Big 12 Week 8 picks: Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State & 3 more

Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard. (Photo by David Stacy/Icon Sportswire)

October 22nd, 2020

Week 8 of the college football season is here, and we finally have another full slate of Big 12 games! '

Last week, we only had one game, and it was not the prettiest, as West Virginia handled Kansas with ease.

This week, we will focus on the marquee matchup between No. 17 Iowa State and No. 6 Oklahoma State. We will also make picks for three other Big 12 games.

Iowa State vs. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys have the No. 2 scoring defense in the nation. They've allowed an average of nine points per game through three games this season. The Cyclones have a hot offense that has put up more than 30 points in each of their last three games in the Big 12.

Oklahoma State has dominated the recent history between these two games. The Cowboys have won nine of the last 11 matchups. This will mark only the third time in 55 meetings that both are ranked. The Cowboys came out on top in the previous two, back in 1976 and 2017.

The Cowboys defense has been incredible at stopping opponents on third down. It has only allowed the opposing offense to convert seven of 43 attempts, which ranks first in the country.

The combination of Chuba Hubbard and LD Brown in the backfield will put pressure on the Cyclones defense and allow the Cowboys defense to stay off the field and rested.

Oklahoma St RB LD Brown has looked explosive over the first two games of the season. Takes it 66 yards to the house. pic.twitter.com/rPyDL23Zd5
— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) September 26, 2020

I like Oklahoma State at home. Its stellar defense will contain Brock Purdy and the Iowa State offense enough to earn a big win at home.

Pick: Oklahoma State -3.5

Oklahoma vs. TCU

Since TCU joined the Big 12 in 2012, it has played Oklahoma close but only has one win in nine attempts.

Quarterback Spencer Rattler and the Sooners are looking to bounce back from a disappointing start to the season and need a big road win to get that started. TCU has a major road win at Texas but two disappointing home losses.

What is Spencer Rattler doing? 🤔

Texas (+119) takes over and would go on to score to even the game at 10pic.twitter.com/JkQZcIfphO
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) October 10, 2020

I like the Over, as both teams struggle on defense. In the last three seasons, the Over is 9-1 in games where TCU is an underdog.

Pick: Over 59

Baylor vs. Texas

Speaking of disappointments, Texas is now 2-2, after consecutive losses to TCU and Oklahoma. Baylor only has two games under its belt, because of multiple postponements.

The Texas offense enters as the highest-scoring offense in the country. Its lowest point total was 31, against TCU.

Baylor has played solid defense this season. It held Kansas to seven points and West Virginia to 27. In the last two seasons, Baylor has held Texas to 17 and 10 points in each matchup.

The trends all favor Baylor. In the last three seasons, the Bears are 9-4 against the spread as an underdog, 7-4 ATS in road games, and 9-1 ATS in games following a loss against the spread.

Pick: Baylor +8.5

West Virginia vs. Texas Tech

The Mountaineers are 3-1 record and have the 11th-ranked scoring defense in the nation, while the Red Raiders are 1-3, with the 69th-ranked scoring defense.

In the past four matchups between these two teams, West Virginia has won and covered in three. Texas Tech has not beaten West Virginia at home since 2012.

The Red Raiders are 2-6 ATS in games following two or more consecutive losses in the past three seasons. The Mountaineers are 8-3 ATS as a favorite in the past three seasons.

The low number for this spread shocks me. Give me West Virginia all day.