could Help Shape Big 12 Title Matchup (November 29)

For Knights fans who see things glass half full, this Black Friday showdown will impact the Big 12 title matchup. If you have a more pessimistic outlook on UCF, the team formerly known as the Citronauts could at least play spoiler to Utah’s potential run to Arlington.

UCF is switching up its normal Black Friday rivalry matchup against USF with Utah. It feels like Utes quarterback Cam Rising has spent a decade in college football. Rising’s health will greatly impact Utah’s chances to win the conference.

7th year Oklahoma State QB Alan Bowman vs. 7th year Utah QB Cam Rising in a Big 12 conference game next year: pic.twitter.com/qTcBKUQ6zs https://t.co/PltDMFk7rB

— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) January 4, 2024

As for UCF, the Knights are fourth in the college football odds at +800.

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.