Texas holds the key to the Big 12 championship game, but the conference’s complex scenarios make for an intriguing end to the season. Sitting at the top with a 7-1 record, Texas is in a prime position. Behind them, a three-way tie between Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, and Kansas State at 6-2 complicates the path to the title.
The unique conference situation complicates things as there are no divisions and 14 teams, where each team has four opponents they didn’t play during the regular season. For example, Texas didn’t play Oklahoma State, and Kansas State and Oklahoma also didn’t face each other.
The simplest outcome involves both Texas and Oklahoma State winning their final games. This scenario would set up a showdown between Texas and OSU in the Big 12 title game. At 8-1, Texas would stand alone in first place, securing a spot in the championship game. Oklahoma State would benefit from tiebreakers with wins over both the Sooners and Wildcats.
Oklahoma needs a BYU win
Oklahoma and Kansas State need help from Oklahoma State to make the Big 12 title game due to head-to-head losses. A win by Texas will set up a game against Oklahoma if the Sooners beat TCU on Saturday. Kansas State needs both Oklahoma State and Oklahoma to lose, setting up a potential rematch with Texas if they beat Iowa State.
A Texas loss complicates everything
A Texas Tech victory on Friday night could throw the Big 12 into chaos. Sitting at 5-3 and in contention for the title, the Red Raiders could potentially create a four-way 7-2 tie in the Big 12 if they beat Texas. The conference has already hinted at the complexity of tiebreakers in such a scenario, and the chaos would be a sign of what’s to come in college football with the elimination of divisions in other conferences.
