Big 12 tiebreakers: Championship Game clinching scenarios in Week 14

Big 12 tiebreakers: Championship Game clinching scenarios in Week 14

Friday PM update: Arizona State’s loss to Arizona secured a Texas Tech-BYU Big 12 title game matchup.

The final weekend of the 2025 college football season is upon us and by the end of the slate, we will know who will be heading to Arlington for next Saturday’s Big 12 Championship Game.

Texas Tech and BYU have stood above the pack for most the regular season and are seemingly on a collision course for a rematch of their encounter from a few weeks ago. However, Utah and Arizona State are still in the race as well and a little bit of chaos could see them crash the party in Arlington.

Below, we’ll go over some Big 12 clinching scenarios for this weekend as these four programs try to earn a spot in the league title game.

School Big 12 Record Overall Record
Texas Tech — CLINCHED 7-1 10-1
BYU — CLINCHED 7-1 10-1
Utah 7-2 10-2
Arizona State 6-3 8-4
Arizona 6-3 9-3
Houston 5-3 8-3
Cincinnati 5-3 7-4
Iowa State 4-4 7-4
Kansas State 4-4 5-6
TCU 4-4 7-4
Baylor 3-5 5-6
Kansas 3-6 5-7
UCF 2-6 5-6
West Virginia 2-6 4-7
Colorado 1-7 3-8
Oklahoma State 0-8 1-10

Week 14 Matchup: @ West Virginia, Saturday, 12 p.m. ET

Week 14 result: Texas Tech thumped West Virginia on Saturday. They had already clinched a spot in the Big 12 title game with Arizona State’s loss on Friday.

-Win
Or Arizona State loss

Friday night update: Arizona State lost to Arizona, which secured Texas Tech a berth in the Big 12 title game contention.

Texas Tech spent big in the transfer portal this past offseason and has seen an immediate return on that investment. The Red Raiders have been the class of the Big 12 all season long and are on the verge of sealing their first 11-win campaign since 2008. Their lone blemish came on the road at Arizona State in mid-October, but they’ve recovered nicely with four straight blowout victories and were slotted at No. 5 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.

Tech’s path to the Big 12 title game is simply win-and-in this weekend, but an Arizona State loss would also do the job. West Virginia has been frisky over the past month and has shown signs of improvement towards the end of Rich Rodriguez’s first year back in Morgantown, so this road matchup won’t necessarily be a walk in the park for the Red Raiders.

Week 14 Matchup: vs. UCF, Saturday, 1 p.m. ET

Week 14 result: BYU beat UCF on Saturday. They had already clinched a spot in the Big 12 title game with Arizona State’s loss on Friday.

-Win
Or Arizona State loss
Or Texas Tech loss +Arizona State win

Friday night update: Arizona State lost to Arizona, which secured BYU a berth in the Big 12 title game contention.

Like Texas Tech, BYU is in a win-and-in situation, but could be helped out with a few other scenarios just in case. The Cougars have also barreled right through their Big 12 slate this season with a 29-7 loss to the Red Raiders a few weeks ago being their only setback.

They’ll be facing a UCF team that has struggled to compete against the upper tier teams in the league this season and with this being an 11 a.m. kick local time, the potential body clock effect could give the Cougars an advantage.

Week 14 Matchup: @ Kansas, Friday, 12 p.m. ET

Week 14 results update: Utah beat Kansas 31-21. They now have to wait for results on Friday evening and potentially into Saturday. If Arizona State loses on Friday night, Utah is eliminated from the title game. If Arizona State wins, then Utah will be scoreboard watching on Saturday.

-Win + Arizona State win + BYU win + Texas Tech loss

Friday night update: Arizona State lost to Arizona, which eliminated Utah from Big 12 title game contention.

Utah fell to both Texas Tech and BYU earlier in the season, but has pulled itself back into the conference title picture with four straight victories down the stretch. The Utes need to handle business on the road in Lawrence on Friday and need a Tech loss, an ASU win, and much to their chagrin, they also need to root for hated rival BYU as well.

