Baylor Football

OU, OSU firmly at the top with three games to go | Big 12 Power Rankings

November 11, 2021
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The Big 12 regular-season race is coming down to the wire, as four teams vie for two spots in Arlington, with only three games remaining.

The state of Oklahoma's two Top 10 teams currently control the board, but a couple of Texas outfits have a chance to create chaos this weekend. In particular, a lot of fans around the country will be locked on Waco and McLane Stadium. 

Ahead of this Saturday's full conference slate, here are my latest Big 12 power rankings. 

1. OKLAHOMA — OPEN

Despite being 9-0, the Sooners and QB Caleb Williams still have plenty of naysayers, and it's understandable given their numerous close calls, plus questions about the offensive line, defense, and opponents. Now begins a three-game gauntlet, starting in Waco, that could see them go 0-3 to close the regular season if they're not careful. However, with an open date last week, Lincoln Riley and the Sooners have had plenty of time to prepare for the Bears. 

Up Next: @ #13 Baylor, 11:00 am 

2. OKLAHOMA STATE — W 24-3 @ West Virginia

The Cowboys' defense smothered the Mountaineers on their way to a methodical, dominant victory. The Pokes tallied eight sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and three additional pressures. TCU's upset of Baylor threw any chance of Gundy's bunch taking the Frogs for granted out the window. They should be 10-1 heading into Bedlam. 

Up Next: Home vs. TCU, 7:00 pm 

3. BAYLOR — L 30-28 @ TCU

Rough week in Waco, with an unexpected loss to a hated rival and an abrupt departure of some beloved assistants to a separate hated rival. But, the total focus will be a must as #8 OU now rolls into town. It's a massive bounce-back opportunity, especially for Gerry Bohanon and the defense. The Bears are plenty capable of knocking off the Sooners if they play a clean game, and Baylor has thrived at home. It should be a fun atmosphere and an exciting battle. 

Up Next: Home vs. #8 Oklahoma, 11:00 am 

4. IOWA STATE — W 30-7 vs. Texas

Some could make an argument for the #3 spot based on momentum after their second-half shutdown of UT in Ames. The Cyclones' dream season got off to a rocky start, but they enter this weekend in an excellent position for a title game appearance. The key remains Brock Purdy's play, but the Cyclones are in control of their destiny.

Up Next: Home @ Texas Tech, 2:30 pm 

5. KANSAS STATE — W 35-10 @ Kansas

I don't feel like there's a whole lot to take away from their beatdown of ailing Kansas, except that the Wildcats were heated after QB Skylar Thompson was taken out in the 4th quarter, thanks to a controversial hit. Winners of three straight now that the schedule has evened out and a solid team with Thompson at the helm. 

Up Next: Home vs. West Virginia, 11:00 am 

6. TCU — W 30-28 vs. #12 Baylor

What a turn of events for the Frogs. From the rollercoaster of emotions after Patterson stepped down to the highs of beating rival Baylor with an interim coach. Chandler Morris put on an all-time performance, but it's hard to imagine him duplicating that against the Big 12's best defense on the road. But, if he does, the future is bright as the sun for Sonny Dykes or whoever takes over in Fort Worth next. 

Up Next: @ #10 Oklahoma State, 7:00 pm 

7. TEXAS TECH — L 52-21 @ #4 Oklahoma

The Red Raiders' open week was a victory without playing a game as they announced the hiring of Baylor assistant Joey McGuire as their new head coach, along with prized recruiting analyst James Blanchard. Lubbock is now brimming with optimism for the future while the current season plays out under interim Sonny Cumbie. The Cyclones seem to be a horrible matchup, but Tech needs one more win for bowl eligibility. They could also see the return of Tyler Shough at QB. 

Up Next: Home vs. Iowa State, 2:30 pm 

8. TEXAS — L 30-7 @ Iowa State

Pole Assassin and a pet monkey were replaced in the news cycle by a player secretly recording an epic rant from DL coach Bo Davis on the team bus following a second-half butt-kicking and fourth straight loss. Casey Thompson got benched for Hudson Card, and oh yeah, that reported argument between Sarkisian and WR Joshua Moore at practice last week has led to Moore entering the transfer portal. Whew. At least with Kansas next, the Longhorns aren't in danger of losing their fifth straight. Right?  

Up Next: Home vs. Kansas, 6:30 pm 

9. WEST VIRGINIA — L 24-3 vs. Iowa State

Oklahoma State took the Mountaineers out to the woodshed in Morgantown. Jarret Doege had a nightmare day, but the result wasn't surprising. WVU needs two wins for a bowl berth. 

Up Next: @ Kansas State, 11:00 am  

10. KANSAS — L 35-10 vs. Kansas State

You know the deal. The Jayhawks are riding a 7-game losing streak but have nothing to lose as they head to Austin. 

Up Next: @ Texas, 6:30 pm

Tags: Big 12, Football, 2021
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OU, OSU firmly at the top with three games to go | Big 12 Power Rankings

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