Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 8

Sorry we’re late this week, folks. Huge shoutout to Matthias for covering for me while I was away.

On to the show!

1. Oklahoma (6-0, 3-0; defeated Texas 34-27)
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
The Red River Showdown lived up to its billing, and the Sooners remain undefeated after taking down the Longhorns. Even more impressive may be the revelation that Jalen Hurts was playing injured. Cue the Jalen Hurts hurt memes.
This Week: vs. West Virginia (3-3, 1-2)

2. Baylor (6-0, 3-0; defeated Texas Tech 33-30 in 2OT)
Last Week’s Ranking: 3
Who would have seen this coming at the beginning of the season? Baylor won an ugly one last week, but good teams find ways to win, and that’s what the Bears are doing.
This Week: at Oklahoma State (4-2, 1-2)

3. Iowa State (4-2, 2-1; defeated West Virginia 38-14)
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
Brocktober is in full swing, so look out. The Cyclones tallied an impressive road win, and they’ll need to do it again this week in Lubbock, against a riled up Texas Tech team.
This Week: at Texas Tech (3-3, 1-2)

4. Texas (4-2, 2-1; lost to Oklahoma 34-27)
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
Honestly, the Longhorns are in a virtual tie with Iowa State, but the deciding factor this week were the nine sacks given up against Oklahoma. The defense isn’t much better, ranking 112th in the nation in yards allowed per game (453.3). Fortunately for them, this week Kansas is on the schedule.
This Week: vs. Kansas (2-4, 0-3)

5. Oklahoma State (4-2, 1-2; idle)
Last Week’s Ranking: 6
The Cowboys’ bye week came at a great time, and the mullet and co. have a chance to get back on track while hosting Baylor this weekend. It’ll be interesting to see how the Bears try to shut down Chuba Hubbard, the nation’s top rusher, averaging almost seven yards PER CARRY.
This Week: vs. Baylor (6-0, 3-0)

6. TCU (3-2, 1-1; idle)
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
TCU has been a tough one to figure out this season. Its defense is top-15 nationally, but the Frogs just aren’t doing enough early in games to win. They’ll need to buck that trend Saturday against the Wildcats to get back on track.
This week: at Kansas State (3-2, 0-2)

7. Texas Tech (3-3, 1-2; lost to Baylor 33-30 in 2OT)
Last Week’s Ranking: 5
Tough loss for the Red Raiders against Baylor, but officiating aside, others are questioning Saturday’s playcalling as well. To say that Texas Tech will have a collective chip on its shoulder this weekend is likely an understatement.
This Week: vs. Iowa State (4-2, 2-1)

8. West Virginia (3-3, 1-2; lost to Iowa State 38-14)
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
The Mountaineers hung in there through one half of football, but Iowa State overwhelmed in the second half. What’s worse - Starting QB Austin Kendall is listed as questionable against the powerhouse Sooners.
This Week: at Oklahoma (6-0, 3-0)

9. Kansas State (3-2, 0-2; idle)
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
The week off was perfect for the Wildcats, who started hot but now have yet to win a conference game. Coach Chris Klieman may shake things up a bit when hosting the Frogs this weekend.
This Week: vs. TCU (3-2, 1-1)

10. Kansas (2-4, 0-3; idle)
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
Texas’ defense is weak, and the Longhorns are banged up ... but they are still awfully delusional in Lawrence.
This Week: at Texas (4-2, 2-1)

Heading to Lubbock cautiously optimistic