POWER RANKINGS
Did we witness the Big 12 game of the year at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday? Surely TV execs want a Sooner and Longhorn rematch in the conference title game come December, but can both teams overcome flaws to run the table? Baylor, Iowa State and even Kansas State should have something to say about that. Here’s where we have the Big 12 teams ranked in the power poll this week:
1. Oklahoma (6-0)
This week: vs. TCU
The Sooners stay in the CFP driver’s seat by outlasting Texas in an all-timer (at least for those who wear crimson) in Dallas. The question this week - who will be driving the bus, Caleb Williams or Spencer Rattler?
2. Oklahoma State (5-0)
This week: at Texas
After a bye week, the Cowboys still fly under the postseason radar, but Mike Gundy’s troops still control their own CFP destiny, starting with a showdown with Texas Saturday.
3. Baylor (5-1)
This week: vs. BYU
The Bears handled their business versus West Virginia Saturday, scoring early and often and then cruising by the Mountaineers. QB Gerry Bohannon is still perfect on the year - 11 TDs passing with zero interceptions through half a season.
4. Texas (4-2)
This week: vs. Oklahoma State
The Longhorns remain in the Top 25 and have a chance to move in the power poll with a win over Oklahoma State. The offense looks dynamite in the hands of quarterback Casey Thompson.
5. Iowa State (3-2)
This week: at Kansas State
The Cyclones have the talent to make another run to the Big 12 title game. Saturday’s game versus Kansas State could be a litmus test to see if Matt Campbell’s squad is up to the task.
6. Kansas State (3-2)
This week: vs. Iowa State
The Wildcats are still looking for a conference win, and Iowa State could offer them a huge opportunity to start a run of winnable league games to push toward a bowl berth.
7. TCU (3-2)
This week: at Oklahoma
The Horned Frogs bounced back from a loss to Texas with a rout on the South Plains. Texas Tech could not stop the ground game as TCU chewed up close to 400 yards.
8. Texas Tech (4-2)
This week: at Kansas
The Red Raiders never got off the mat Saturday after TCU put up 35 points in the first half. The offense looks great. The defense does not. It’s a must win in Lawrence this weekend if Tech wants to play in a bowl game.
9. West Virginia (2-4)
This week: off
The Mountaineers’ win over a thenranked Virginia Tech seems to be an outlier on the season. Baylor made West Virginia one-dimensional on Saturday, shutting down the ground game and running away with a 21-7 first quarter.
10. Kansas (1-4)
This week: vs. Texas Tech
Saturday could be the Jayhawks’ best chance for a conference win this year. It’s another long year for Kansas at the bottom of the league.