Big 12 Mojo Rankings: Week Two

Welcome one and all to the second edition of the weekly Big 12 Football Mojo Rankings. 

A fresh article will drop each Thursday, reflecting my thoughts on how the conference race stacks up in more ways than one. 

These rankings are about winning, yes, but also other ingredients like momentum, swagger, star power, style, the schedule, and the overall state of the program. 

Yes, 0-1 teams are still ahead of 1-0 teams in some cases because I need more evidence, and records don't tell the whole tale. So, with one weekend of proof down, here are my Big 12 Mojo Rankings entering week two. 

1. TEXAS (1-0) 

Last Week: (#1) W 37-10 vs. Rice 

It took a little while to hit another gear, but the Longhorns quickly dispatched the Owls, no surprise, as the defense ruled the day, while the offense consistently failed to finish drives outside of a huge third quarter. Longhorns fans swear they would have beaten 'Bama to win the 2009 title had Colt McCoy not gotten hurt in the first quarter of a 37-21 loss, and swear they would have won last year's game if Ewers wasn't knocked out of action in the first quarter of a 20-19 loss. Unlike Colt, here's another golden opportunity for the current golden boy. 

Up Next: AT #3 Alabama, Saturday @ 6 pm on ESPN

2. KANSAS STATE (1-0)  

Last Week: (#3) W 45-0 vs. SE Missouri State 

The 'Cats stayed hot in a glorified exhibition that saw lots of fun numbers, including QB Will Howard's scoring hat trick of passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns — not just in one game, but all in the first half. They have some playmakers but a couple of question marks to flesh out like everyone else. Still, they dominated as expected in a carefree first contest.  

Up Next: Home vs. Troy, Saturday @ 11 am on FS1 

3. OKLAHOMA (1-0)  

Last Week: (#4) W 73-0 vs. Arkansas State 

The Sooners looked salty against a completely overmatched ASU squad. For a fanbase desperately thirsty for success and signs of improvement, this was the perfect script for the opener, from the shutout on defense to the explosive offensive numbers and even a score on special teams. There were good vibes in Norman. Next, up a Big 12 vs. AAC game — or a future SEC vs. ACC game — that will serve as a good measuring stick for both teams, regardless of the affiliations. 

Up Next: Home vs. SMU, Saturday @ 5 pm on ESPN+ 

4. UCF (1-0) 

Last Week: (#5) W 56-6 vs. Kent State

The Knights are a speedy, explosive squad reminiscent of old Baylor teams. John Rhys Plumlee continued to show off his dual-threat abilities, and in general, it was a carefree but successful opener. They'll face a more exciting challenge on the blue turf in Boise this Saturday. 

Up Next: AT Boise State, Saturday, 6 pm on FS1 

5. KANSAS (1-0) 

Last Week: (#8) W 48-17 vs. Missouri State

Jalon Daniels didn't play but will debut this week. Instead, reliable veteran backup Jason Bean took care of business on a big day for the offense. It took a good while to separate, but eventually, they did, thanks to a balanced attack. Next, a showdown with the Big Ten Illini and the Jayhawks are breaking out new 'Blackhawk' uniforms for the occasion. 

Up Next: Home vs. Illinois, Friday @ 6:30 pm on ESPN2 

6. CINCINNATI (1-0) 

Last Week: (#11) W 66-13 vs. Eastern Kentucky

Emory Jones balled out, earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors in his Cincy debut and the program's first game under new head coach Scott Satterfield. Jones accounted for 7 TD in an explosive offensive showing against an FCS opponent. Now, a considerable step up in competition as they resume the short-lived River City Rivalry for the first time since 2012. 

Up Next: AT Pitt, Saturday @ 5:30 pm on The CW Network 

7. TCU (0-1) 

Last Week: (#2) L 45-42 vs. Colorado  

The game vs. Colorado did big business, as expected, but not in the ways TCU would have most liked on the scoreboard. Instead, they were on the losing end of the most talked-about game in the country last week, thanks to Coach Prime. Game-wise, the defense was 'terrible' according to Sonny Dykes, and QB Chandler Morris had a couple of costly red zone interceptions that could've flipped the result. It was such a downer even the Kaz Kazadi-led athletic performance side got critiqued because a red-hot Emani Bailey cramped up on a hot day, while CU's Travis Hunter had no issues playing both ways and going over 100 snaps. The Frogs were 12-0 at one point last year but are now 1-3 in their previous four contests. 

