The Big 12 Broadcast: Week 10

By Simon Carroll

This week, the Big 12 finds itself confronting questions about its future, its credibility and its competitive identity. Its commissioner is preparing to depart after a transformative tenure, its officials are under increasing scrutiny, and the conference race is beginning to take shape with four weekends remaining. Oh, and thereโ€™s also the small matter of the biggest Holy War ever played.

The Big 12 remains the most entertaining conference in College Football. Lets get into it.

An end of an era as Yormark announces departure

The Big 12 is about to lose the man who arguably did more than anybody to redefine its identity. Brett Yormark will step down as commissioner on January 31, 2027, bringing an end to a tenure that began in August 2022 and has overseen one of the most significant periods of change in the conference’s history. The announcement, made on October 30, has prompted an immediate search for his successor.ย 

When Yormark took over, the Big 12 was in a precarious position. Texas and Oklahoma were preparing to leave for the SEC, the Pac-12 was circling its remaining members, and the conference was in danger of being squeezed out of the national conversation by the financial and commercial power of the SEC and Big Ten. The challenge was not simply to replace departing schools. It was to convince the rest of college football that the Big 12 had a future worth investing in.

Yormark’s first major achievement was securing that future. The conference’s media rights agreement with ESPN and Fox, worth approximately $2.28 billion over six years, provided a degree of financial certainty at a time when uncertainty was threatening to engulf the league. The subsequent additions of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF gave the Big 12 a new geographical footprint, before Yormark capitalised on the collapse of the Pac-12 by bringing in Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah.

Those additions were about more than simply filling places on a membership list. They brought established fanbases, important television markets and competitive programmes into a conference that had lost two of its most recognisable brands. The Big 12 emerged with 16 members and a considerably stronger hand than many had anticipated.

But perhaps Yormark’s most distinctive characteristic was his willingness to look beyond traditional conference business. Whether it was the introduction of the LED basketball court, commercial partnerships involving RedBird Capital and Monster, or the increasingly ambitious international strategy, he appeared determined to make the Big 12 more than just another collection of college athletic departments.

For us, the decision to take Big 12 football to Wembley was particularly significant. The Union Jack Classic demonstrated that the conference was prepared to pursue opportunities beyond its traditional American audience. It was a statement of ambition, and one that meant a great deal to those of us covering the sport in the UK.

Not every idea landed perfectly, and some of the more unconventional initiatives attracted their fair share of criticism. That is inevitable when somebody is prepared to take risks. But Yormark understood that standing still was not an option. The Big 12 needed to be visible, commercially attractive and relevant in conversations increasingly dominated by two superconferences.

The next commissioner inherits a much healthier position than the one Yormark encountered. The question is whether that person should continue pushing boundaries or concentrate on protecting and consolidating what has been built.

Tim Pernetti, currently commissioner of the American Athletic Conference, is a name worth watching. He has experience in college athletics, television and sports business, and was previously involved in the Big 12’s commissioner search. However, the conference has announced a national search rather than a confirmed shortlist.

Yormark’s departure does not mean the Big 12 is suddenly in trouble. But it does represent the end of an era, and the next appointment could prove just as important as the one made four years ago.

Halloween havoc in Ames

If anybody was looking for a quiet Saturday afternoon in Ames, they picked the wrong game.

Iowa State and Oklahoma State combined for 100 points and 1,114 yards of total offense in a remarkable Halloween contest that eventually saw the Cyclones prevail 51-49 on a field goal as time expired. Six offensive touchdowns went for at least 40 yards, and neither defense appeared particularly interested in slowing the opposition down.

The result was especially surprising given Iowa State’s recent struggles. The Cyclones had managed just 13 points across their previous two games, averaging 210.5 yards of offense. Against Oklahoma State, they produced 581 yards at an extraordinary 8.1 yards per play.

Quarterback Jaylen Raynor threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns, adding another score on the ground. Running back Aiden Flora was equally destructive, rushing for 221 yards and two touchdowns. It was the sort of performance Iowa State desperately needed after a difficult couple of weeks.

Oklahoma State had plenty of answers of its own. Drew Mestemaker threw for 323 yards and five touchdowns, while running back Caleb Hawkins contributed 194 rushing yards. The Cowboys scored 21 points in the fourth quarter alone, turning a ten-point deficit into a 49-48 lead with just 53 seconds remaining.

Wyatt Young appeared to have delivered the decisive blow when he caught Mestemaker’s pass for a seven-yard touchdown. However, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty following the score proved enormously costly. The penalty was assessed on the ensuing kickoff, forcing Oklahoma State to kick from its own 20-yard line.

