Preseason camp has not yet begun, so making predictions might seem like folly. Some of our annual Big 12 season predictions have been on the money, while others have been way off base in the past. But why should that stop us?
Over the next couple of weeks we will be making picks for every Big 12 game this season. We continue with Week 4:
TCU 52, SMU 13: The Horned Frogs continue a terrific start to the season with another comfortable home win. Quarterback Kenny Hill has his best game of the season to date with two touchdown passes and a scoring run while TCU’s first-team defense holds the Mustangs under 5 yards per play.
West Virginia 34, BYU 30: Quarterback Skyler Howard has his best game in a Mountaineers uniform, connecting with three different receivers -- Ka'Raun White, Gary Jennings and Shelton Gibson -- for scores while committing zero turnovers. Meanwhile, West Virginia's defense shows some of its youth, recording five sacks but also allowing three lengthy touchdowns that keep BYU within striking distance throughout.
Oklahoma State 48, Baylor 45: The best game of the weekend ends in Oklahoma State’s favor after Mason Rudolph leads the Cowboys on a winning drive in the final minute. Baylor appeared headed to a 4-0 start before Rudolph’s fade pass to Marcell Ateman in the closing seconds helps the Cowboys escape McLane Stadium with a victory.
Iowa State 38, San Jose State 20: Running back Mike Warren is exceptional, running for 231 yards and three touchdowns as the Cyclones lean on their sophomore ball carrier. Quarterback Joel Lanning compliments Warren well, adding a touchdown run of his own for Iowa State.
Kansas State 37, Missouri State 10: The Wildcats roll to a second consecutive win with another strong outing from Jesse Ertz. The junior quarterback connects with Deante Burton and Zach Reuter for touchdowns as the Wildcats' improving receiving corps makes its first statement of the season.
Week 4 standings
1. TCU -- 4-0, (1-0 in Big 12)
2. Oklahoma State -- 4-0 (1-0)
3. Oklahoma -- 3-0
4. Texas Tech -- 3-0
5. West Virginia -- 3-0
6. Kansas -- 2-1
7. Kansas State-- 2-1
8. Texas -- 2-1
9. Baylor -- 3-1 (0-1)
10. Iowa State -- 2-2 (0-1)