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Big 12 Week 4 Best Bets: Roll With TCU, BYU
It was not the best weekend for the Big 12, making it challenging to offer NCAAF picks for the conference in Week 4. Some of the notable results included Iowa State losing to Ohio, Miami (Ohio) upsetting Cincinnati in overtime, and Oklahoma State’s 26-point loss to South Alabama.
Oof.
We were still able to avoid the landmines around the Big 12 to continue our momentum by finishing 2-1 for Week 3. For the season, my Big 12 college football predictions are a respectable 7-5.
To quote the great philosopher Rick Ross, we’re building dreams with elevators in it.
It was not all bad news around the Big 12 as BYU pulled off an upset over Arkansas, and (spoiler alert) the Cougars could be frisky again in Week 4. West Virginia also notched an 11-point win over Pitt in the Backyard Brawl.
Here are my best Big 12 bets for Week 4 based on the latest NCAA football betting lines, per BetUS.
BYU +8½ vs Kansas
This is a line that makes little sense to me even though I am a big-time admirer of Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels. The Jayhawks needed a late fourth-quarter touchdown to defeat a now 0-3 Nevada squad.
Meanwhile, BYU pulled off a 38-31 upset of Arkansas in Week 3. After a slow start in the season opener against Sam Houston, BYU has now scored 38 and 41 points in the last two games. BYU’s experience (15 returning starters) combined with quarterback Kedon Slovis give the Cougars a chance to win this game.
this one had our guys shook 🤯
the call 🤝 the shot pic.twitter.com/6AKFkanueG
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 19, 2023
I’m taking BYU to cover the spread as one of my top NCAAF best bets for Week 4 and willing to sprinkle a little bit of money on the Cougars’ moneyline as well.
College Football Pick: BYU +8½
Texas vs Baylor +15
It remains unclear how good Baylor is this season, but I do know the Bears like nothing more than to play spoiler to Texas’ title hopes. This game is in Waco, and Texas looked more than human against Wyoming.
Aranda mentions he’s been asked to “just win one game” in the rivalry between Texas and #Baylor with the final matchup between the two in the conference. Notes the importance of it and said the team will place a big emphasis on defending their home turf. #SicEm
— Parker Rehm (@parker_rehm) September 18, 2023
Baylor showed its upside while nearly upsetting Utah in Week 2. Look for the Longhorns to find themselves in a fight for the second straight week as a heavy favorite. Take Baylor to cover the college football odds as sizable home underdogs against Texas, but the Longhorns ultimately win.
College Football Pick: Baylor +15
SMU vs TCU -6½
TCU was left for dead after being upset by Colorado in Week 1, but it turns out the Buffs are much better than the early-season projections. The Horned Frogs have bounced back with two straight blowout wins, including a 23-point victory over Houston in Week 3.
This one is personal for TCU head coach Sonny Dykes, who is facing his former SMU team. Dykes and the Horned Frogs came away with an eight-point victory last season. Look for TCU to win this battle for the DFW area and cover the near-touchdown spread in the Las Vegas odds.
This clip from last season’s rivalry game is priceless.
College Football Pick: TCU -6½
TCU coach Sonny Dykes to fans while leaving the field at SMU: “See y’all!”
A bottle was thrown shortly after. pic.twitter.com/YfMgwqh1Jf
— Dean Straka (@DWStraka49) September 24, 2022
