Big 12 Championship Game Scenarios Hinge on Texas Tech and BYU in Week 13

The Big 12 title race heads into a decisive weekend. Only two teams can clinch a spot in the conference championship game this Saturday.

Texas Tech and BYU control their own destinies. The outcomes of their Week 13 matchups will dramatically shape the path to Arlington.

Week 13’s High-Stakes Matchups

Texas Tech enters Week 13 on a bye. The Red Raiders, holding a 10-1 record, get crucial rest before their finale.

BYU faces a must-win game against Cincinnati. The Cougars need a victory to keep their championship hopes fully alive.

Other games also hold major implications. Arizona State, Utah, and Houston all play contests that could affect the final standings. According to analysis from CBS Sports, the scenarios are incredibly tight.

Clinching Paths to Arlington

Texas Tech’s path is straightforward. A win in their final game against West Virginia sends them to the Big 12 Championship Game.

BYU’s scenario is more complex. They must win their final two games against Cincinnati and UCF to guarantee a berth.

Even with a loss, BYU could still back in. They would need specific losses from Cincinnati and Arizona State to create a favorable tiebreaker.

The Professional Football Network gives Texas Tech a 61.5% probability of reaching the title game. BYU’s odds currently stand at 26.7%.

Playoff Implications Loom Large

The ultimate prize is a College Football Playoff berth. The Big 12 champion earns an automatic spot in the expanded 12-team field.

This adds immense pressure. For a team like Texas Tech or BYU, winning the conference is their clearest ticket to the national playoff.

Recent history favors the Red Raiders. They defeated BYU 34-14 in Week 11, giving them a critical head-to-head tiebreaker advantage.

A potential championship game rematch between these rivals is a strong possibility. That game would carry massive playoff ramifications for both schools.

The Big 12 Championship Game picture will come into sharp focus after Week 13. All eyes are on Texas Tech and BYU as they fight for the right to play for a conference crown and a coveted playoff spot.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who can clinch a Big 12 title game spot in Week 13?

Only BYU can officially clinch a berth this weekend. They must beat Cincinnati and have other results go their way. Texas Tech can only clinch after their final regular season game.

What happens if Texas Tech and BYU finish with the same conference record?

Texas Tech would win the tiebreaker. They own the head-to-head victory from their Week 11 win over BYU. This is a crucial advantage in the standings.

Where is the Big 12 Championship Game played?

The game is held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It is the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and a classic neutral site for the conference finale.

Why are playoff implications so high this year?

The Big 12 champion gets an automatic bid to the 12-team College Football Playoff. This makes winning the conference the most direct path to the national championship tournament.

Which other teams are still in the championship hunt?

Utah and Arizona State remain mathematical contenders. Their chances are slim and require multiple losses from the teams ahead of them in the standings.