Week 14 Matchup: vs. Arizona, Friday, 9 p.m. ET

Week 14 result: Arizona State lost to Arizona and that eliminated them from Big 12 title game contention.

-Win + Utah loss + Texas Tech loss
-Or Win + Texas Tech win + BYU loss
Or Win + Utah win + Texas Tech loss + BYU loss

Friday afternoon update: Utah beat Kansas 31-21 in the early Friday window. That removes the first clinching scenario above. Arizona State needs a win on Friday night and then a BYU loss to UCF on Saturday afternoon.

Arizona State is the reigning Big 12 champion and it still has an outside shot at returning to Arlington next weekend to defend its title. As mentioned before, the Sun Devils are the only team to have knocked off Texas Tech this season and have kept themselves in the conference title race even with Jeff Sims starting at quarterback in place of an injured Sam Leavitt.

ASU’s top priority is beating Arizona in the Territorial Cup rivalry on Friday, a series the Sun Devils have dominated in recent years with six victories in their last eight outings. They’ll know the result of Utah-Kansas game by then and any number of scenarios on Saturday could either have them packing their bags for Jerry World next week, or leave them out in the cold.

Source link
#Big #tiebreakers #Championship #Game #clinching #scenarios #Week

Deadspin | Athletics continue odd homestand against scuffling Pirates  Jun 14, 2026; Summerlin, Nevada, USA;  Athletics pitcher Scott Barlow (58) pitches the ball in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Las Vegas Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Boz Bloom-Imagn Images   The Athletics continue their unusual homestand Monday in their present home after winning four of six games in their future home.  The A’s took two out of three contests from both the Brewers and the Rockies in Las Vegas. Now it is back to West Sacramento, Calif., to open a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday.  Overall the week in Las Vegas was positive, but a 23-9 loss to the Colorado Rockies Sunday in which pitchers gave up 24 hits and six home runs was not a great way to leave Nevada.  The Athletics plan to move into a major league stadium in Las Vegas in 2028. Last week’s games were played at Triple-A Las Vegas Ballpark.  The good news for the A’s is they send arguably their best pitcher to the mound to open the Pirates series in J.T. Ginn.  Ginn (4-3, 3.15 ERA) is coming off a win against the Brewers. It was not his best outing. as the right-hander gave up five runs on eight hits in five-plus innings of a 7-5 victory.  It was their first win in Las Vegas and manager Mark Kotsay admitted the pitchers need to get used to the thin-air conditions.  “These conditions to pitch in are tough,” he said. “But he (Ginn) grinded and gave us what we needed.”  Heading into the contest, Ginn had posted a 1.49 ERA in his previous six starts.  The 27-year-old is 9-11 with a 4.23 ERA in 46 career games, including 34 starts.  He has yet to face the Pirates.  The A’s hitters had no problems Sunday as they belted out 15 hits, including two home runs.   Tyler Soderstrom had two hits, including his 12th home run, and has reached base in 21 straight games.  The Pirates have dropped seven of their last nine games, including losing two out of three in Miami over the weekend.  Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes had 10 strikeouts Sunday, but the offense failed as the team dropped a 4-2 decision to the Miami Marlins.  The Pirates have lost six straight starts by Skenes.  “It hasn’t been one thing, just we haven’t put together a complete game with him out there,” Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly said. “I can’t point to one thing. He has been consistent every time out there.”  The Pirates will turn to right-hander Jared Jones (1-0, 4.73) on Monday. Kelly purposely placed Jones in the rotation between his best starters — Skenes and Mitch Keller.  Skenes and Keller can go late into games so having Jones in the middle gives the Pirates a fresh bullpen if they need it.  “When we look at Jones, he’s not going to be unleashed, where we can just let him roll at seven innings and 100 pitches,” Kelly told Yahoo Sports. “It’s going to be managed as we go. To have him in between Paul and Mitch just made a lot of sense to us, as far as managing innings, having two innings-eaters on either side of him.”  Jones has made three starts this season and has pitched a total of 13 1/3 innings.  “Mitch is a great pitcher, mixes it in-and-out, up-down,” Kelly said. “The changeup has gotten better, and he’s just an innings eater for us that has historically thrown a lot for us. Felt like putting Jones in between those two was a good spot.”  Jones is 7-8 in his career in 25 outings, all starts. He has yet to face the A’s in his career.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Athletics #continue #odd #homestand #scuffling #PiratesJun 14, 2026; Summerlin, Nevada, USA; Athletics pitcher Scott Barlow (58) pitches the ball in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Las Vegas Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Boz Bloom-Imagn Images

