Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 4

It was a thrilling week, complete with a few surprises, as well as a shakeup (yet again) at the bottom of the rankings. On to the show!

1. Oklahoma (3-0, 0-0; UCLA 48-14)
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
The Sooners continue to roll, and now have a week to rest a team that barely seems to have broken a sweat. Will anyone be able to slow Jalen Hurts and Co. down? Hurts is without question one of the top Heisman frontrunners - through three weeks he has thrown for 880 yards and nine touchdowns, not to mention having rushed for 373 yards and dour touchdowns. WOW.
This Week: BYE

2. Texas (2-1, 0-0; defeated Rice 48-14)
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
Poor Rice drew the short straw and had to play the Longhorns a week after their loss to LSU. The result was no surprise, and Texas hurdles into its first conference game primed and ready to prove it. Sam Ehlinger continues to be steady, throwing 23-for-27 for 279 yards and three touchdowns last week.
This Week: vs. Oklahoma State (3-0, 0-0)

3. Kansas State (3-0, 0-0; defeated Mississippi State 31-24)
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
What a great win by the Wildcats last week over a quality Power 5 opponent. They were able to jump a few spots in the rankings, and quality play like what we’ve been seeing will continue to help them move up. Skylar Thompson was 10-for-18, and only threw one touchdown, but it was the game-winner with just about five minutes left.
This Week: BYE

4. Oklahoma State (3-0, 0-0; defeated Tulsa 40-21)
Last Week’s Ranking: 3
Cheers to the Pokes, who have done everything right so far in what so far seems to be a bounceback season. RB Chuba Hubbard was RIDICULOUS, amassing 256 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries. A true test awaits this week, as the Cowboys hit the road for Austin.
This Week: at No. 12 Texas (2-1, 0-0)

5. TCU (2-0, 0-0; defeated Purdue 34-13)
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
The Frogs continue to roll through their non-conference slate in impressive fashion. Darius Anderson totaled 179 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries. Through two games they have outscored their opponents 73-20, but an unbeaten SMU team awaits.
This week: vs. SMU (3-0)

6. Baylor (2-0, 0-0; idle)
Last Week’s Ranking: 5
Baylor was idle last week, but if they can be half as efficient as Texas was they should have no problem with Rice.
This Week: at Rice (0-3)

7. West Virginia (2-1, 0-0; defeated NC State 44-27)
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
Will the real Mountaineers please stand up? It was a strong showing against NC State by a team still searching for its identity. Austin Kendall shined, going 27-for-40 for 272 yards and three touchdowns.
This Week: at Kansas (2-1, 0-0)

8. Kansas (2-1, 0-0; defeated Boston College 48-24)
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
What just happened? Is Kansas better than we thought, or did Boston College completely play down to its opponent?
Yeah. We’re thinking the latter, too.
This Week: vs. West Virginia (2-1, 0-0)

9. Iowa State (1-1, 0-0; lost to Iowa 18-17)
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
The loss was respectable at best, and what exactly do you take from that? The Cyclone team that played against the Hawkeyes were leaps and bounds above the team we saw two weeks earlier, but it still wasn’t enough. It’s no time to panic, but fans need to see a strong showing against a lesser opponent this week.
This Week: vs UL Monroe (1-1)

10. Texas Tech (2-1, 0-0; lost to Arizona 28-14)
Last Week’s Ranking: 6
Tech seemingly had its last game under control, but 15 fourth quarter unanswered points from Arizona spelled doom for the Raiders. The Bye week couldn’t come at a better time.
This Week: BYE

The Cyclones’ journey from week 1 to now has felt like this: