As far as conference championships go, the Big 12 is often one of the more entertaining ones. Not necessarily because it is a close, hard-fought game but because of the explosive nature of offenses in the Big 12. But that does not appear to be the case this season.
Of course, with a couple of games left to go in the regular season, the conference title game is not set. However, we do have a pretty good idea of who will be vying for the title this season—the Oklahoma Sooners and Baylor Bears.
With how their game went on Saturday, it may be safe to say that the rematch is going to be something else.
Baylor got out to a surprising 28-3 lead in the first half with touchdowns on four of their first five drives of the game. But two of them were set up by Oklahoma turnovers. So, while the Bears offense still had to go the rest of the way, it’s not like Baylor dominated the Sooners defense.
But the Sooners offense and quarterback Jalen Hurts were not about to go away quietly. Down 31-10 entering the second half, the Sooners scored touchdowns on three of their first four drives to tie the game up with 5:25 left in the game.
A field goal on their next possession gave Oklahoma the lead, and an interception on Baylor’s final drive sealed the win.
Oklahoma was favored by around ten points entering the game and will likely be favored in the Big 12 title game when they face off again. That is, of course, assuming that neither is upset by one of their remaining opponents.
The Sooners face a tough TCU team and a solid Oklahoma State team to end the regular season. Baylor has Texas on deck and then a road trip to Kansas. Should either Baylor or Oklahoma lose both that will open the door for Texas or Oklahoma State to sneak in.
So—how should you bet on who will win the Big 12?
The odds on who will win the conference according to DraftKings are:
- Oklahoma -670
- Baylor +350
- Texas +2000
- Oklahoma State +5000
Texas has to win both of its remaining games and hope that Baylor or Oklahoma can lose two. They will probably beat Texas Tech to finish the regular season, and they will have a shot against Baylor. But the Bears are favored by 5.5 points.
Oklahoma State needs to beat West Virginia this week and then Oklahoma. They are favored by eight against West Virginia, but unless Oklahoma has a meltdown, it is hard to imagine the Cowboys topping the Sooners.
That means the conference title game will be between Baylor and Oklahoma.
Statistically speaking, the Sooners have the advantage with their high-powered offense. But, while Baylor may not have the firepower, they are a good, all-around team. If they can play like they did last weekend, but for four quarters rather than two, they can score the upset.
About that bet…the easy choice is Oklahoma, but since Baylor has already proven it can hang with the Sooners, why put money on a team with such short odds? Take Baylor to win the Big 12—just don’t bet too big on them (just in case).