HUGE: TCU's Gary Patterson LOVES Texas Tech, BYU Up in AP Poll, ACC, Big 12 Combining Conferences?

Based on the current date of October 2nd, the college basketball season has not yet begun, and conference play in the Big 12 generally doesn't start until January. Therefore, there are no Big 12 basketball conference games scheduled for this immediate weekend.However, if we look ahead to the start of the conference schedule, which typically begins in the first week of January (around January 3rd, according to the schedule matrix), the importance of those initial weekends is immense, setting the tone for the entire season.The Big 12 tournament is a complete meat grinder, making every weekend in conference play feel like an elimination round. When the schedule begins, the first full weekend will immediately test the mettle of the league's top-tier teams, who will face off in brutal, highly-ranked matchups. With preseason favorites like Houston, Texas Tech, and BYU, and traditional powers like Kansas and Arizona all positioned near the top, almost any head-to-head game between them on a Saturday will carry enormous weight.In a conference where a 10-8 or 9-9 record might be enough for a bid, every single weekend is massive. When the games truly start in January, expect every Saturday and Monday slate to feature Top 25 implications, where a single road win or home loss can be the difference between a high NCAA Tournament seed and falling onto the bubble. The very first week of January, therefore, will be the true "big weekend" that kicks off the most competitive conference race in the nation. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!5-Hour ENERGYEnough with boring, flavorless caffeine, it’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots. Get the favorites you love or be bold and try something new in-store and online at https://www.5hourENERGY.com or Amazon today.  SquareTo learn more, go support your favorite neighborhood spot and see what Square has been up to in your neck of the woods. And then if you have extra time, check out https://square.com/go/lockedoncollegePelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com. QuoSee why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 monthsat https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE. DoorDashWith 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.MazdaIt’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. GametimeToday'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 MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at https://www.monarchmoney.com/lockedoncollege for 50% off your first year.FanDuelToday'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) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.