UNDATED (AP) — The Big 12 has a couple of interesting rivalry games this week. No. 23 Utah plays at instate rival No. 15 BYU. This will be their second meeting as Big 12 opponents after BYU's 22-21 win last year on a late field goal. The last time they played with both ranked was 2009. The nation’s top two passers will be on the same field for the 121st meeting in the most-played rivalry game in the state of Texas when Baylor plays at TCU. Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson and TCU's Josh Hoover rank 1-2 in both passing yards and TD passes.
UNDATED (AP) — Alabama's Ty Simpson edged out Indiana's Fernando Mendoza for first-team quarterback on The Associated Press midseason All-America team. Ohio State and Texas A&M lead with three players each on the top unit. Nine players from the Big Ten and seven from the Southeastern Conference are on the first team. Simpson has completed 76% of his passes for 285 yards per game, 14 touchdowns, and one interception since Alabama's season-opening loss to Flrodai State. Mendoza has led unbeaten Indiana to its highest ranking at No. 3. Texas Tech holds two of the three first-team linebacker spots.
UNDATED (AP) — The Big 12 fined Kansas $25,000 for coach Lance Leipold’s statement that a pocketknife was thrown at his staff during the Jayhawks’ game at Texas Tech last weekend. The conference said Wednesday the allegation was inaccurate and Leipold’s comments after the 42-17 loss to the Red Raiders were “disparaging.” Speaking about Tech fans’ tradition of throwing tortillas onto the field, Leipold said a pocketknife was also thrown in the third quarter of the game. Leipold apologized for what he called “an emotional reaction” and thanked the conference for reviewing the allegation.
UNDATED (AP) — Last week was rough for Top 25 college football teams with five losing to unranked opponents. Over the past two weeks, eight have been knocked off. Despite this the Top 25 is having a strong season against unranked teams with a 95-17 record. This .848 winning percentage could be one of the best since 2000. Top 10 teams are 32-5 against unranked opponents through Week 7. The .865 winning percentage is middle-of-the-pack since 2000 but well ahead of the top 10’s .839 winning percentage for the 2024 season.
UNDATED (AP) — College football fans have a packed weekend with a season-high five Top 25 matchups on Saturday. The action kicks off with No. 10 LSU visiting No. 17 Vanderbilt followed by No. 5 Mississippi at No. 9 Georgia. In the evening, No. 11 Tennessee faces No. 6 Alabama, No. 20 Southern California takes on No. 13 Notre Dame and No. 23 Utah visits No. 15 BYU. Unbeaten UNLV looks to knock off Boise State on the road. Quarterbacks Carson Beck of Miami, Ty Simpson of Alabama and Fernando Mendoza of Indiana have separated themselves in the Heisman Trophy race.
CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati has emerged as a strong contender in the Big 12 during its third season. The Bearcats are on a five-game winning streak and have entered the AP Top 25 for the first time in nearly three years. Coach Scott Satterfield credits the team's success to retaining key players and adding new talent. Cincinnati joined the Big 12 in 2023 and struggled initially, but now they are tied with Texas Tech and BYU at the top of the conference. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby leads the team with impressive passing and rushing stats, supported by a strong defense.
UNDATED (AP) — The Big 12 season has reached its midpoint with Texas Tech and BYU both at 6-0. Cincinnati was voted the most surprising team by journalists who cover the Big 12. Texas Tech's Joey McGuire and BYU's Kalani Sitake tied as top coaches. Baylor's Sawyer Robertson was voted top offensive player and the defensive honor went to Texas Tech's David Bailey. Kansas State was voted the Big 12's most disappointing team.
