Big 12 football Week 6 picks, predictions for every conference matchup

Week 6 of the college football season has arrived, with three Big 12 teams seemingly capable of being the last team standing by early December.

For Colorado, Saturday ends a five-game stretch to open the season, with the Buffaloes' first and only off week of 2026. After three straight losses, the bye week probably doesn't come at the best time for the Buffs, as outside noise continues to grow around program leadership, especially over offensive failures.

Elsewhere in the conference, the slate is relatively small: just six games overall, with only five on Saturday. The weekend's best game is Houston at Kansas State, as the ranked Cougars hope to keep their Big 12 title hopes alive. Other notable matchups include Arizona at West Virginia and BYU at Iowa State Friday night.

Our Buffaloes Wire staff picked all the conference games straight up, plus a few other marquee matchups. Here are our expert picks for Week 6.

All games are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9, and all times are Mountain Time, unless noted. Baylor, Cincinnati, Colorado, TCU and Texas Tech are off this week.

No. 8 BYU vs. Iowa State

Friday, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

Ariana: BYU

Iowa State has exceeded expectations through the first five weeks of the season. The Cyclones did a good job containing West Virginia's run game, so this game will probably come down to defense. However, BYU is the conference's top team. Their offense is solid, but the Cougars tend to control the tempo of games on defense. Six players have an interception, and six have at least half a sack. BYU has elite playmakers on all three levels of their defense. BYU wins this game, though it may be lower-scoring.

James: BYU

Iowa State brings a 3-2 record and should make this competitive, but I trust BYU to play well and find enough offense, even with their injuries (RB L.J. Martin is expected to be out), to preserve their undefeated start.

Charlie: BYU

In my opinion, BYU is the top team in the Big 12 right now. At least until they play Utah. Iowa State is not Utah, but they are better than expected. I think this one will be closer than expected, but the Cougars will take care of business, even without LJ Martin.

Oklahoma State vs. UCF

10 a.m., ESPN2

Ariana: Oklahoma State

UCF has a good team capable of making this competitive, but the game comes down to Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who has been on fire since their Week 1 loss. Before their bye week, they put up 39 on Oregon, had a 59-point shutout against Murray State, and defeated West Virginia 41-24. This is an elite offense, and UCF's defense won't stop it.

James: Oklahoma State

Charlie: Oklahoma State

The Cowboys are becoming the team nobody wants to play. An elite offense that can put points on the board quickly. UCF is decent, but its defense will have its hands full in Stillwater.

West Virginia vs. Arizona

10 a.m., TNT

Ariana: Arizona

Momentum is a huge factor in this game. Arizona has won their last three games while the Mountaineers have lost their last two after starting the season 3-0. The two teams have completely different offensive philosophies. While West Virginia relies on the run game, the Wildcats rely on quarterback Noah Fifita and the pass. With momentum in Arizona's favor and West Virginia struggling against the pass, Arizona wins.

James: Arizona

Charlie: Arizona

I have soured slightly on West Virginia the past two weeks, as the Mountaineers have taken a step back. Arizona meanwhile is finding its stride, having won three straight. The Wildcats are on the road, but they are clearly the better team.

No. 19 Houston at Kansas State

1:30 p.m., Fox

Ariana: Houston

Kansas State and Houston both enter this game with a loss. The Wildcats lost to Cincinnati last week, while the Cougars went down to the wire with Texas Tech a few weeks ago. Houston seems like the better all-around team. Conner Weigman is not doing anything special, but he is doing what Houston needs him to do. Kansas State seems to rely too heavily on Avery Johnson, who is also their leading rusher so far this season. Houston has struggled to pressure the quarterback, which could let Kansas State get in front, but the Cougars ultimately win a close one.

James: Houston

This is a tough Big 12 selection because Kansas State always has a pretty good home-field advantage. Still, Houston quarterback Conner Weigman's ability to use his legs is the deciding factor for me after he had three rushing touchdowns against UCF last week. I expect Houston to lean on him for this one.