The Athletics continue their unusual homestand Monday in their present home after winning four of six games in their future home.

The A’s took two out of three contests from both the Brewers and the Rockies in Las Vegas. Now it is back to West Sacramento, Calif., to open a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday.

Overall the week in Las Vegas was positive, but a 23-9 loss to the Colorado Rockies Sunday in which pitchers gave up 24 hits and six home runs was not a great way to leave Nevada.

The Athletics plan to move into a major league stadium in Las Vegas in 2028. Last week’s games were played at Triple-A Las Vegas Ballpark.

The good news for the A’s is they send arguably their best pitcher to the mound to open the Pirates series in J.T. Ginn.

Ginn (4-3, 3.15 ERA) is coming off a win against the Brewers. It was not his best outing. as the right-hander gave up five runs on eight hits in five-plus innings of a 7-5 victory.

It was their first win in Las Vegas and manager Mark Kotsay admitted the pitchers need to get used to the thin-air conditions.

“These conditions to pitch in are tough,” he said. “But he (Ginn) grinded and gave us what we needed.”

Heading into the contest, Ginn had posted a 1.49 ERA in his previous six starts.

The 27-year-old is 9-11 with a 4.23 ERA in 46 career games, including 34 starts.

He has yet to face the Pirates.


The A’s hitters had no problems Sunday as they belted out 15 hits, including two home runs.

Tyler Soderstrom had two hits, including his 12th home run, and has reached base in 21 straight games.

The Pirates have dropped seven of their last nine games, including losing two out of three in Miami over the weekend.

Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes had 10 strikeouts Sunday, but the offense failed as the team dropped a 4-2 decision to the Miami Marlins.

The Pirates have lost six straight starts by Skenes.

“It hasn’t been one thing, just we haven’t put together a complete game with him out there,” Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly said. “I can’t point to one thing. He has been consistent every time out there.”

The Pirates will turn to right-hander Jared Jones (1-0, 4.73) on Monday. Kelly purposely placed Jones in the rotation between his best starters — Skenes and Mitch Keller.

Skenes and Keller can go late into games so having Jones in the middle gives the Pirates a fresh bullpen if they need it.

“When we look at Jones, he’s not going to be unleashed, where we can just let him roll at seven innings and 100 pitches,” Kelly told Yahoo Sports. “It’s going to be managed as we go. To have him in between Paul and Mitch just made a lot of sense to us, as far as managing innings, having two innings-eaters on either side of him.”

Jones has made three starts this season and has pitched a total of 13 1/3 innings.

“Mitch is a great pitcher, mixes it in-and-out, up-down,” Kelly said. “The changeup has gotten better, and he’s just an innings eater for us that has historically thrown a lot for us. Felt like putting Jones in between those two was a good spot.”

