Big 12 Power Rankings Week 12: Who will meet TCU in Arlignton?
TCU has booked one spot in the Big 12 Championship game while remaining unbeaten and alive as the Big 12’s sole College Football Playoff contender.
Elsewhere, by winning out, Kansas State can book a rematch with the Frogs, and this time with a title on the line. But if pure chaos erupts, Texas, Oklahoma State, and yes, Baylor still hold out the slightest of hopes to reach Arlington.
Overall, six conference teams have earned bowl eligibility. Oklahoma and Texas Tech need just one more win, while Iowa State and West Virginia must win out. So, with two weeks remaining, the nation’s most competitive conference isn’t slowing down by any means.
Here are my latest Big 12 Power Rankings, entering week 11 of the college football regular season.
1. TCU (10-0, 7-0)
W 17-10 @ #18 Texas
Last Week: #1
They find a way to win. The No. 4 Frogs remained unbeaten after riding the legs of running back Kendre Miller and solid defense to a win in Austin. Miller's success is no surprise, but that defensive showing was stupendous despite not being their calling card all year. Now, the task of beating hated rival Baylor in Waco, but I’m not sure TCU sweats any of that, given recent history. Every team dream, farfetched or not, before the season remains alive with three weeks to play.
Up Next: @ Baylor // Saturday, 11:00 am, FOX
2. KANSAS STATE (7-3, 5-2)
W 31-3 @ Baylor
Last Week: #4
The Wildcats regained control of their Big 12 title destiny by thoroughly whooping Baylor in Waco. So, it’s now Will Howard's time, officially. He was again sensational in relief of Adrian Martinez, who exited early with an injury that will keep him sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks. While terrible news for the Wildcats' original QB1, based on what we’ve seen of Howard, it could be a blessing in disguise to K-State’s present and future. But, the Wildcats better be plenty wary heading into Morgantown, as no matter the status of Neal Brown’s hot seat, that place knows how to play the role of dreams killer.
Up Next: @ West Virginia // Saturday, 1:00 pm, BIG 12/ESPN+
3. OKLAHOMA STATE (7-3, 4-3)
W 20-14 vs. Iowa State
Last Week: #6
Spencer Sanders to the rescue. When they needed him most, Oklahoma State’s Superman brushed off his shoulder injury and came off the bench to take over late third quarter and guide the Cowboys to a win over Iowa State. Now, Sanders is officially back in the starter saddle ahead of Bedlam and a matchup against the most susceptible Oklahoma team in ages. Still, they’ll walk into Norman — a place Gundy has won once in eight previous tries — as outright underdogs.
Up Next: @ Oklahoma // Saturday, 6:30 pm, ABC
4. TEXAS (6-4, 4-3)
L 17-10 vs. #4 TCU
Last Week: #2
The Longhorns' defense played exceptionally well against the Horned Frogs. Still, Gary Patterson and actual DC Pete Kwiatkowski’s efforts fell short, as the Horns’ offense looked like it was playing one of GP’s old Fort Worth defenses. Healthy or not, Quinn Ewers is only human, after all, and a redshirt freshman, which has been abundantly clear of late. Even Bijan Robinson struggled to find yards last week, as the Texas offense seems a little out of whack. No program knows the danger that is Kansas better, much less this successful version of the Jayhawks.
Up Next: @ Kansas // Saturday, 2:30 pm, FS1
5. BAYLOR (6-4, 4-3)
L 31-3 vs. #19 Kansas State
Last Week: #3
So, that happened. The Bears were taken to the woodshed at home, and entering week eleven, not even their head coach knows what to expect performance-wise from one week to the next. Still, Big Noon Kickoff is in town, and an even more significant opportunity — in some ways — awaits the Bears, playing the role of dream killer against the rival Frogs. And just in general, they’re desperately due for a win in this series, period. For that to occur, they have to be better in all three phases, and Blake Shapen needs to clear the slate and play with some confidence but not recklessness.
Up Next: Home vs. #4 TCU // Saturday, 11:00 am, FOX
6. KANSAS (6-4, 3-4)
L 43-28 @ Texas Tech
Last Week: #5
The Jayhawks had their chances last week in Lubbock but fell short due in part to self-inflicted errors like a pair of missed field goals and a couple of Jason Bean turnovers. Star QB Jalon Daniels is close to returning, and home against Texas would be a brilliant time for such an occurrence, but there’s no official word on his status. Either way, the Jayhawks have no fear of playing Texas. So why do they remain ahead of a team that just beat them? Unlike the Red Raiders, KU is already going bowling.
Up Next: Home vs. Texas // Saturday, 2:30 pm, FS1
7. TEXAS TECH (5-5, 3-4)
W 43-28 vs. Kansas
Last Week: #9
Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders got a big win over Kansas to keep legitimate bowl hopes alive and quite realistic. Tyler Shough was the man at quarterback last week, finally consistently healthy enough to show his impact. Unfortunately, defensive star and future NFL first-round draft pick Tyree Wilson was carted off with an undisclosed lower leg injury. He’ll miss the ISU game, at minimum. Overall, Tech has two cracks at getting bowl eligible and could do so by earning their first road win of the year this weekend.
Up Next: @ Iowa State // Saturday, 6:00 pm, FS1
8. WEST VIRGINIA (4-6, 2-5)
W 23-20 vs. Oklahoma
Last Week: #10
The Mountaineers beat Oklahoma for the first time in 10 years and celebrated by promptly shoving out athletic director Shane Lyons days later. Inevitably, Neal Brown will eventually follow as WVU prepares to hit the reset button at a critical juncture in college athletics. Morgantown remains a nightmare destination for many, so Top 15 Kansas State should stay leery ahead of this weekend. QB JT Daniels was benched last week as struggles mounted, leading to Garrett Greene sparking the team to a win with his gifted running ability, while Casey Legg’s leg finished the job.
Up Next: Home vs. #15 Kansas State // Saturday, 1:00 pm, BIG 12/ESPN+
9. OKLAHOMA (5-5, 2-5)
L 23-30 @ West Virginia
Last Week: #7
The Sooners’ found a new low last Saturday falling to West Virginia for the first time in 10 years. There’s no shame losing in Morgantown, but there's some when it’s to a lame duck head coach, a backup quarterback placed into duty because of the starter’s struggles, and now suddenly you must win one of your final two games to make a bowl. On the bright side, RB Eric Gray continued to shine as his 200+ yard performance put him over 1,000 on the year. This new reality for OU Football is harsh, but the big question remains whether it is a one-year bump in the road or more of a sign of things to come.
Up Next: Home vs. #22 Oklahoma State // Saturday, 6:30 pm, ABC
10. IOWA STATE (4-6, 1-6)
L 20-14 vs. Oklahoma State
Last Week: #8
Same song, different week. The Cyclones are strong on defense and abysmal on offense. Last week, ISU led Oklahoma State 14-10 entering the fourth until an injured Spencer Sanders led the Pokes to a come-from-behind victory with a 10-0 final frame. QB Hunter Dekkers threw three interceptions, giving the sophomore a 17-to-13 TD-to-INT ratio this year. They can still earn a bowl bid only by winning this Saturday.
Up Next: Home vs. Texas Tech // Saturday, 6:00 pm, FS1