Charlie: Houston

You could bill this as a Big 12 title elimination game, especially for the Cougars. Houston is the nation's best third-down team, and guess what, Kansas State is the second-best. K-State has only failed to convert more than 60% of third downs in its recent loss to Cincinnati. The Cougars bring a tenacious run defense, and that is the Wildcats' kryptonite.

No. 12 Utah vs. Kansas

8:15 p.m., ESPN

Ariana: Utah

This game probably will not be close. Kansas is currently one of the worst teams in the Big 12, while Utah is ascending and remains undefeated. The Jayhawks may put up a fight, at least in the first half, but the Utes will win. Their run game will play a big role.

James: Utah

Charlie: Utah

Buff fans should tune in to see what Colorado will face in Week 7.

Arizona State vs. Hawaii

8:30 p.m., FS1

Ariana: Arizona State

After finishing 9-4 last season, the Rainbow Warriors already have four losses this season, most recently to San Jose State. Arizona State is coming off a tough loss, getting blown out 55-19 by Baylor. The Sun Devils are still the better team. Their passing game gets back on track and wins this game.

James: Arizona State

Charlie: Arizona State

No. 1 Texas vs. Oklahoma

1:30 p.m., ABC

Ariana: Texas

The Red River rivalry is a classic every year. However, this could be one of the more lopsided Red River games in recent memory. Texas is the No. 1 team in the country, while Oklahoma has two bad losses this season: a second-game loss to Michigan and a more recent loss to Georgia, where the Bulldogs beat them by 28 points. The Sooners will put up a good fight and make it interesting for a while, but Texas' defense wins this game for the Longhorns.

James: Oklahoma

The Red River Rivalry is always so unpredictable because both teams, no matter the record, give their all. Everyone seems to be picking the Longhorns, given Oklahoma's offensive struggles, but I'm picking an upset because the Sooners have a strong defense. If they can run the ball and get after Arch Manning, this game might throw a curveball in the season.

Charlie: Texas

I love the Red River Rivalry; it always seems like either team can win. I'm guessing it will be a low-scoring game, since neither team will want to make a mistake that costs them. Still, I have more faith in Texas to close the game out late.

No. 13 Oregon Ducks vs. No. 22 UCLA

1:30 p.m., CBS

Ariana: UCLA

Oregon is playing for their playoff lives, and UCLA is a formidable opponent. They are currently undefeated and have a talented quarterback in their own right, Nico Iamaleava. Meanwhile, Ducks quarterback Dante Moore won't play because of the concussion he suffered against USC. In a matchup this important, and in their first full game without Moore, UCLA pulls off the upset on the road.

James: Oregon

Charlie: UCLA

I definitely think the Bruins cover, so why not pick them to win outright? Bob Chesney has transformed UCLA into a formidable team and a possible Big Ten contender. The Bruins boast an elite rushing attack, a major advantage against a Ducks defense that gave up 237 yards to Oklahoma State en route to a loss. UCLA can bleed the clock and wear out Oregon. Oregon's best recipe for success is an elite passing day from Dylan Raiola. Sign me up for the upset.

No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Alabama

5:30 p.m., ABC

Ariana: Alabama

This is a tough one because Alabama and Georgia always play each other tough. Whoever wins will likely decide it in the final minutes with a one-possession lead. I lean toward Alabama because they have home-field advantage. Also, I believe they have the better quarterback in Keelon Russell. Still, it wouldn't surprise me if Georgia won.

James: Alabama

This is my closest marquee selection, and Alabama's home field makes it difficult to dismiss the Crimson Tide. I really like QB Keelon Russell, and I think Alabama is a dark-horse candidate to win the national championship this season.

Charlie: Georgia

This is anyone's game, but Georgia has the better running game, so it should withstand the elements a bit better than the Tide.

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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Big 12 football Week 6 picks, predictions for every conference matchup