Big 12 football Week 9 picks: Kansas State vs. West Virginia & 3 more

The Big 12 is back in full swing, as we head into Week 9 of the college football season.

Last week, Oklahoma State continued its perfect season, while Oklahoma and Texas got back on track.

This week, we'll will focus on the marquee matchup between No. 16 Kansas State and West Virginia. We will also make picks for three other Big 12 games.

Kansas State vs. West Virginia

The Wildcats have bounced back incredibly from a disappointing loss to start the season against Arkansas State. They have now won four straight games, including a win over Oklahoma on the road.

The loss of quarterback Skylar Thompson could have been devastating for the Wildcats. Instead, freshman Will Howard has stepped up and improved each game, since he took over against Texas Tech.

The Mountaineers are coming off a disappointing loss on the road to Texas Tech. It has been an up-and-down season for head coach Neal Brown and West Virginia, as the Mountaineers sit at 3-2. However, all three wins have come at home and they will be at home against Kansas State.

One area where West Virginia excels is on defense. The defense only allows an average of 261.8 yards per game. That ranks first among teams that have played more than one game. Kansas State ranks 67th in the nation in total defense at 427.8 yards allowed per game.

West Virginia is also better in total offense. It ranks 25th in the country, while Kansas State is 71st.

Turnover margin is what really separates the course each team has taken this season. Kansas State is second in the nation (+8), while West Virginia sits around the middle of the pack (-1).

Turnovers are hard to predict, but numbers do not lie. There is a reason the unranked Mountaineers are favored over a ranked opponent. They are the better team. They just have to hold on to the ball.

I like West Virginia to get the home win and cover the spread.

Pick: West Virginia -4

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TCU vs. Baylor

Both teams are desperate for a victory, to get their season back on track. TCU is the favorite, but Baylor is at home and has the better defense, surprisingly.

The trends all favor Baylor. In the past three seasons as a favorite, TCU is 6-12 ATS. The Bears are 9-4 ATS as an underdog during that same period. Baylor is also 9-1 ATS following a loss against the spread the past three seasons.

I like Baylor to get the desperation win at home.

Pick: Baylor ML (+110)

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Texas vs. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys will face a true test of whether they are deserving as a College Football Playoff contender. And It will be a matchup between Texas' top 10 offense and Oklahoma State's top 10 defense.

The Cowboys have won seven of the last 10 matchups between these two and covered the spread in three of the last four.

I like Oklahoma State to make a statement and pull out a big win.

Pick: Oklahoma State -3.5

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Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech

The Sooners seem to be back on track, after their consecutive losses to Kansas State and Iowa State. Texas Tech also just got a big win over West Virginia last week, which ended a three-game losing streak.

There is just no way I cannot take the Over in this game. The Over has hit in four consecutive matchups between these two.

The Sooners average 39.8 points per game, and the Red Raiders give up 37 per game. Texas Tech can also put up points, as they average 32.2 per game.

Pick: Over 68.5

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