There are four teams tied for the top spot in the Big 12 heading into the final week of the regular season.
On Saturday, No. 16 Colorado State lost to Kansas State, 37-21, and No. 14 BYU lost to No. 21 Arizona State, 28-23, in an absolutely chaotic result.
The Buffaloes’ defense was shattered by Kansas running back Devin Neal. The senior, who grew up not far from the University of Kansas campus, rushed for 287 total yards and four touchdowns as Colorado’s defense allowed big play after big play.
BYU scored 20 points in the second half, but the comeback attempt failed when Jake Retzlaff’s knocked down pass was intercepted by Javan Robinson with 1:04 left. The defensive back returned the ball 64 yards and then was tackled inside the BYU 10-yard line to seal the game. Or so we thought.
Rather than try to score a TD and take a two-point lead, Arizona State inexplicably tried to run out the clock. Sam Leavitt’s pass that was about to end the game with one second left fell into the stands. BYU then attempted a Hail Mary from its own 44-yard line, as Levitt ran backwards on second down to waste time.
The final play was delayed more than 10 minutes for replay review and because the field had to be cleared of students who had rushed off thinking the game was over.
And after the field was cleared, BYU pulled off an almost miraculous victory. Chase Roberts appeared to catch Retzlaff’s pass, but was tackled in front of the end zone (the play was officially ruled an incomplete, but would likely have been overturned if it mattered). .
Colorado State and BYU are tied for the top of the Big 12 at 6-1 in their conference, while Arizona State and Iowa State enter Week 13 at 5-2. The Cyclones defeated Utah in Salt Lake City, and all four teams entered the final week of the regular season tied at 6-2.
Kansas State Makes History
With the win, the Jayhawks improved to 5-6 overall (3-5 in the Big 12) and into first place in the FBS. Thanks to wins over Iowa State and BYU over the past two weeks, Kansas became the first school to beat a ranked team three consecutive times while having a losing record.
Neal gained 207 yards on 37 carries as Kansas rushed the ball 57 times for 331 yards. Colorado could be vulnerable to the opponent’s run game, and the Buffs can’t run the ball themselves. Colorado gained 42 yards on 13 rushes.
Kansas’ run game was able to control the ball against the Buffaloes. Kansas held the ball for more than 40 minutes, as Colorado made just 42 plays to Kansas’ 58.
Travis Hunter didn’t do anything to ruin his big chance at the Heisman, even if he lost. Hunter had eight catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns while also playing defense.
Who is favored to advance to the Big 12 title game?
Arizona State has the best chance of making it to the Big 12 title game. The Sun Devils are coming off a win over Arizona in Week 14.
If all four teams tie for first place in the conference, the first tiebreaker will be against common opponents UCF, Kansas State, Kansas State and Utah. Colorado lost to the Jayhawks and Wildcats in tiebreakers. ASU is 4-0 against these teams, while Iowa State and BYU are 3-1.
After the tiebreaker, it goes according to the winning percentage of the conference opponent. Iowa State currently has the advantage in this tiebreaker.
