kansas
College football enthusiasts are gearing up for an action-packed weekend featuring several high-stakes matchups, including six games pitting ranked opponents against each other. The morning slate includes a top-5 clash as Indiana welcomes Ohio State, while the afternoon brings an SEC showdown between Missouri and Mississippi. Later, Oklahoma State visits Houston in what promises to be a classic Big 12 offensive battle.
However, the weekend's premier event takes place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium, where No. 8 BYU squares off against No. 2 Notre Dame. This contest stands as the most significant non-conference game involving a Big 12 team since Oklahoma and Texas departed the league. ESPN's College GameDay will broadcast from Provo, adding to the electric atmosphere that BYU fans are expected to create throughout the day.
The Cougars have quietly assembled a 5-0 record, yet they remain under the national radar. Despite winning 11 games in 2024 and 12 in 2025, BYU was left out of the playoff picture in both seasons. A victory over the 6-0 Fighting Irish could provide the Cougars with a larger margin for error moving forward. This game represents a golden opportunity for BYU and the Big 12 to make a resounding statement on the national stage.
Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 6 Update
With Week 6 in the books, here's a look at the updated Big 12 Power Rankings:
- 1. BYU (5-0, 3-0 Big 12): The Cougars may be without top running back LJ Martin against Notre Dame, but they proved capable of handling Iowa State without him. Bear Bachmeier passed for 329 yards against the Cyclones, and the defense delivered a strong performance.
- 2. Texas Tech (5-0, 2-0 Big 12): The Red Raiders, along with Houston, faced criticism for early-season struggles against Oregon State. However, that 33-20 road win looks better now, as Oregon State has since rattled off four consecutive dominant victories.
- 3. Utah (5-0, 2-0 Big 12): The Utes might boast the conference's most potent offense. They carved up Kansas for 258 passing yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 287 yards and three scores.
- 4. Houston (5-1, 2-1 Big 12): Patrick Overmyer has solidified his case as the Big 12's top tight end. He dominated with eight receptions for 83 yards and four touchdowns in a blowout win over Kansas State. Another big game could be on tap against Oklahoma State's vulnerable defense.
- 5. Arizona (5-1, 2-1 Big 12): With Texas Tech and Utah still on the schedule, the Wildcats will play a role in determining the Big 12 champion.
- 6. Oklahoma State (4-1, 2-0 Big 12): The Cowboys possess ample firepower to remain contenders. Drew Mestemaker has already thrown for 1,575 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. The question is whether Oklahoma State's defense can hold up over the long haul.
- 7. Baylor (4-1, 2-0 Big 12): A rivalry win on Saturday would move the Bears closer to bowl eligibility and keep TCU at the bottom of the conference standings.
- 8. Cincinnati (4-1, 1-1 Big 12): The Bearcats struggled on their last road trip. They'll look for a better outcome when they visit West Virginia this week.
- 9. Arizona State (3-2, 1-1 Big 12): The Sun Devils may face the conference's toughest remaining schedule, with games against Texas Tech, BYU, Oklahoma State, and Arizona still ahead.
- 10. Kansas State (3-2, 0-2 Big 12): Collin Klein has extensive experience as an offensive coach, but he's still adjusting to the defensive side. That inexperience has been evident in both conference losses, as Cincinnati and Houston moved the ball at will.
- 11. Iowa State (3-3, 1-2 Big 12): Close losses don't earn credit at this level, but it's worth noting that the Cyclones stayed within two touchdowns against Iowa, Utah, and BYU. Better results could come as the schedule eases up.
- 12. West Virginia (3-3, 0-3 Big 12): Every game involving the Mountaineers' defense turns into a Big 12 shootout. Conference foes are averaging 46 points per game against WVU.
- 13. UCF (3-3, 1-2 Big 12): The Knights start games strong, leading Houston 17-0 and Oklahoma State 14-7. However, they've faltered in the second half, losing both games by double digits under Scott Frost.
- 14. Kansas (2-3, 0-2 Big 12): Lance Leipold has made strides with the Jayhawks, but he's yet to secure a rivalry win. He's 0-2 against Missouri and 0-5 against Kansas State. Could this be the year? The Wildcats are favored by only 4.5 points in the Sunflower Showdown.
- 15. TCU (2-3, 0-2 Big 12): Opening the season in Dublin has led to an unusual schedule. The Horned Frogs have already had two bye weeks.
- 16. Colorado (2-3, 0-2 Big 12): Hopefully, the Buffaloes used their off week to make offensive adjustments. Colorado has yet to score more than 14 points against an FBS opponent this season.
Originally reported by kansas.