Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 7

There’s been a shakeup! We’re a few weeks into the Big 12 slate, and there’s still much to be decided. But for now, the Cyclones have rocketed up, Baylor has arrived in the top three, and the Red Raiders have opened some eyes.

On to the show!

1. Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0; defeated Kansas 45-20)
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
The Sooners got off to a slow start in Lawrence, but took control by the time the second half rolled around. The first real test for Oklahoma comes this week in Dallas, where the Longhorns await. Needless to say, though, Jalen Hurts is not concerned.
This Week: vs. Texas (4-1, 2-0) in Dallas

2. Texas (4-1, 2-0; defeated West Virginia 42-31)
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
It was a bit surprising to see Texas need a 21-point fourth quarter to put away the Mountaineers, but strange things tend to happen in Morgantown (heads up, Cyclones.) This weekend is going to be a fun one.
This Week: vs. Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0)

3. Baylor (5-0, 2-0; defeated Kansas State 31-12)
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
Look at the Bears go. It’s been a surprising season for Baylor, who absolutely handed it to Kansas State last week. They’re a bit banged up for this week’s game against Texas Tech, but are poised to potentially move up another spot next week in these rankings, given one of the two teams ahead of them will lose.
This Week: vs. Texas Tech (3-2, 1-1)

4. Iowa State (3-2, 1-1; defeated TCU 49-24)
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
This is where we’ve expected the Cyclones to be all along, in the top half of the conference and posturing for position each week. A complete effort against TCU was encouraging to see, and is a great start to Brocktober. Roll off a few more wins like this, and special things can still happen this season.
This Week: at West Virginia (3-2, 1-1)

5. Texas Tech (3-2, 1-1; defeated Oklahoma State 45-35)
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
It was a surprising result against the Cowboys on Saturday - one that deservedly vaults the Red Raiders into the top half of the rankings. Jett Duffey was lights out, going 26-for-44 for 367 yards and four touchdowns. Saturday’s matchup in Waco will tell us what this team is truly made of.
This Week: at Baylor (5-0, 2-0)

6. Oklahoma State (4-2, 1-2; lost to Texas Tech 45-35)
Last Week’s Ranking: 3
Well, that one hurt. The Cowboys were flying high, but even the mullet has its limitations. Spencer Sanders came crashing back to reality, accounting for five Oklahoma State Turnovers.
This Week: Bye

7. TCU (3-2, 1-1; lost to Iowa State 49-24)
Last Week’s Ranking: 5
It’s fair to say most expected a close game, so the result of this one was fairly surprising. That said, TCU was thoroughly outplayed in almost every facet of the game, and its bye week couldn’t come at a better time.
This week: Bye

8. West Virginia (3-2, 1-1; lost to Texas 42-31)
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
A solid effort by the Mountaineers is little consolation, especially with the Cyclones coming to town this weekend. Austin Kendall’s offensive numbers were solid (367 yards, three touchdowns), but his four interceptions were too much for West Virginia to overcome.
This Week: vs. Iowa State (3-2, 1-1)

9. Kansas State (3-2, 0-2; Lost to Baylor 31-12)
Last Week’s Ranking: 6
Ouch - that’ll bring you crashing down to earth. Wildcat fans have gone from daydreaming about conference glory to still hoping for a conference victory. Kansas State has a week to review some tape before hitting the field again.
This Week: Bye

10. Kansas (2-4, 0-3; lost to Oklahoma 45-20)
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
Heads are already rolling. If anyone can lose during a bye week, it’s the Jayhawks.
This Week: Bye

Cyclones are back on track!