Big 12 football rankings for week 4

Kellen O’Halloran

September 27, 2024

The Arizona football team runs onto the field at Arizona Stadium with fireworks on Saturday, Nov. 18. No. 19 Arizona beat the No. 16 University of Utah 42-18.

No. 10 Utah 22 – No. 20 Oklahoma State 19

In their Big 12 debut, the No. 12 Utah Utes defeated No. 14 Oklahoma State 22-19, improving to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play. Despite trailing 3-0 early, the Utes built a 22-3 lead thanks to two touchdowns by Brant Kuithe and three field goals from Cole Becker. Freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson threw for 207 yards and rushed for 41, filling in for the injured Cam Rising.

BYU 38 – No. 13 Kansas State 9

BYU dominated No. 13 Kansas State with a commanding 38-9 victory, improving to 4-0 on the season and 1-0 in Big 12 play. After trailing 6-3 late in the second quarter, the Cougars exploded with 24 points in just over six minutes between the second and third quarters, sparked by a 30-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Tommy Prassas. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns, while Parker Kingston added a 90-yard punt return for a score. BYU’s defense forced three turnovers and held Kansas State without a touchdown for the first time since 2020.

Cincinnati 34 – Houston 0

Cincinnati dominated Houston 34-0 to open Big 12 play at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, marking the Bearcats’ first shutout since 2018. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns, both to Xzavier Henderson. Sorbsy scored a rushing touchdown as well. Corey Kiner chipped in with 78 rushing yards and a 44-yard touchdown run. The Bearcats’ defense forced three turnovers, including two fumble recoveries, and limited Houston to just 73 passing yards. Cincinnati jumped to a 24-0 halftime lead and cruised to victory, improving to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

West Virginia 32 – Kansas 28

West Virginia rallied from an 11-point deficit in the final minutes to stun Kansas 32-28 in their Big 12 opener at Milan Puskar Stadium. Quarterback Garrett Greene led two late touchdown drives, capped by a 15-yard pass to Rodney Gallagher III with 26 seconds left for the winning score. Greene threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns, adding 87 rushing yards and another score.

SMU 66 – TCU 42

SMU capitalized on five TCU turnovers, including scoring three non-offensive touchdowns, to secure a 66-42 victory over the Horned Frogs. SMU’s Brashard Smith led the Mustangs with 127 rushing yards and four total touchdowns, while TCU’s Josh Hoover threw for 396 yards and three TDs for TCU, but had four costly turnovers. SMU jumped out to a 17-0 lead, aided by a fumble return and punt return for touchdowns. TCU narrowed the gap to 17-14 early but trailed 41-21 at halftime. Despite TCU’s efforts, SMU’s defense and special teams dominated, sealing the Mustangs’ win.

Colorado 38 – Baylor 31

Colorado pulled off a thrilling 38-31 overtime victory against Baylor in their Big 12 opener. In the final seconds, Shedeur Sanders threw a 43-yard Hail Mary touchdown to LaJohntay Wester on the final play of regulation. In overtime, Micah Welch scored a 1-yard rushing TD before Travis Hunter forced a fumble at the goal line, sealing the win for Colorado. Sanders threw for 341 yards and two touchdowns despite enduring eight sacks, while Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson passed for 148 yards and two touchdowns but saw his team miss a late field goal that could have secured the win.

Texas Tech 30 – Arizona State 22

Texas Tech defeated Arizona State 30-22 in the Sun Devils’ Big 12 debut. Powered by Behren Morton’s two touchdown passes, and Tahj Brooks’ 117 rushing yards. Tech built three separate 14-point leads, including touchdowns from Jalin Conyers and Josh Kelly. ASU fought back behind Cam Skattebo’s two rushing touchdowns and 117 receiving yards, but a late rally fell short after a failed onside kick. Despite out gaining Tech 376-334, Arizona State’s mistakes and penalties stalled their comeback efforts.