Big 12 football game picks, predictions for every Week 11 contest

The Big 12 title race is heating up as the college football regular season enters its final three-week stretch, with several conference contenders facing difficult tests in Week 11.

Utah remains the Big 12's lone unbeaten team after its rivalry win over BYU, but the Utes face a tricky road matchup against a ranked Arizona team. Meanwhile, BYU looks to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive against Baylor, and Texas Tech hosts Oklahoma State in another matchup that could determine CFP fates.

Elsewhere, Colorado faces Houston on Friday night at Folsom Field, needing a victory to keep its bowl hopes alive and perhaps even Deion Sanders' job. The Buffaloes have struggled throughout the season, and another loss would eliminate them from postseason contention.

Outside the Big 12, No. 9 Indiana travels to No. 18 USC in a matchup with major playoff implications, while No. 6 Texas visits No. 21 LSU for a ranked SEC showdown.

Our Buffaloes Wire staff picked all the conference games straight up, plus a couple of marquee matchups. Here are our expert picks for Week 11.

All games are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, and all times are Mountain Time unless noted.

Colorado vs. Houston

Friday, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

We shared our Colorado-Houston predictions in a separate post, with each staff member providing a final score prediction and thoughts on the game.

Iowa State vs. Cincinnati

10 a.m., TNT

Ariana: Iowa State

With home-field advantage and Cincinnati's two-game losing streak, Iowa State comes into this game with a win and one victory closer to bowl eligibility. Running back Aiden Flora has been incredible, with 1,119 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. The Bearcats have an impressive back in Cole Tabb, but I have more confidence in Flora in this game.

Charlie: Cincinnati

Cincinnati has dropped two straight, but I think the Bearcats are due for a bounce-back performance. Iowa State's offense has been inconsistent outside of Aiden Flora, and I trust Cincinnati to make enough plays through the air to win a close one. The Bearcats are also desperate to lock up a bowl berth, sitting at five wins.

TCU vs. Kansas State

Noon, ESPNU

Ariana: TCU

I don't believe TCU is that good of a team. However, with Kansas State's current quarterback situation, they do not seem like a team that can win right now. The only way I foresee the Horned Frogs losing this game is if they shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers, which they have done before this season. But TCU has been better at home this year, so they should be able to avoid costly mistakes and come out with a win.

Charlie: TCU

Kansas State nearly stole one in Boulder two weeks ago, but the Wildcats' quarterback situation remains a major concern. TCU hasn't exactly inspired confidence either, but the Horned Frogs have enough offensive talent to take advantage of a struggling Kansas State team in Fort Worth,

No. 10 BYU vs. Baylor

1:30 p.m., Fox

Ariana: BYU

Despite BYU losing two of their last three games, they are still the better team versus Baylor. Bear Bachmeier needs to cut back on interceptions if the Cougars want to be competitive in the playoffs. They also need someone else to run the ball besides Bachmeier, but I still think they'll escape with a win. I would bet on Baylor to cover the spread, though, since BYU's last four games have been decided by one possession.

Charlie: BYU

BYU fell one spot in the College Football Playoff rankings after losing to Utah, but another loss to an unranked opponent would end those CFP hopes. Needless to say, the Cougars still have plenty to play for, and Baylor is certainly not a pushover. Still, I expect Bear Bachmeier to bounce back with a much cleaner performance. Give me BYU in another close game.

UCF vs. Arizona State

1:30 p.m., ESPN2

Ariana: Arizona State

Arizona State's rookie quarterback-and-running-back duo is impressive. Jake Fette played very well in their win over Colorado, and Cardae Mack has emerged as a top running back in the Big 12. They also have one of the best receivers in college football in Reed Harris. With all that offensive firepower, now that they have a quarterback, this is a dangerous Sun Devils team, and they will knock off the Knights and push their ticket to a bowl game.

Charlie: Arizona State

Arizona State's offense wasn't particularly impressive against Colorado, but Jake Fette and Cardae Mack showed enough to make me confident in the Sun Devils. UCF has been one of the most unpredictable teams in the Big 12, and I think ASU found something last week and will do just enough to become bowl-eligible.

West Virginia vs. Kansas

3:30 p.m., ESPNU

Ariana: West Virginia

Kansas and Colorado are competing for worst teams in the Big 12. Both only have one conference win and three wins this year. The Jayhawks tend to put up a fight, but that won't be enough against West Virginia's run game, one of the best in the FBS. The Mountaineers get their fourth win at home and secure bowl eligibility.

Charlie: West Virginia

Man, were the Mountaineers close to knocking off Texas Tech and ending the Red Raiders' CFP hopes. Even with the loss, I came away thoroughly impressed with Michael Hawkins Jr. and his ability to threaten defenses with his legs and arm. The Jayhawks have shown flashes offensively, but I don't trust them to make enough stops. Give me the Mountaineers at home.

No. 2 Utah at No. 23 Arizona

5:30 p.m., Fox

Ariana: Utah

Arizona is a great team, and they are going to make this incredibly competitive. However, Utah has a better overall team. Their offense functions at a high level, and their defense proved how talented it is with four turnovers against BYU. The Utes are going to win this game and remain undefeated through the entire regular season.

Charlie: Arizona

This is a major letdown spot for the Utes. Coming off a big rivalry win against BYU, and now the No. 2 team in the country, a road game against an Arizona team with faint hopes of making the Big 12 title game is not what the doctor ordered. If Utah wins this, I think they finish the regular season undefeated, but a stumble is bound to happen, and the Wildcats are up to the task.

No. 12 Texas Tech vs. No. 25 Oklahoma State

7:30 p.m., ESPN

Ariana: Oklahoma State

If both teams were completely healthy, I would go with Texas Tech. However, they are dealing with a lot of injuries in this game, and that will cost them. Oklahoma State has the firepower to turn this into a shootout, and with the Red Raiders' injuries, they will not be able to keep up.

Charlie:

No. 9 Indiana vs. No. 18 USC

1:30 p.m., CBS

Ariana: USC

This is because I don't trust Indiana's offense. They haven't put up 24 points or more since their win over Rutgers over a month ago. Meanwhile, USC just took down Ohio State and has won three of their last four games. All the momentum seems to be with the Trojans in this game, and it would not be surprising to see them pull off the upset.

Charlie: Indiana

Indiana's offense has struggled for weeks, but the Hoosiers' front seven can change how USC quarterback Jayden Maiava plays. Maiava is one of the best quarterbacks in the country when he isn't under pressure, but one of the worst when he is. The Hoosiers will find a way to make him uncomfortable and prove to the CFP committee that they still can win the big game.

No. 6 Texas vs. No. 21 LSU

5:30 p.m., ABC

Ariana: LSU

Given my disdain for Lane Kiffin, I would love to be wrong. However, there is no denying how good this Tiger defense is, and there is also no denying Arch Manning's inconsistency for Texas. LSU has home-field advantage, which will also make things difficult for the Longhorns. The Tigers also have a better running back and top receiver, even though their quarterback is also inconsistent. This game will probably come down to defense, but I trust LSU's defense will get them the win.

Charlie: Texas

LSU's defense will make life difficult for Arch Manning, but I think Texas has enough talent on both sides of the ball to escape Baton Rouge with a win. The Longhorns have been inconsistent offensively, but their defense should keep them in the game, and I like Manning to make a few plays late.

Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Big 12 football game picks, predictions for every Week 11 contest