Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 6

It seems as though the top of the Big 12 is finally starting to separate from the pack. Oklahoma State, Kansas State, and Iowa State are the only teams in the conference without a loss. Oklahoma may have finally put some momentum together and Texas won’t be an easy out. It’s been a topsy turvy year for the Big 12, but it sure seems like the picture is coming clear. This week serves as basically a reset for everyone. October 24th looms massive with Iowa State playing Oklahoma State and an Oklahoma-TCU matchup on tap too.

1. Oklahoma State (Last Week: 1, Idle)

The Cowboys get to keep the top spot after a week off. And thanks to Baylor, they’ll be getting yet another week to prepare for the October 24th Big 12 game of the year against Iowa State, just like we all expected.

2. Kansas State (Last Week: 2, Beat TCU 21-14)

The Wildcats won at TCU without their starting QB. That’s an incredibly impressive feat. The game itself was a sloppy mess, but this defense doesn’t mess around. An open week to get Skylar Thompson healthy is much needed.

3. Iowa State (Last Week: 3, Beat Texas Tech 31-15)

The Clones easily could’ve beat Texas Tech by 40 points. But, faced with a clear letdown possibility, they were never threatened with a loss. A week off to rest awaits before one of the biggest games in program history at Oklahoma State on October 24th. Matt Campbell forever.

4. Oklahoma (Last Week: 8, Beat Texas 53-45)

Well, well, well. Let’s start by saying it was incredibly impressive for Oklahoma to rebound and handle 4 overtimes against a motivated Texas team. Is there a fanbase in the country more frustrated with their team than Oklahoma right now? Instead of cruising to a 2 touchdown win in regulation, Lincoln Riley’s offense shut down, and THREW THE BALL WHILE TRYING TO RUN OUT THE CLOCK. And what’s up with Spencer Rattler? He went from injured, to benched, to playing his best ball in OT. A week off to regroup will be good for the Sooners but college football fans will be lost without their consistently entertaining games.

5. TCU (Last Week: 4, Lost to Kansas State 21-14)

That was a disappointing loss for the Frogs. Now they’re starring at 2 conference losses to teams ahead of them in the standings and they Oklahoma State game still to come. Such is life in the Big 12. This is still a solid team, but 1-2 is definitely not the start they envisioned.

6. West Virginia (Last Week: 6, Idle)

The Mountaineers haven’t done a ton to think about this year, and this weekend against Kansas won’t do much to change that perception. But since it’s now the only game on the conference schedule this week, they’ll have the spotlight to themselves.

7. Texas (Last Week: 5, Lost to Oklahoma 53-45)

HAHAHA Texas is so not back. 6-6 in the last 12 Big 12 games and the fanbase seems pretty fed up with Tom Herman. I don’t know what can be done to satisfy these guys. Sam Ehlinger is balling out, but they can’t stop anyone. With 2 conference losses, it might be run-the-table or bust to make the conference title game. Tell me, do you dear reader feel like this team can do that?

8. Baylor (Last Week: 7, Idle)

Baylor’s off this week due to a COVID outbreak on campus. They did not have a non-conference game due to COVID. The Bears have played 2 games now, a blowout of Kansas and a loss at West Virginia. Who knows what these guys are worth? As long as the virus can’t be contained on campus, we might never find out.

9. Texas Tech (Last Week: 9, Lost to Iowa State 31-15)

Scored 8 offensive points against Iowa State. Despite the deceiving final score, that was as thorough a butt-kicking that any Big 12 team has received all year. But that’s what happens every year Tech plays Iowa State. Thankfully for them, they don’t have to see Matt Campbell again this calendar year.

10. Kansas (Last Week: 10, Idle)

Survived a battle with Bye to avoid another loss. Get well soon, Coach Miles.