Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 11

1] #9 Oklahoma Sooners – Record, 7-2 (6-0)

Last Week – Beat Iowa State 34-24

The path to the College Football Playoff is basically non-existent for the Big 12 in 2016, but the Sooners are three wins away from an undefeated conference season. Baylor is in a deserved free-fall. West Virginia has hit their expected late-season slump. That leaves the Bedlam game to likely determine the one true champion.

Remaining Games – Baylor, @West Virginia, Oklahoma State

2] #17 Oklahoma State Cowboys – Record, 7-2 (5-1)

Last Week – Beat K-State 43-37

The Cowboys, surviving a late game surge, are hitting their stride and in position to take the title from their hated in-state rivals. However, with only one home game left, and road trips to TCU and Oklahoma sitting at the end of their schedule, the task will not be an easy one.

Remaining Games – Texas Tech, @TCU, @Oklahoma

3] #11 West Virginia Mountaineers – Record, 7-1 (4-1)

Last Week – Beat KU 48-21

The Mountaineers are still in position to win their first Big 12 football title, but neither Texas nor Oklahoma will be easy wins and the Riot Bowl looms in Ames. West Virginia has struggled down the stretch in each season they’ve been a member of this conference. Will 2016 be any different?

Remaining Games – @Texas, Oklahoma, @Iowa State, Baylor

4] Kansas State Wildcats– Record, 5-4 (3-3)

Last Week – Lost to Oklahoma State 43-37

Snyder might have seen his last Big 12 loss with his last three opponents generally struggling in 2016. That would leave the Wildcats at 8-4 and in contention for yet another nice holiday trip for K-State fans.

Get it while the gettin’s good is my suggestion.

Remaining Games – @Baylor, Kansas, @TCU

5] Texas Longhorns – Record, 5-4 (3-3)

Last Week – Beat Texas Tech 45-37

A little over a month ago, the epitaph on Charlie Strong’s tombstone was all but chiseled out and delivery to Austin was scheduled. Now, after winning three of their last four games, the order has been placed on hold. Wins over West Virginia and TCU, coupled with a Houston program that has lost some of its shine, could cancel the order altogether.

For another year, at least.

Remaining Games – West Virginia, @Kansas, TCU

6] TCU Horned Frogs – Record, 5-4 (3-3)

Last Week – Beat Baylor 62-22

TCU’s season has been a disappointment for the fans, I’m sure. At least you have a new basketball coach.

Next Three – Oklahoma State, @Texas, K-State

7] Texas Tech Red Raiders – Record, 4-5 (2-4)

Last Week – Lost to Texas 45-37

With a 5-7, or worse, final record a real possibility, could next season be a make or break year for the Red Raiders’ golden boy, who’s failed to bring a winning tradition back to Lubbock? I’ve made a personal vow to stop gaining satisfaction in others’ misery, but I always make exceptions for Texas Tech when hate is on the line.

Remaining Games – @Oklahoma State, @Iowa State, Baylor

8] Iowa State Cyclones – Record, 1-8 (0-6)

Last Week – Lost to Oklahoma 34-24

Lose to Kansas and any positive momentum this program has built over the otherwise disappointing season will be obliterated. Beat the Jayhawks and it isn’t inconceivable to win one of the remaining two home games.

Next Three – @Kansas, Texas Tech, West Virginia

9] Kansas Jayhawks – Record 1-8 (0-6)

Last Weekend – Lost to West Virginia 48-21

I’m am positive Kansas will be pumped and ready for this loser-take-all battle for the basement game. I just hope their fans don’t have another opportunity to swarm the fields.

Next Three - Iowa State, Texas, @K-State

Baylor