No. 12 Oklahoma at No. 4 Baylor, 7 p.m. (ABC)
The Big 12’s November self-cannibalization began last Saturday, as undefeated Oklahoma State blew out previously undefeated TCU. This week, the Big 12 stage will belong to the Sooners and Bears.
Baylor has breezed through its first eight games, only being challenged in a 31-24 win over Kansas State in the Bears’ most recent game. In that game, true freshman Jarrett Stidham threw for 419 yards and three touchdowns in his first collegiate start.
The Sooners have a head-scratching loss to hapless Texas on their resume, but have looked impressive outside of that lackluster outing and are looking to avenge last year’s 48-14 humiliation against Baylor in Norman.
No. 3 Alabama at No. 20 Mississippi State, 2:30 p.m. (CBS)
The Crimson Tide have been arguably the best team in the nation since their loss at home to Ole Miss. All Alabama has done since is win six straight games by a total score of 189-77, field the best rush defense in the SEC, have its star running back emerge as the Heisman favorite and seize control of the nation’s toughest division.
Derrick Henry had a statement game against LSU, rushing 38 times for 210 yards and three touchdowns, while the Tide defense limited Leonard Fournette to 19 carries for 31 yards and a late touchdown.
The Tide’s quest for the SEC West crown isn’t over yet, however. A tough test against Mississippi State (7-2, 3-2 SEC) awaits in Starkville, and Dak Prescott would love nothing more than to get a win over Alabama his senior year.
Arkansas at No. 9 LSU, 6:15 p.m. (ESPN)
Bret Bielema’s team has been living on the edge this season. A 53-52 win over Ole Miss not only gave Arkansas a winning record, but it also kept the Hogs alive in the SEC West race. Arkansas is 3-2 in SEC play and has a chance to make a big statement in Death Valley.
The only problem, though, is that Arkansas will face Leonard Fournette a week after a humbling loss to Alabama. LSU was overpowered in every area against the Crimson Tide, but the Tigers know they're not out of playoff contention by a long shot. The road to redemption begins at home.
No. 5 Oklahoma State at Iowa State, 2:30 p.m. (ABC)
The Cowboys are in the AP top five for the first time since 2011, when the Pokes went 12-1 and won the Big 12, nearly making it to the BCS championship game. The one loss, however? A 37-31 loss in double overtime against Iowa State in Ames.
Oklahoma State has had a strong season, winning all of its games and making a statement in a 49-29 win over TCU, while Iowa State has had a rough season, starting 3-6. But the Cyclones have shown moments of brilliance this year, including a 24-0 win over Texas two weeks ago.
If the Cowboys want to keep their playoff hopes alive, they need to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself.
No. 25 Memphis at No. 16 Houston, 6 p.m. (ESPN2)
The Tigers were considered a darkhorse playoff contender thanks to a high-powered offense and a strong win over Ole Miss. Those playoff hopes were crushed last Saturday, as Navy invaded the Liberty Bowl and left with a 45-20 win.
Now, the AAC’s lone glimmer of hope for national title contention is Houston, led by first-year head coach Tom Herman, who was the offensive coordinator for the 2014 National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
This game will likely decide the American West division.
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