Up Next: Home vs. Nicholls, Saturday @ 7 pm on ESPN+

8. TEXAS TECH (0-1)  

Last Week: (#5) L 35-33 in 2OT AT Wyoming

Well, that's not what was supposed to happen. Tech started hot but couldn't finish, and Wyoming pulled some early season magic at home in double-overtime, to the shock and dismay of many in college football. But mainly a Red Raiders fanbase with huge expectations. The offensive line is still a work in progress. Adding extra salt to the wound is the loss of LB Jacob Rodriguez for the next 4-6 weeks. Just like that, the Red Raiders are 0-1 and possibly 0-2 unless they make the most of a high-profile home contest against the flashy Ducks. Saturday night is an ample opportunity and a much-needed win. 

Up Next: Home vs. #7 Oregon, Saturday @ 6 pm on FOX

9. OKLAHOMA STATE (1-0) 

Last Week: (#9) W 27-13 vs. Central Arkansas 

The Pokes only led 13-7 entering the fourth quarter but eventually dispatched the FCS Bears. The Cowboys were one of the bigger mysteries to me this offseason, and week one was not promising. They used three QBs, with Garret Rangel getting the start, but transfer Alan Bowman and Gunnar Gundy also seeing reps. Waco's own Korie Black blocked 2 FG for the Cowboys. But that was u-g-l-y, and if they don't snap out of it soon, you have to wonder how long they'll wander.

Up Next: AT Arizona State @ 9:30 pm on ESPN+ 

10. BYU (1-0)  

Last Week: (#10) W 14-0 vs. Sam Houston

The good news is the retooled defense pitched a shutout. Bad news: the now Kedon Slovis-led offense only mustered 14 points. And that came from Slovis rushing TDs in the first and fourth frames. Sure, we all know Sam isn't a pushover program, but still, that's a slightly concerning outcome that could turn into a colossal issue quickly, but we need to see more. On the bright side, freshman RB LJ Martin had a promising debut that created some positive buzz in Provo — the alcohol-free kind. 

Up Next: Home vs. Southern Utah, Saturday @ 2:00 pm on ESPN+  

11. IOWA STATE (1-0) 

Last Week: (#12) W 30-9 vs. Northern Iowa 

The Cyclones needed the season to start as much as anyone, and it was worth the wait, at least for now. Redshirt freshman QB Rocco Becht held down the fort in his first start. Sophomore safety Jeremiah Cooper was Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after two interceptions, including a 58-yard pick-six to start the scoring. Now, the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy, which Campbell won for the first time a year ago. 

Up Next: Home vs. Iowa, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on FOX 

12. HOUSTON (1-0)  

Last Week: (#13) W 17-14 vs. UTSA 

The Coogs won over social media and the fashionistas with their "Luv Ya Houston" Oilers tribute uniforms. They also won an ugly but gratifying season-opener over a feisty UTSA squad, thanks to stingy defense and three interceptions off super vet Frank Harris. The Coogs' offense needs work. Next up, the Battle for Bayou Bucket against Rice, a rivalry both sides have publicly stated they aim to continue in the future, despite the conference shuffling around college football. 

Up Next: AT Rice, 6 pm on NFL Network 

13. WEST VIRGINIA (0-1) 

Last Week: (#14) L 38-15 @ #7 Penn State 

The Mountaineers lost to a top-ten Penn State team in Happy Valley, and there's no shame in that. QB Garrett Greene played okay, but the passing game still needs significant improvement, and the defense got carved up by PSU's Drew Allar. He's good, though. The 'Eers hung around until the second half, but the mood has not changed much. This is their week for a guaranteed win. 

Up Next: Home vs. Duquesne, Saturday @ 5:00 pm on ESPN+ 

14. BAYLOR (0-1) 

Last Week: : (#7) L 42-31 vs. Texas State 

I'm open-minded that Texas State was just a bad cocktail, and the Bears are better than a handful of the above teams. But no other Big 12 program had a worse-looking loss in week one. Nor one that spawned so many other questions or concerns. A loss on the field that also included Blake Shapen getting injured and having to miss most of the following month. And a loss that also fired up the seat under Dave Aranda. It's been a rough start, but a fantastic opportunity awaits them at home this weekend against Utah.

Up Next: Home vs. #12 Utah, 11 am on ESPN