Big 12 College Football Playoff Scenario, Week 11: BYU Cougars, Colorado Buffaloes among the postseason favorites
The college football season is in full swing as the calendar enters the final stretch, with Week 10 officially in the books. The Big 12 has played some exciting football over the first ten weeks, with the 16 teams combining for a solid 79-57 record, including an impressive 33-11 mark in non-conference games.
As of the latest (Nov. 3) AP Top 25 Poll, four Big 12 teams are ranked, with two additional programs receiving votes. The No. 9-ranked BYU Cougars lead the way, boasting an undefeated 8-0 record and a perfect 5-0 mark in Big 12 play. The No. 21-ranked Colorado Buffaloes received a boost to their postseason hopes during their bye week, as the No. 17-ranked Iowa State Hawkeyes suffered their first conference loss.
Conference play remained in full force in Week 10, with ten Big 12 teams in action, each facing a conference opponent. With the expanded postseason field of 12 teams, the Big 12 is likely to secure at least one spot in the College Football Playoff.
Take a look at the Big 12 teams that remain in the Playoff race heading into Week 11.
Big 12 College Football Playoff scenario ahead of Week 11
The No. 9-ranked BYU Cougars have the best chance of any Big 12 program to reach the College Football Playoff as they sit at 8-0 with a 5-0 mark in conference play. Their +105 postseason odds are the 12th-best in the nation.
The No. 17-ranked Iowa State Cyclones are not far behind, as their +230 odds of reaching the College Football Playoff are 16th-best in the nation. They are currently sitting at 7-1, with a 4-1 mark in conference play after losing 23-22 to the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday.
The No. 21-ranked Colorado Buffaloes have the third-best odds to reach the postseason of any Big 12 program as they are right behind the Cyclones. Their +250 odds of reaching the College Football Playoff are tied for 17th-best in the nation. They are 6-2 overall and 4-1 in Big 12 play suffering losses to the Nebraska Cornhuskers and then-No. 18-ranked Kansas State Wildcats.
The Wildcats follow as their +650 odds to reach the College Football Playoff are fourth in the conference and 20th in the nation. They are 7-2, however, they are 4-2 in Big 12 play, falling to the BYU Cougars and Houston Cougars.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders, +950, Arizona Wildcats, +1600, and Cincinnati Bearcats +3500, are all considered long shots to reach the postseason, however, with just two conference losses, each team remains alive. Those odds rank 22nd, 25th and 31st, respectively.