Remember just a few weeks ago when I was lauding the resurgence of the Big 12? Baker Mayfield was Ohio State’s dad, Oklahoma State was looking like a playoff contender, and TCU was inching Bret Bielema toward his inevitable Tums-induced coma.
Well all of that progress in perception may have just been thrown out the window, and it’s all because our beloved Cyclones had the audacity to go into Norman and complicate the Sooners’ run to the College Football Playoff. Oklahoma’s loss to Iowa State pushes TCU into the spotlight and to the top of the Week 6 Big 12 Power Rankings.
- TCU: The Horned Frogs are now the Big 12 flag bearer after taking care of business at home against West Virginia. With perhaps the best coach and defense in the conference, TCU might be a more legitimate national contender than the media (minus Kirk Herbstreit) would like to believe.
- Oklahoma: They are mashing the panic button in Norman after two lackluster performances, including a shocking 38-31 loss to Iowa State. How long until we start seeing reports of Bob Stoops at practice?
- Oklahoma State: The Cowboys might officially be under the radar after a so-so win against Texas Tech and a Week 6 bye.
- Texas: The Red River Rivalry is on deck for the Longhorns, who toppled Kansas State in another ugly win. You know what this means? If Tom Herman can pull off a win at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, TEXAS IS BACK!
- Texas Tech: The Red Raiders continue to impress, this time with a 65-19 win over Kansas. Sure, it’s Kansas, but anytime a Kingsbury defense holds a team to under 20 points, it’s cause for celebration.
- Iowa State: I may have watched the highlights of the Cyclones’ win 50+ times. First for joy, then for confirmation that it actually happened. A beatdown of Kansas at Jack Trice would go a long way in making me a true believer in these Cyclones.
- West Virginia: What do we know about West Virginia? They lost close games to Virginia Tech and TCU, and that’s nice, but they’re still losses. And the wins? The Mountaineers most notable victory is......Kansas?
- Kansas State: It turns out that using your 6’4” 198-pound quarterback as a primary runner is a danger to his health. Jesse Ertz is hurt again, and the uncertainty in Manhattan after a double-OT loss to Texas is palpable.
- Kansas: The Jayhawks lost another laugher – this time to Texas Tech, who racked up 65 points in Lawrence.
- Baylor: The Bears avoided defeat for the first time all year, which should give them plenty of positive momentum heading into Week 7.