3 college football games to watch in week 6: what games could impact BYU?

BYU football is in a bye week, but before you lose your mind and start a riot in the streets, football hasn't been canceled and Cougar fans still have plenty of reasons to keep an eye on the scoreboard as Saturday's matchups play out.

Being back in a conference is an exciting feeling for Cougar fans, and a highly competitive Big 12 means that anything could happen from week to week. Kalani Sitake's team is cooling down and resting up for the week, but Big 12 football carries on, and every game could have serious implications for a BYU squad that is suddenly in contention for the championship.

So which games could impact the Cougars' hopes of an undefeated season, and where does the rest of the conference stand as BYU watches from the sideline?

Baylor @ #16 Iowa State | Saturday, 5:30 PM on FOX

Iowa State stands with BYU as the two remaining undefeated squads in the Big 12 Conference. The frontrunners for the conference crown are right here. The Cyclones are 4-0, while the Cougars are 5-0, but Matt Campbell's team will look to even the score this week as they match up with the Baylor Bears.

Baylor has had a horrendous past few weeks, and Dave Aranda is coaching for his life as the seat under his keister gets warmer by the week. In the Bears' loss to BYU, Baylor gave up an early lead which was too significant to close--though they got close. This will be a home game for Iowa State, but Baylor views this matchup as a must-win game.

No matter the outcome, this game could have serious conference championship implications, and you'll want to keep a close watch on this one.

Texas Tech vs. Arizona | Saturday, 9:00 PM on FOX

Arizona is coming off a season-saving win against Utah in Salt Lake City, and they'll match up against BYU in Provo next week. But before they finish running the beehive gauntlet, the Wildcats have a home stand against Texas Tech this weekend, and it won't be as easy as we may have thought in the early season.

Texas Tech is undefeated in conference play after nearly losing the season opener to an FCS squad. Sure their conference slate hasn't been overwhelming by any means, but the Red Raiders have already taken down Arizona State, and has a taste for Big 12 victories.

If the Wildcats enter this game expecting a win, they could be on upset alert. BYU fans will want to keep an eye on this contest to see if the Utah win was a fluke, or if Noah Fifita is back to his old self.

Arizona State @ Kansas | Saturday, 6:00 PM on ESPN2

Are either of these teams any good?

What an enigmatic season for ASU and Kansas. After a hot start, the Sun Devils suddenly look extremely beatable. Not to be outdone, however, the former dark horse Big 12 contender Jayhawks have looked completely inept.

Both of these squads are reeling, and they'll need to pull themselves together for this week's clash. With both teams still on BYU's schedule this season, this game could provide some recon towards the end of the year.

More BYU Cougars News: