Saturday’s Big 12 Predictions
Aside from the big top-10 encounter later today, the Big 12 schedule for Saturday has plenty of other important contests. Here’s three picks to consider in the conference.
Baylor at TCU, Noon ET (ESPN2)
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, TCU is the favorite at home in this game, as the Horned Frogs are getting odds of -4.5 points against Baylor. TCU picked up an 81-78 OT win over Baylor in Waco back on Jan. 2. The Horned Frogs have won and covered in three of their last four while Baylor just had a five-game win streak snapped earlier this week by West Virginia. Baylor is an inconsistent team that loses to teams it shouldn’t and beats the good teams. TCU has played above expectations this year and has been a tough out at home, going 13-3. Baylor is just 2-7 on the road and I don’t trust the Bears to win a close game. BIG 12 PREDICTIONS: TCU -4.5
Iowa State at No. 21 West Virginia, 6PM ET (ESPNU)
Oddsmakers have West Virginia as an overwhelming favorite today. The Mountaineers are getting odds of -16 points against Iowa State. The Cyclones have been good at home this year, but awful on the road. They are 0-8 straight up and 1-7 against the spread on the road. WVU hasn’t been a team I like to rely on lately and such a big spread does concern me, but four of their last five wins have been by double digits. The Mountaineers seem to play close, or win big. Given ISU’s struggles on the road, I think WVU will win big. BIG 12 PREDICTIONS: WEST VIRGINIA -16
Iowa State vs. West Virginia Series History
Kansas State at Oklahoma, 6PM ET (ESPN2)
Oddsmakers list Oklahoma as a very slight favorite, with the Sooners getting odds of -4 points at home against the Wildcats. After being one of the most talked about teams early in the season, Oklahoma now is on the bubble after losing its last six. The Sooners have also failed to cover in eight straight games. Trae Young has been somewhat figured out and seems to be pressing, which is causing Oklahoma to really falter late in games. K-State already owns an 18-point win over the Sooners this season and I expect the Oklahoma struggles to continue against this Wildcat defense. BIG 12 PREDICTIONS: KANSAS STATE +4
Who is the public betting on tonight?