Bilo's College Football PASS/FAIL Conference Title Chase Reports: Big 12

Big 12 Conference

Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Baylor

Oklahoma has been cruising in Big 12 play, which has been startling after a 1-2 start eliminated them from the national conversation. The Sooners will still likely not play for a national title shot, of course disregarding any potential November national chaos, but they can still play for a NY6 bowl, and win the Big 12. Oklahoma is all alone and unbeaten (6-0) at the top of the standings, but the meat grinder part of their schedule is upcoming. OU will play Baylor at home this week, and the Bears are coming off two straight losses. A trip to West Virginia comes the following week, which is followed by the Mayhem game with Oklahoma State, who is currently the closest challenger to the Sooners in the conference standings.

Oklahoma State is just one game back, and if they win out, including a win over Oklahoma, they will win the Big 12. The 7-2 Cowboys are 5-1 in conference play, and they have a much easier road to the conference title. OSU plays Texas Tech at home this week, at TCU the following week, and then finishes with the Sooners in Norman for what could be all the marbles.

West Virginia blew their open shot at the conference title with a loss to OSU on the road, but they still have a path, even if they do not control it. The Mountaineers cannot afford another conference loss at this point, but the schedule and path are difficult. Texas has proven to be a tough out the last few weeks, and that is where WVU is headed next. After that, the Mountaineers get Oklahoma at home, Iowa State on the road, and Baylor at home in the finale in early December. There is still a path, but it is a difficult one for them.

Baylor has crashed and burned the last two weeks. One more single loss eliminates the Bears, and every game left on the schedule presents problems for them. The Bears get Oklahoma this week, Kansas State the week after, Texas Tech, and then they close at West Virginia. Like I said, any one loss, and the Bears are done with the chase.

Bowl Eligible: Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Baylor

Bowl Ineligible: Iowa State, Kansas