Iowa State needed just one play to take advantage. Raynor found Jamal Polite for a 33-yard completion, immediately putting the Cyclones in field-goal range. Three runs helped drain the remaining clock, leaving Kyle Konrardy with a 34-yard attempt to win the game. He made no mistake.

The game was an extraordinary spectacle, but it also raises some interesting questions. Oklahoma State’s offense is clearly capable of producing explosive plays against almost anybody, yet its defense has struggled to provide the necessary balance. Iowa State, meanwhile, showed what it can do when its offense clicks, but allowing 49 points at home is hardly a recipe for sustained success.

There were mitigating circumstances for Oklahoma State, with defensive end Jaleel Johnson and linebacker Tate Romney both leaving the game with injuries. Nevertheless, the Cowboys will have serious concerns about their ability to get stops against the conference’s stronger teams.

For Iowa State, the victory provides a much-needed boost, although the Cyclones still have considerable ground to make up in the conference standings. Nevertheless, it was a marquee win for new head coach Jimmy Rogers, whose team has gelled quicker than anyone expected after the mass exodus this offseason.

Big 12 officiating: Who's watching the watchers?

The Big 12 has a problem. It is no longer simply a case of supporters complaining about contentious decisions or coaches disagreeing with officials. The conference has now acknowledged multiple significant officiating errors, including mistakes that have directly affected the outcome or potential outcome of games.

The controversy surrounding BYU has been particularly prominent, although it is important to distinguish between decisions that have benefited the Cougars and those that have gone against their opponents.

It began with the extraordinary conclusion to BYU’s October 17 victory over Notre Dame. With the Fighting Irish attempting to find a late winner, quarterback CJ Carr threw an incomplete pass into the end zone. The game was declared over, giving BYU a 28-24 victory. However, replay subsequently established that one second should have remained on the clock, allowing Notre Dame another opportunity to win the game. The Big 12 admitted that the replay officials had incorrectly ended the contest and promised a complete review of its end-of-game officiating procedures.

A week later, another controversy emerged against UCF. A wrongly applied ten-second runoff deprived the Knights of an opportunity to attempt a final play in regulation. UCF eventually won in overtime, but the officiating error was another example of the conference getting an important situation wrong.

Then came the Arizona State game last weekend.

With BYU attempting to score from the one-yard line, quarterback Bear Bachmeier lost possession of the football. Teammate Sione Moa recovered the loose ball and crossed the goal line. Initially, the play was ruled dead, but a replay review overturned the decision and awarded BYU a touchdown.

The Big 12 subsequently admitted that this was incorrect. Under the relevant rule, once the replay officials determined that the ball was loose, the recovery should have been awarded at the two-yard line, with any subsequent advance nullified. BYU should have faced third-and-goal rather than been awarded six points.

The conference’s own statement left little room for interpretation: replay was incorrect in awarding the score.ย 

Three consecutive weeks of significant officiating issues have now prompted questions about the entire operation. According to reporting by Football Zebras, the conference was preparing an executive-level review involving on-field officials, replay officials and the command centre. And inevitably, the conspiracy theories have started.

BYU is one of the Big 12’s most valuable commercial and national brands. It has a passionate following, a significant television audience and the potential to be a major player in the College Football Playoff. That has led some rival supporters to suggest the conference has an interest in protecting the Cougars.

There is, of course, no evidence of a deliberate effort to favour BYU. The Notre Dame and Arizona State decisions benefited the Cougars, but the UCF incident demonstrates that officiating errors have not simply gone in their favour.

Nevertheless, perception matters. When the same team repeatedly finds itself at the centre of controversial decisions, it is inevitable that questions will be asked, and the conference cannot dismiss those questions as supporters looking for excuses. The solution is transparency; The Big 12 needs to explain how these mistakes happen, what its review process actually involves and what changes will be made to prevent similar incidents.

But the timing could hardly be worse. BYU travels to Utah this weekend in a game with enormous conference and national implications. The last thing the Big 12 needs is for its officials to become the main talking point afterwards.

The season-defining run-in: Four contenders, four very different challenges

With four weekends remaining in the regular season, the Big 12 Championship race is beginning to take shape. Utah and BYU are preparing for their enormous showdown, while Texas Tech remains firmly in contention. Just behind them, Houston and Arizona are attempting to force their way into the conversation.

There is another team worth keeping an eye on, too. Cincinnati might be an outsider at this stage, but the Bearcats have already demonstrated that they can beat highly ranked opposition, and their remaining schedule gives them an opportunity to make life uncomfortable for several of the contenders.

