Kansas, West Virginia and Baylor are off this week, so it’s a light day for the Big 12 on Saturday.
The conference has disappointed against the spread so far this season, going 7-11-1 overall against the spread. The conference as a whole hasn’t disappointed too much in the win/loss column, though, with Oklahoma getting a big win last weekend at Tennessee.
Here’s two games we’re keeping an eye for this weekend.
Big 12 Season: 7-11-1 ATS
Last week: 4-5 ATS
California (-6.5) at Texas
Texas is a mess. The university just fired its athletic director and a new starting quarterback will continue to take the reins for the Longhorns.
Oh, and the team also changed playcallers last week, too.
This line opened at 2.5 points, and the betting public quickly jumped on it. We agree with the betting public.
The Longhorns don’t give us any optimism on either side of the ball, while California’s offense can score at will, and so far, the defense has held up. Sure, we’re not sold yet on the Golden Bears defense entirely, but how much better is the Longhorns offense compared to San Diego State, which was limited to one touchdown last week against California?
Texas is hitting the panic button too often in the early going for us to put any confidence in them. It’s tough to give away a touchdown on the road, but go ahead, and watch California light up the scoreboard. — Go chalk with California
Texas Tech at Arkansas (-11.5)
This may be a sucker bet, but we’re taking the points.
The Red Raiders have played their traditional tough slate of non-conference games against Sam Houston State and UTEP. Now it’s time to see if Texas Tech is for real.
This starts a pivotal stretch for the Red Raiders, with games against Arkansas, TCU and Baylor during the next three weeks. Texas Tech better put up a fight in this one if it believes it will have a chance going forward.
And this game screams revenge for the Razorbacks, which looked awful against a decent Toldeo team. Don’t expect the same Arkansas team to show up this week.
But we can’t take that many points with Arkansas after what we saw Saturday. We won’t be surprised if Arkansas covers, but that’s too many points to give away. — Go against the chalk with Texas Tech
Other Big 12 games with a spread
Odds provided by Oddsshark
Tulsa at Oklahoma (-31)
Louisiana Tech at Kansas State (-9)
Texas San Antonio at Oklahoma State (-25)
SMU at TCU (-37.5)
Iowa State at Toledo (-7.5)
