Big 12 Football Betting Line Easy Pick’ems – 10/12/13

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Ugh. Sure, nonconference play is here, but this is probably the worst line up of games featuring Big 12 teams we’ll see this year. Every game is expected to be decided by at least two touchdowns, with Vegas picking point spreads of 14, 14.5, 17.5, and 25 as of Friday morning. While at least one game figures to be close (because nothing ever goes according to plan) and the faithful reader knows that game will be K-State/Baylor, viewers may find themselves sneaking over to the Big 10 or ACC for more intriguing football pairings.

Kansas at TCU (-25)
TCU still hasn’t demonstrated a whole lot of offense, but this is the one league game in which Vegas doesn’t care what the offense is capable of doing – the defense alone should be good for one touchdown off a turnover in addition to giving the Horned Frog offense the ball back in KU’s half of the field for a couple more instances. The ESPN writers seem to think TCU takes this game by 40 points. I figured KU’s haul of top JUCO talent would at least net a few closer games this season, but the Jayhawks have yet to demonstrate much improvement from last year’s disastrous showing. Prediction: TCU 35, KU 7 (over)

Oklahoma (-14) vs. Texas
With the departures of Missouri, Colorado, and Nebraska, most of the Big 12’s best rivalries disappeared a couple years ago. The Red River Rivalry is the best left – it’s one of the best in the nation. At least, it’s one of the historically greatest rivalries in the nation. This game hasn’t been interesting in awhile. Oklahoma has struggled in Big 12 play, beating West Virginia just 16-7 and TCU 20-17. However, the Sooners put on an impressive showing in nonconference play, are sixth in the nation in allowing 13 points per game. Texas needed officiating help for a last-second victory over Iowa State last week. Prediction: Oklahoma 36, Texas 20 (over)

Baylor (-17.5) at K-State
I’d seriously rather not discuss this one. Every fiber of my being tells me the Wildcats can pull the upset here. Saying it’s not possible is like saying it’s impossible that Baylor upset K-State last year. Save a victory over KU, Baylor hasn’t won a road game in like two years. Sooner or later Bill Snyder’s squad has to pull it together. However, as a fan with a financial stake in the game, I don’t know if I could bet against the Bears. Baylor is winning games by an average of 70-13, but this is the first time quarterback Bryce Petty will be playing in the fourth quarter. Lache Seastrunk may not have the game he had against K-State last year, but there are just too many holes in this secondary and Baylor is well-equipped to exploit them. Prediction: Baylor 45, K-State 22 (over)

And now, for this week’s easy pick’em. It’s that simple choice that just can’t whiff, and you can take that to the bank. What’s more, after an embarrassing 2-3 start to the season in this slot, I finally righted myself by predicting Texas Tech would destroy KU. I was rewarded when Texas Tech more than doubled the point spread. Seeing’s how Tech did me good last week, I’ll stick with picking them again:

Iowa State (-14.5) at Texas Tech
Iowa State was forced to deal with several reassembled pieces this year, but the Cyclones were supposed to show more life than this: a 1-3 start to the season including a 28-20 loss to FCS Northern Iowa. Texas Tech has been the most impressive team in the league given where the Red Raiders were picked to finish at the beginning of the year. Having won every game by double digits this year, Texas Tech would probably be favored by more if not for injuries creating uncertainty at quarterback and a resurgent rushing attack by Iowa State. Iowa State won’t win this one, but has the potential to keep it close. Tech’s defense should deliver another double digit victory, but the Cyclones keep the ball on the ground and don’t allow a high-scoring affair. Prediction: Texas Tech 30, Iowa State 19 (under)