Maybe it’s because it’s October and Iowa State is still relevant, but the Big 12 feels different this season. For the past few seasons, a combination of instability and lackluster play left the conference feeling a little stale on fall Saturdays. But with three top-10 teams and a middle tier providing surprising depth, the conference narrative is far more compelling this season than the Oklahoma-and-who-cares snoozer of years past. It’s a refreshing shift, and with most of the top matchups left on the schedule, it looks like it’s only going to get better. With that said, here is how the conference stands after Week 7.
- TCU: The Horned Frogs went full Bill Snyder on K-State: They ran the ball six straight times on their opening possession, capped off by a touchdown run from QB Kenny Hill. Credit to TCU for taking care of business after a 3-hour rain delay on the road against one of the best coaches in the league.
- Oklahoma: Per usual, the Red River Rivalry lived up to the hype with the Sooners prevailing after blowing a 20-0 lead to Texas. OU is flawed, but its offensive talent will put them into position to win most weeks.
- Oklahoma State: The Cowboys are back in the top ten after a 59-16 blowout of Baylor in Stillwater. They are still very much in the playoff discussion with games against TCU, Oklahoma, and a potential championship game appearance left on the schedule. A tough stretch begins this week against Texas.
- Texas: Tom Herman has made the switch to freshman QB Sam Ehlinger a permanent one, and it appears to be a no-brainer. Ehlinger will have to find a way to stay healthy, however, as he looks to be the Longhorns’ best rushing threat.
- West Virginia: I was feeling good about last week’s demotion of West Virginia when Texas Tech extended its lead to 18 in the third quarter. But as I should have known at this point, there’s no such thing as a sure thing when these teams take the field. My sincerest apologies to the Mountaineers.
- Iowa State: It was ugly. It was boring. Kansas is really bad. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and to Cyclone fans, the 45-0 win at home in sloppy conditions was a stroke of genius.
- Texas Tech: We knew it was coming. At some point, we knew Texas Tech would revert to its Kingsburyian tendencies. It took five games and three quarters, but the Red Raiders finally collapsed in heartbreaking fashion – giving up 29 unanswered to spoil an impressive start to the season.
- Kansas State: The situation in Manhattan looks worse with every passing week. The loss to Vandy looks worse, the QB situation looks worse, and the Wildcats’ hopes of a breakthrough season appear gone.
- Baylor: I did it. I finally moved the Baylor Bears out of the last-place position in the Big 12. But don’t get too excited Bears fans, this has nothing to do with your team. I just finally saw Kansas in action.
- Kansas: The Jayhawks put together one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen at Jack Trice, which is saying something considering who plays its home games there. Kansas was looking for incremental improvement this season, but it looks like they’ve taken a step back. How long can David Beaty keep the sunshine pumping in Lawrence?