Jones is 7-8 in his career in 25 outings, all starts. He has yet to face the A’s in his career.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Athletics #continue #odd #homestand #scuffling #Pirates">Deadspin | Athletics continue odd homestand against scuffling Pirates  Jun 14, 2026; Summerlin, Nevada, USA;  Athletics pitcher Scott Barlow (58) pitches the ball in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Las Vegas Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Boz Bloom-Imagn Images   The Athletics continue their unusual homestand Monday in their present home after winning four of six games in their future home.  The A’s took two out of three contests from both the Brewers and the Rockies in Las Vegas. Now it is back to West Sacramento, Calif., to open a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday.  Overall the week in Las Vegas was positive, but a 23-9 loss to the Colorado Rockies Sunday in which pitchers gave up 24 hits and six home runs was not a great way to leave Nevada.  The Athletics plan to move into a major league stadium in Las Vegas in 2028. Last week’s games were played at Triple-A Las Vegas Ballpark.  The good news for the A’s is they send arguably their best pitcher to the mound to open the Pirates series in J.T. Ginn.  Ginn (4-3, 3.15 ERA) is coming off a win against the Brewers. It was not his best outing. as the right-hander gave up five runs on eight hits in five-plus innings of a 7-5 victory.  It was their first win in Las Vegas and manager Mark Kotsay admitted the pitchers need to get used to the thin-air conditions.  “These conditions to pitch in are tough,” he said. “But he (Ginn) grinded and gave us what we needed.”  Heading into the contest, Ginn had posted a 1.49 ERA in his previous six starts.  The 27-year-old is 9-11 with a 4.23 ERA in 46 career games, including 34 starts.  He has yet to face the Pirates.  The A’s hitters had no problems Sunday as they belted out 15 hits, including two home runs.   Tyler Soderstrom had two hits, including his 12th home run, and has reached base in 21 straight games.  The Pirates have dropped seven of their last nine games, including losing two out of three in Miami over the weekend.  Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes had 10 strikeouts Sunday, but the offense failed as the team dropped a 4-2 decision to the Miami Marlins.  The Pirates have lost six straight starts by Skenes.  “It hasn’t been one thing, just we haven’t put together a complete game with him out there,” Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly said. “I can’t point to one thing. He has been consistent every time out there.”  The Pirates will turn to right-hander Jared Jones (1-0, 4.73) on Monday. Kelly purposely placed Jones in the rotation between his best starters — Skenes and Mitch Keller.  Skenes and Keller can go late into games so having Jones in the middle gives the Pirates a fresh bullpen if they need it.  “When we look at Jones, he’s not going to be unleashed, where we can just let him roll at seven innings and 100 pitches,” Kelly told Yahoo Sports. “It’s going to be managed as we go. To have him in between Paul and Mitch just made a lot of sense to us, as far as managing innings, having two innings-eaters on either side of him.”  Jones has made three starts this season and has pitched a total of 13 1/3 innings.  “Mitch is a great pitcher, mixes it in-and-out, up-down,” Kelly said. “The changeup has gotten better, and he’s just an innings eater for us that has historically thrown a lot for us. Felt like putting Jones in between those two was a good spot.”  Jones is 7-8 in his career in 25 outings, all starts. He has yet to face the A’s in his career.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Athletics #continue #odd #homestand #scuffling #Pirates

If Sunday’s World Cup match between the Netherlands and Japan felt more like a quarterfinals tilt to you, and not the opening match of group play for both sides, you were not alone. In the most recent installment of the FIFA World Rankings, the Netherlands checked in at No. 8 in the world, while Japan clocked in at No. 18.

Yet there the two side were on Sunday in the House that Jerry built, squaring off to begin their respective journeys at the 2026 World Cup in Group F.

The match ended level, with both sides scoring twice. But merely describing this game as a 2-2 draw does not do it justice.

Here is every goal from the thriller between Japan and the Netherlands.

Virgil van Dijk opens the scoring

The first half ended with the score knotted at zero, as both sides created chances but could not find the finishing touch.

Then, in the 51st minute, Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk headed home the opening goal of the match, and his first World Cup goal for Netherlands:

The header came on the end of a brilliant ball into the box off the right foot of Ryan Gravenberch:

The goal gave the Netherlands an early lead, but things were just getting started.

