Utah is the clear leader in the Big 12 football standings, according to a November 12 report by USA TODAY. While Utah holds the top spot, Texas Tech controls its own destiny for the conference championship game, and several other teams remain within one game of second place.
Utah can likely secure a trip to the championship game with a win this Saturday against Arizona. A victory would bring the Utes to a 7-0 league record heading into matchups against TCU and West Virginia, following previous wins against BYU, Houston, and the Wildcats.
Texas Tech faces Oklahoma State this weekend. Following their upcoming games against Baylor and TCU in November, the Red Raiders would be in a strong position to return to the Big 12 championship game for the second consecutive year.
Several teams are vying for position as the season enters Week 11. BYU, Houston, Arizona, Baylor, and Oklahoma State are all currently at 4-2.
BYU would need to win out alongside losses from Texas Tech and Houston to advance, utilizing a conference opponent winning percentage of 50.6% compared to Texas Tech's 48.2%. Houston could reach the championship if they win their remaining games against Colorado, West Virginia, and Baylor, provided Utah beats Oklahoma State and Texas Tech loses once.
Arizona, Baylor, and Oklahoma State face more difficult paths. Arizona would need to be the sole 7-2 team in second place to face Utah. Baylor could advance if they win their remaining games against BYU, Texas Tech, and Houston, provided Utah and Texas Tech also win or lose in specific configurations.
Oklahoma State's path requires winning out while Houston loses once, and BYU, Arizona, and Baylor each lose once. This would result in a tie between Oklahoma State and Texas Tech at 7-2, where the Cowboys would advance due to their win against the Red Raiders.
The Big 12 is competing for College Football Playoff berths following the SEC's impact on the 12-team bracket. If the Big 12 can secure two teams in the field, it would mark a historic achievement for the conference, which depends on how the final three weeks of November unfold.
