CRACKS: Mestemaker, BYU’s Close Calls RAISE Questions in Big 12 POWER Rankings as Houston DOMINATES?

Cracks are showing at the top of the Big 12 as Oklahoma State, Utah, and BYU survive close fourth-quarter battles, while Houston cruises to a commanding win. Is the Big 12’s playoff push in jeopardy, or are these just midseason jitters for conference contenders? With players like Drew Mestemaker and Isaiah Marshall stepping into the spotlight, the race to Arlington is more unpredictable than ever. Drake Toll, JT Wistercill, Jake Hatch, Parker Ainsworth, Cody Stovall, and Mountaineer Paul break down key storylines: Utah’s defensive struggles, BYU’s fourth-down woes, and Oklahoma State’s late-game heroics. The hosts debate the College Football Playoff committee’s decision-making, debate offensive and defensive rankings, and spotlight emerging threats like Arizona. Can Houston capitalize on its remaining matchups, and will West Virginia’s historic defensive struggles sink their postseason hopes? Don’t miss this fiery breakdown of Big 12 contenders and pretenders. 00:00 Big 12 Foundation Cracks Discussion on close games for top Big 12 teams (Oklahoma State, Utah, BYU) and concern levels about contender vulnerabilities. 09:47 Playoff Committee & Perception Debate over how the College Football Playoff committee and national media perceive and evaluate the Big 12, discussing playoff scenarios and the impact of scoreboard watching. 22:58 Houston’s Title Race Outlook Houston's position in the conference, control of destiny, and analysis of upcoming key matchups for the Big 12 title bid. Are BYU, Oklahoma State, and Utah hiding cracks beneath their winning records? As Big 12 contenders escape with shaky victories, questions swirl about foundational weaknesses and whether these programs are true playoff threats or potential frauds. The Big 12 Squad unpacks narrow escapes, fourth-down blunders, and the surprising rise of teams like Houston—blowing past opponents while others barely hang on. Sharp insight highlights defensive lapses, quarterback performances from Drew Mestemaker and Noah Fifita, and hot takes on the College Football Playoff Committee's eye test versus scoreboard watching. Key debates center on West Virginia’s historic defensive struggles, Utah’s lack of pass rush, and whether the Big 12 can land multiple teams in the playoff. With conference showdowns looming, can any top contender claim elite status, or are upsets just around the corner? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next. Butcher Box If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always. 5-Hour ENERGY Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots—available online now at https://5hourENERGY.com or on Amazon. ULTRA POUCHES Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONCOLLEGEFOOTBALL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Become an everydayer! Subscribe to the Everydayer or All-Access tier of Locked On Coogs for even MORE Coogs! https://lockedoncoogs.supercast.com/ Be sure to follow and subscribe to Locked On Coogs to hear the latest on all things Houston Cougars, wherever you get your podcasts! Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/3t6eecjs Apple: https://tinyurl.com/ycx4w8wx Audacy:https://tinyurl.com/yc682r3e Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/4z9wyark Google:https://tinyurl.com/2b3up9e4 Castbox:https://tinyurl.com/nhbtjbpa Podbean: https://tinyurl.com/3yh4ckcr Megaphone:https://tinyurl.com/3e7mb9wd For Fans, and Haters who came to stop by: https://www.bonfire.com/store/fans-an... Follow Locked On Coogs on Twitter Parker Ainsworth:https://tinyurl.com/mvtu527v