Another big week in the Big 12: Texas Tech takes on Cincinnati, Kansas State faces Arizona State, Oklahoma State is on upset alert against Colorado, and Houston takes on Utah in the conference's only ranked matchup.

Big 12 Game of the Week

Oct 17, 2026; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) prepares to pass in the second quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Best Game of the Week: Houston vs. Utah

Both teams are ranked in the top 16 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, and both nearly lost last week: Utah to Colorado and Houston to Oklahoma State. With Utah undefeated, this is an incredibly important game for the conference. If the Cougars knock off the Utes, only two teams will remain undefeated in the Big 12 (BYU and Texas Tech).

Houston and Utah both have elite quarterbacks, strong run games and talented receivers. Conner Weigman threw five passing touchdowns last week against the Cowboys, while Devon Dampier threw his first interception in his first game against the Buffaloes. Still, both have the talent to lead their teams to a top-15 win, which should make this a fun game to watch.

Big 12 Upset to Watch

Oct 3, 2026; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Gideon Lampron (44) reacts to his play in the third quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Potential upset: Colorado vs. Oklahoma State

Colorado doesn't have the most talented offense. However, they put things together against Utah and scored a season-high 24 points. The Buffaloes’ defense, on the other hand, is very talented. In fact, they may actually be one of the best defenses in the Big 12. Their defense could make all the difference, with an interception or two against quarterback Drew Mestemaker. Even though the Cowboys are double-digit favorites, they are on upset alert this week.

Other Big 12 action

Oct 17, 2026; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Kenny Johnson (2) rushes against Arizona State Sun Devils safety Montana Warren (7) in the first half at Galaxy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

Among other Big 12 games, Texas Tech faces Cincinnati as they look to remain undefeated and are double-digit favorites. BYU looks to stay undefeated with a win over UCF; they are currently seven-point favorites.

West Virginia faces TCU, and the Horned Frogs are favorites after beating Baylor last week. The Bears are looking to bounce back against the Jayhawks and are slight favorites. Kansas State and Arizona State are also looking for their second Big 12 win of the season as they meet. Arizona seeks its sixth win of the season when it faces Iowa State.

No Big 12 teams have a bye this week.

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

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Big 12 football Week 8 games to watch, best matchup and upset pick

Source: Yahoo Sports