The Big 12 delivered a characteristically wild weekend of football, further cementing its reputation for chaos and late-game drama, particularly as the race for the championship game heats up.

Perhaps the biggest headliner was the Cougars of Houston pulling off a late-night upset over No. 24 Arizona State, winning 24-16. This result immediately throws a wrench into the reigning champion Sun Devils' repeat hopes and demonstrates the parity of the new-look Big 12.

Meanwhile, No. 11 BYU continued its undefeated run and Big 12 title push, but not without a fight. The Cougars overcame a double-digit deficit on the road against Iowa State, riding a late surge to secure a 41-27 victory. Two critical fourth-quarter turnovers, including a pick-six, flipped the script completely, keeping BYU tied atop the conference standings.

Also maintaining a perfect conference record was No. 21 Cincinnati, who jumped out to an early 24-0 lead and never looked back, dispatching a struggling Baylor team 41-20. In other action, Texas Tech delivered a stunning 42-0 shutout of Oklahoma State, signaling trouble for the Cowboys. TCU escaped a tough test from West Virginia, winning 23-17 in a competitive game in Morgantown. The weekend's results ensure the final month of the season will be a dramatic sprint to Arlington.

Peloton
Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.

DoorDash
With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

Mazda
It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle.
Mazda. Move and Be Moved.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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)

BYU Remains Perfect, Finally Slaying the Iowa State Dragon

In a hard-fought Big 12 showdown, the No. 11 BYU Cougars rallied on the road to secure a thrilling 41-27 victory over the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. With the win, the Cougars move to a perfect 8-0 on the season and, more significantly, record their first-ever victory against Iowa State, ending the Cyclones' 5-0 historical advantage in the series.

Iowa State struck first and often early on, fueled by a 75-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage, jumping out to a 17-7 lead in the first quarter. BYU, however, methodically chipped away at the deficit. True freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, fresh off his fifth Big 12 Freshman of the Week award, proved his composure, leading key scoring drives to keep the game close, which saw the Cougars down just seven at halftime, 24-17.

The tide completely turned in the second half. BYU’s defense tightened up, holding the Cyclones scoreless in the third quarter. The Cougars' run game, a national strength, took over, setting up a go-ahead touchdown pass from Bachmeier to Parker Kingston late in the third quarter for a 27-24 lead.

BYU sealed the monumental victory with a dominant fourth quarter. The defense forced a crucial turnover, and the offense capitalized with a final touchdown, extending the lead and extinguishing any hope of an Iowa State comeback. The historic road win sends the Cougars into their bye week undefeated, firmly cementing their place as a force in the Big 12 title race.

Peloton
Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.

DoorDash
With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

Mazda
It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle.
Mazda. Move and Be Moved.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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)

The frequency of college football coaches being fired has demonstrably increased in the modern era, creating a fast-moving, high-stakes coaching carousel. While coaching turnover has always been a part of the sport, the pace and nature of firings have accelerated significantly, particularly in the Power Four conferences.

Historically, coaches were often given several years to "get their guys" and build a program. Today, that patience has largely evaporated, driven by factors that have professionalized the college game. The introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal have transformed roster construction, enabling new coaches to potentially turn a program around in one or two recruiting cycles. This "quick fix" potential raises the bar for immediate results.

Additionally, the massive revenues from expanded College Football Playoff access and multi-billion-dollar television deals have made the financial risk of a large buyout more palatable for major universities. Wealthy boosters, who now contribute directly to player compensation through NIL collectives, often feel a greater sense of ownership and wield increased influence, pressuring Athletic Directors for swift change when expectations are not met. This impatience has led to an uptick in mid-season firings, sometimes even after just a few losses, to get a head start on the coaching search and manage the team's roster amid the transfer portal windows. The result is a highly volatile, win-now environment where even successful coaches can find themselves on the hot seat very quickly.

Sources

Quo
See why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE.

Peloton
Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.

DoorDash
With DoorDash Streaks, you save every Saturday you order — stack it up all season and you could save up to $250. Order this Saturday. Keep the streak alive. Fuel your gameday — only with DoorDash. Terms apply. Promo period through 11/18.

Mazda
It’s the small details that make the big plays. And just like there’s more to every player, there’s more to a Mazda vehicle.
Mazda. Move and Be Moved.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Monarch
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarch.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

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)