Keito Nakamura equalizes for Japan

The Dutch fans were still in full voice in celebration of Van Dijk’s goal, when Kieto Nakamura pulled Japan level with this right-footed strike from just outside the box:

Here is another look at the equalizer from behind Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen:

Nakamura’s goal came in the 57th minute, tying the match at 1-1.

Crysencio Summerville opens his international account

If there is ever a perfect time to score your first international goal, it comes at the World Cup.

That is exactly what Crysencio Summerville did just a few minutes later.

As the match reached the 64th minute, the forward was on the end of a pass from Gravenberch, cut inside and then unleashed a dazzling strike with his left foot, just past a diving Zion Suzuki:

Here is another look at the brilliant strike from Summerville:

Once again, the Dutch were back on top.

Daichi Kamada equalizes in the closing seconds

The match remained at 2-1 into the closing minutes, but there was one more twist to this tale.

Japan had a corner in the 88th minute, and Junya Ito sent a perfect corner into the box, which first found the head of Koki Ogawa before deflecting by Verbruggen off the head of Daichi Kamada:

Right place, right time for Kamada. Here is that goal from every possible angle:

While the Netherlands tried to find one more goal in stoppage time, that effort came up short, and this incredible match ended as it began, with the two sides level.

Up next for these two teams? The Netherlands will take on Sweden on Saturday, June 20, while Japan will square off with Tunisia.

#World #Cup #goal #NetherlandsJapan #thriller">World Cup 2026: Every goal from the Netherlands-Japan thriller  If Sunday’s World Cup match between the Netherlands and Japan felt more like a quarterfinals tilt to you, and not the opening match of group play for both sides, you were not alone. In the most recent installment of the FIFA World Rankings, the Netherlands checked in at No. 8 in the world, while Japan clocked in at No. 18.Yet there the two side were on Sunday in the House that Jerry built, squaring off to begin their respective journeys at the 2026 World Cup in Group F.The match ended level, with both sides scoring twice. But merely describing this game as a 2-2 draw does not do it justice.Here is every goal from the thriller between Japan and the Netherlands.Virgil van Dijk opens the scoringThe first half ended with the score knotted at zero, as both sides created chances but could not find the finishing touch.Then, in the 51st minute, Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk headed home the opening goal of the match, and his first World Cup goal for Netherlands:The header came on the end of a brilliant ball into the box off the right foot of Ryan Gravenberch:The goal gave the Netherlands an early lead, but things were just getting started.Keito Nakamura equalizes for JapanThe Dutch fans were still in full voice in celebration of Van Dijk’s goal, when Kieto Nakamura pulled Japan level with this right-footed strike from just outside the box:Here is another look at the equalizer from behind Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen:Nakamura’s goal came in the 57th minute, tying the match at 1-1.Crysencio Summerville opens his international accountIf there is ever a perfect time to score your first international goal, it comes at the World Cup.That is exactly what Crysencio Summerville did just a few minutes later.As the match reached the 64th minute, the forward was on the end of a pass from Gravenberch, cut inside and then unleashed a dazzling strike with his left foot, just past a diving Zion Suzuki:Here is another look at the brilliant strike from Summerville:Once again, the Dutch were back on top.Daichi Kamada equalizes in the closing secondsThe match remained at 2-1 into the closing minutes, but there was one more twist to this tale.Japan had a corner in the 88th minute, and Junya Ito sent a perfect corner into the box, which first found the head of Koki Ogawa before deflecting by Verbruggen off the head of Daichi Kamada:Right place, right time for Kamada. Here is that goal from every possible angle:While the Netherlands tried to find one more goal in stoppage time, that effort came up short, and this incredible match ended as it began, with the two sides level.Up next for these two teams? The Netherlands will take on Sweden on Saturday, June 20, while Japan will square off with Tunisia.  #World #Cup #goal #NetherlandsJapan #thriller

Post Comment