Predicting Big 12 football scores in Week 6: Ranked Houston on upset alert

Week 6 of the college football season is here, and it’s bound to be another action-packed weekend. There might not be any top-25 matchups in the Big 12 this weekend, but there is no short of action.

BYU looks to show last weekend was a mirage and that the Cougars’ offense is better than what it showed against TCU. Meanwhile, Iowa State wants to use last weekend’s win over West Virginia as momentum.

Here’s how every Big 12 game might play out this weekend.

MORE: College Football Big 12 power rankings entering Week 6

Iowa State vs. No. 8 BYU

Sep 12, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars running back Lj Martin (4) runs the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

This game feels a little more interesting than it seemed a week ago. Iowa State got itself a big win over West Virginia last weekend, and BYU struggled to put away TCU. The Cougars walked away with a 17-10 win over the Horned Frogs, and quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for just 62 yards.

In Iowa State’s thrilling 45-42 win over the Mountaineers, Jaylen Raynor threw for 264 yards, and running back Aiden Flora had 212 yards on the ground. Now here’s the thing: BYU has a really good defense.

Iowa State has the capability of putting up points, but the Cougars’ defense should be up to the challenge at home. We need to see more production from the offense, mainly Bachmeier.

Final score: BYU 31, Iowa State 17

Arizona vs. West Virginia

Oct 3, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (1) talks to teammates before the punt during the fourth quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Arizona is coming off a big 34-7 win over previously unbeaten Cincinnati, while West Virginia took a three-point loss against Iowa State.

Both teams can move the ball and put up points. And it starts with the quarterbacks. Noah Fifita is the No. 2 passer in the Big 12, averaging 283 yards per game through the air for the Wildcats. Michael Hawkins is a true dual-threat gunslinger for WVU and does damage on the ground.

WVU has the No. 1-ranked rushing attack in the Big 12, while Arizona has the third-best run defense. If you need a matchup to watch, there it is.

Final score: Arizona 34, West Virginia 31

No. 22 Houston vs. Kansas State

Oct 3, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) hands off to running back Makhi Hughes (21) during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Houston might be ranked No. 22, but the Cougars aren’t winning impressively. Houston needed a big second half to beat UCF last weekend, and even Georgia Southern was within two scores of the Cougars.

Now that Houston hits the road, it will be facing a refreshed Kansas State program that had a bye last weekend. The Wildcats took a five-point loss to Cincinnati the week before, and Avery Johnson is licking his chops to get back on the field.

With the inconsistency of Houston, look for KSU to get back in the win column.

Final score: Kansas State 27, Houston 24

The rest of the games will be quick-hitter style:

• No. 18 Oklahoma State 38, UCF 24
• Arizona State 41, Hawaii 24
• No. 12 Utah 34, Kansas 20

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