The Big 12 conference has sneakily become one of the best in all of college football.

Entering the year, the Texas Tech Red Raiders were the favorites due to their defense, while the BYU Cougars were considered the second-best team. Yet, BYU has been dominant this season and is in the conversation to be the No. 1-ranked team this season.

Yet, two other teams are dark horses, and they happen to play each other on Saturday night with College GameDay in town.

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The 14th-ranked Houston Cougars go on the road to play the 10th-ranked Utah Utes in what is seemingly a playoff game.

I’m not sold on Texas Tech being a legit contender, as I do think the winner of this game will play BYU in the Big 12 championship game and should get into a playoff spot.

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Houston is 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big 12, with their lone defeat being a 28-26 loss to Texas Tech, in a game I actually felt like Houston should have won.

The Cougars have a great offense, and quarterback Conner Weigman has been solid. I wasn’t a huge fan of Weigman at Texas A&M, but he’s developed into a nice quarterback at Houston.

Meanwhile, the running game is solid as Makhi Hughes and Re’Shaun Sanford II have formed a two-headed monster. The defense does have question marks, but Weigman has made this offense solid, and they are able to win track meets and high-scoring games.

Utah, meanwhile, is a perfect 6-0, but Houston is their first real test. The Utes have had a rather easy schedule, but Devon Dampier is a solid quarterback who’s a dual-threat signal-caller.

The Utes have a better defense than Houston, as they were able to limit Arkansas to 10 points and Iowa State to 17. Utah’s secondary can also force a turnover or two, which makes them an under-the-radar contender not just in the Big 12 but in all of college football.

Yet, Houston and Utah are both dark horse teams, so the winner of this game will show the Big 12 and college football that they are legit contenders. And the winner should feel comfortable getting into the playoffs.

Houston and Utah not overlooking each other

Oct 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) runs with the ball for a first down as Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive tackle Saadiq Clements (5) attempts to make a tackle during the fourth quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) runs with the ball for a first down as Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive tackle Saadiq Clements (5) attempts to make a tackle during the fourth quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Houston already has one loss and likely can’t afford another in the Big 12. Utah’s schedule, meanwhile, has been criticized, so a loss to the Cougars will hurt them.

Ahead of the game, Utah safety Jackson Bennee called this their toughest challenge of the season.

“Super excited,” Bennee said. “It’s going to be a great game. They’re a heck of a team, and it’ll be the best challenge we have so far.”

Houston, meanwhile, does have better wins, as the Cougars are coming off a win over Oklahoma State. Yet, head coach Willie Fritz knows they have to move on quickly as Utah is a tough challenge.

“We’re going to have another big test coming up against Utah. They’re very well-coached. Their new head coach has been there a while, so he knows their system,” Fritz said in his weekly press conference on Monday.

Both teams have plenty of respect for each other, which hopefully should lead to a very close game.

Kick-off is set for 10:15 p.m. ET. Utah is a 6.5-point favorite.

Related: Predicting College Football Playoff after historic, upset-filled Week 7

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This story was originally published by Lindy's Sports on Oct 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Lindy's Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Source: Yahoo Sports