The Big 12 championship race is intensifying as Utah, BYU, and Texas Tech lead the conference standings, according to a November 2 report. With four weeks remaining in the regular season, the race for a spot in the conference championship and the College Football Playoff remains highly competitive.
Utah remains the only undefeated team in the Big 12 following a 49-25 road victory over Cincinnati. The Utes moved to 8-0 overall and 5-0 in conference play, positioning themselves in control of their path toward the Big 12 Championship Game.
BYU and Texas Tech are currently tied in the conference standings. BYU secured a 27-20 victory over Arizona State to improve to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the Big 12, following a Week 8 loss to UCF. Texas Tech also responded to its first loss of the season by defeating No. 22 Arizona 34-26, maintaining its 7-1 overall and 4-1 conference record.
A significant matchup is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, when Utah hosts BYU. A victory for Utah would preserve its undefeated record and create a two-game advantage over its rival in the conference standings. For BYU, a win would bring the two programs level in conference play and provide a head-to-head advantage. Both programs are currently in the national playoff conversation.
While the rivalry game unfolds, Texas Tech has an opportunity to strengthen its championship hopes. The Red Raiders are scheduled to host West Virginia on November 7 before traveling to play Oklahoma State and Baylor in consecutive weeks.
Seven teams are currently within two games of the conference lead. Houston, Arizona, Baylor, and Oklahoma State each enter November with two conference losses.
The significance of the race extends to the College Football Playoff. The conference championship game is scheduled for Friday, December 4, in Arlington. The possibility of multiple Big 12 teams entering the national playoff conversation makes the final month of the season particularly important for postseason résumés.
The outcome of the remaining games will determine which two teams meet for the conference title in Arlington, though conference tiebreakers could ultimately decide which programs advance.