Three of these four programs are currently ranked, and all four have something significant to play for. Their paths are different, their margins for error are shrinking, and this weekend’s meeting between Houston and Cincinnati could have a major influence on how the final month unfolds.

Texas Tech: The opportunity is there

Texas Tech might be the best positioned of the four, but the Red Raiders have already demonstrated that they are capable of making life difficult for themselves.

Their 24-37 defeat at Cincinnati was a significant setback, particularly given the way they had performed earlier in the season. They responded with a 34-26 victory over Arizona, however, and remain firmly in the Championship picture at 4-1 in conference play.

The remaining schedule is relatively favourable: West Virginia at home, Oklahoma State away, Baylor away and TCU at home. There are no games that should be taken for granted, particularly with Oklahoma State capable of producing points in a hurry, but Texas Tech has a realistic opportunity to finish the regular season strongly.

The Red Raiders have already beaten Houston and Arizona, giving them important head-to-head advantages over two of the teams featured in this discussion. Their challenge is straightforward: take care of business and put pressure on the teams above them.

Houston: Cincinnati is the first major obstacle

Willie Fritz has Houston in an excellent position, but the Cougars cannot afford to look too far ahead.

At 6-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play, Houston has recovered well from its defeat to Texas Tech and has already collected some impressive victories. The Cougars beat Oklahoma State 35-32 and Kansas State 35-16, demonstrating their ability to compete in difficult conference environments.

Their defeat at Utah was understandable, but it means there is very little room for further mistakes. Cincinnati arrives at TDECU Stadium this weekend before Houston travels to Colorado and West Virginia, with Baylor visiting for the regular-season finale.

On paper, that is a manageable schedule. In reality, every game is now an opportunity either to strengthen Houston’s Championship credentials or to undermine them.

A victory over Cincinnati would be particularly valuable because it would eliminate one of the teams attempting to close the gap. A defeat would leave Houston vulnerable to a congested group of teams chasing the leading positions.

Arizona: A difficult November awaits

Arizona has quietly put together a very respectable season. The Wildcats are 6-2 overall, have won three conference games and have already recorded impressive victories over Cincinnati, West Virginia and Iowa State.

Their 39-3 demolition of Iowa State was particularly emphatic, demonstrating the potential of a team that can cause problems for almost anybody when it gets things right. However, consecutive defeats are not an option if Arizona wants to remain relevant in the Championship conversation.

The Wildcats face TCU this Friday, before hosting Utah, travelling to Kansas State and finishing against Arizona State in the Territorial Cup.

That is a fascinating schedule. TCU is a dangerous opponent, Utah is arguably the biggest test remaining for anybody in the conference, and the rivalry game against Arizona State is unlikely to be straightforward regardless of the records involved.

Arizona has already lost to BYU and Texas Tech, meaning it has little margin for error in the race against the conference’s leading teams. The visit of Utah on November 14 could prove decisive. If the Wildcats can produce an upset, the entire complexion of the Championship race changes.

Cincinnati: The outsiders with something to prove

Cincinnati’s position is considerably more precarious, but the Bearcats have already shown that they should not be dismissed.

Their 37-24 victory over Texas Tech was one of the more impressive results of the conference season. They followed that with a 49-25 defeat to Utah, a reminder of the considerable gap that can still exist between a good team and a genuine contender.

At 2-3 in conference play, Cincinnati needs to win games quickly. Houston away, Iowa State away, Colorado at home and BYU away is a challenging run-in.

The Houston game is particularly important. Win in Texas and Cincinnati moves to 3-3, handing a direct rival another conference defeat in the process. Lose, and the Bearcats will need a remarkable sequence of results elsewhere to climb into the top two. Their route is undoubtedly the longest of the four, but they remain a mathematical possibility. More importantly, they have the opportunity to influence the fortunes of others.

The game that could change everything: Cincinnati at Houston

Saturday’s meeting between the Bearcats and Cougars is the obvious starting point for this entire discussion. Houston has home advantage and a better conference record. Cincinnati has already beaten Texas Tech and knows it can compete with the best teams in the league.

For Fritz, this is about avoiding the sort of defeat that could undo several weeks of good work. For Cincinnati, it is an opportunity to turn a difficult season into something genuinely interesting.

The Big 12 has an incredibly congested group of teams chasing the two Championship Game places. Utah, BYU and Texas Tech currently occupy the strongest positions, but Houston and Arizona are close enough to make a serious challenge.

There is no room for sentiment in November. Every remaining game matters, and every head-to-head result could have significant consequences when the tiebreakers are eventually calculated.

Game of the Week: The biggest Holy War in history?

There are rivalry games, there are championship games, and then there are occasions when the two become one. Saturday’s meeting between BYU and Utah belongs firmly in the latter category.

For the first time in the history of the Holy War, both teams enter the contest ranked inside the national top ten. Utah is unbeaten, sitting at 8-0 and firmly in the national championship conversation. BYU has just one defeat, but another loss would leave the Cougars facing a difficult task if they are to secure a place in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

There is also the small matter of bragging rights. BYU has won the last three meetings between the schools, including last season’s 22-21 thriller. Utah will be desperate to end that run, particularly with the opportunity to do so in front of its own supporters at Rice-Eccles Stadium. And the stakes could hardly be higher.

Utah: The unbeaten machine

Morgan Scalley’s first season as Utah’s head coach has been outstanding. The Utes have negotiated their schedule without defeat and look increasingly like a team capable of making a serious run at the national championship.

Their offense has been particularly effective on the ground. Utah enters the weekend averaging 226.9 rushing yards per game, the eighth-best figure in the country. Running back Wayshawn Parker has been a major contributor, recording 726 yards and nine touchdowns. Quarterback Devon Dampier has provided another dimension, completing 69.6% of his passes for 1,876 yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Perhaps most impressive is Utah’s ability to sustain drives. The Utes rank third nationally in third-down conversion percentage at 54.1%, a statistic that illustrates just how difficult they can be to get off the field. Defensively, Utah has been equally impressive, recording nine interceptions this season.

BYU will need to find a way to disrupt that balance. If Utah can establish its running game and control possession, the Cougars could spend an awful lot of Saturday afternoon chasing the football.

BYU: A timely return could make all the difference

Kalani Sitake’s team has been excellent for much of the season, but there is a growing concern surrounding its ability to run the football.

The absence of leading running back LJ Martin has been particularly noticeable. Martin has 344 rushing yards at an impressive 7.8 yards per carry, but has not played since the October 3 victory over TCU. In the four games since his injury, BYU’s rushing production has declined from 177 yards against Iowa State to just 47 against Arizona State last weekend.

Quarterback Bear Bachmeier has shouldered much of the responsibility, contributing 336 rushing yards and seven touchdowns alongside 1,750 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and four interceptions.

There was some encouragement this week, with Martin returning to practice. Sitake has been understandably cautious, but his availability could be a significant factor in Saturday’s outcome.

BYU’s rushing Defense has been excellent, allowing just 100 yards per game, ranking 20th nationally. That gives the Cougars a genuine opportunity to disrupt Utah’s biggest offensive strength. The matchup between Utah’s ground game and BYU’s rushing Defense could ultimately decide this contest.

Of course, this game means considerably more than a rivalry trophy. Utah is one of just three unbeaten FBS teams entering the weekend. A victory would strengthen its position as a potential playoff seed and provide another significant result against a nationally ranked opponent.

For BYU, the consequences are arguably even greater. The Cougars are already carrying one defeat, and another would make their playoff ambitions considerably more complicated. Their remaining schedule offers opportunities to recover, but a two-loss record would leave them needing considerable help elsewhere.

There is also the Big 12 Championship race to consider. Utah currently leads the conference at 5-0, with BYU sitting one game behind at 4-1. A Cougars victory would bring the two programs level in conference losses and dramatically alter the race for the Championship Game.

A Utah victory, meanwhile, would give the Utes a two-game advantage over BYU in the standings and put them in an exceptionally strong position.

For the Big 12, this is exactly the sort of game it needs. Two nationally recognised programs, an established rivalry and genuine national championship implications. The conference has spent several years fighting to establish itself alongside the SEC and Big Ten. Having two top-ten teams meet in a rivalry game with this much at stake is a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate the quality of its football.

If you have plans at 5pm on Saturday, cancel them. This matchup is not to be missed.

Big 12: Week 10 Schedule (Times BST)

Friday:

3:15am: TCU (4-4) @ #22 Arizona (6-2)

Saturday:

5pm: #9 BYU (7-1) @ #3 Utah (8-0)

5pm: Iowa State (4-4) @ Baylor (5-3)

6pm: Oklahoma State (5-3) @ Kansas State (4-4)

8:30pm: Cincinnati (5-3) @ #17 Houston (6-2)

8:45pm: UCF (4-4) @ Kansas (3-5)

12:30am: Colorado (3-5) @ Arizona State (4-4)

2:30am: West Virginia (5-3) @ #15 Texas Tech (7-1)

Mock Draft

SIMON CARROLL

Lead Writer, Head of Content

PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST, COVERS THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS FOR SB NATION and is a college football writer for dazn.

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