Baylor & OSU climb in latest Big 12 Power Rankings ahead of top-25 matchup

The Big 12 race is in full gear, and at least one of three unbeaten Top 25 teams is guaranteed to fall on Saturday as #21 Baylor travels to #19 Oklahoma State. Fellow unbeaten OU has no easy task either. Ahead of a complete five-game slate, here are my conference power rankings entering week five. 

1. OKLAHOMA — W 16-13 vs. West Virginia

OU can't run the ball, and it will eventually catch up with them in the final result. But until that happens, the Sooners remain on top thanks to their defense and potential offensive output. Lincoln Riley and company appear to be playing with fire, no doubt, and Kansas State has had their number in recent years. In good news, Spencer Rattler can't get booed by his home crowd this weekend. 

Up next: @ Kansas State, 2:30 pm 

2. OKLAHOMA STATE — W 31-20 vs. #25 Kansas State

The return of WR Tay Martin paid dividends last week as the Cowboys' passing game finally unloaded. QB Spencer Sanders had one of his better performances in the win over K-State as the offense finally found some balance. RB Jaylen Warren is fantastic and so is Jim Knowles' defense, although the Wildcats shut out the Pokes offense in the second half. 

Up next: Home vs. #21 Baylor, 6:00 pm 

3. BAYLOR — W 31-29 vs. #14 Iowa State

Last Saturday, the win over Iowa State was too close for comfort, but it showed everyone the Bears can line up against a good team and earn a victory outright. After facing a great Cyclones defense, it gets no easier against Oklahoma State. But Gerry Bohanon and the offense will have to find a way to the end-zone, and the team needs to put its self-inflicted issues in the rearview to have a chance. The defense will also settle back into a life without star LB Terrel Bernard for the time being. 

Up next: @ #19 Oklahoma State, 6:00 pm 

4. IOWA STATE — L 31-29 @ Baylor

The Cyclones experienced a tough loss in Waco, and it's been a rough start to the season. However, I still think ISU is a dang good football team and will upset the Big 12 apple cart over the next few weeks. Word around Ames is they've rightfully been working on special teams in the wake of last Saturday. Have mercy on Kansas' soul. 

Up next: Home vs. Kansas, 2:30 pm 

5. TEXAS — W 70-35 vs. Texas Tech

Many were quick to pile on UT after the butt-whipping by Arkansas, but the Razorbacks are a good team. Since making the switch at QB, Casey Thompson has been super-efficient and calmed the offensive waters. However, no program is more erratic than Texas, and no team has had the Longhorns' number more in recent years than TCU. This game will be telling, and Sarkisian's offense vs. Patterson's defense should be a fun chess match to watch. 

Up next: @ TCU, 11:00 am 

6. TCU — L 42-34 vs. SMU

The Frogs remain plenty good, but that loss to SMU was a wake-up call. Somewhat about TCU, but more about where the Mustangs have risen over the last few years. You can tell the Frogs need a pick me up after the loss and ahead of Texas, based on Patterson's ridiculous ranting in the media, aimed at lighting a fire in the program before a big home game. TCU has owned this series in the Big 12 era, but current momentum seems to be on Texas' side. The Frogs defense could see a handful of needed playmakers back by Saturday. 

Up next: Home vs. Texas, 11:00 am 

7. WEST VIRGINIA — L 16-13 @ #4 Oklahoma

The summary remains unchanged. An excellent defense is hindered at times by an average offense and self-inflicted mistakes. The Mountaineers had OU on the ropes but couldn't land the knockout blow and instead shot themselves in the foot. A tough out for anyone in the Big 12. 

Up next: Home vs. Texas Tech, 2:30 pm 

8. KANSAS STATE — L 31-20 @ Oklahoma State

Unfortunately for Chris Kliemann, the reality of QB Skylar Thompson's absence hit like a ton of bricks in last week's loss to Oklahoma State as the Pokes shut down Deuce Vaughn in the run game and turnovers flipped the tables. Granted, it was a good defense, and Wildcats wide receivers couldn't catch a cold, but instead of having "the guy" behind center, K-State is working a two-QB rotation/competition between Will Howard and Jaren Lewis. KSU has been OU's kryptonite when the Sooners have looked great, so an upset at home this weekend isn't out of the question. Still a competent team. 

Up next: Home vs. #6 Oklahoma, 2:30 pm 

9. TEXAS TECH — L 70-35 @ Texas

Steve Sarkisian's offense will present problems for many teams, but he ripped the mask right off the Red Raiders' defense. RB Tahj Brooks is injured, but SaRodorick Thompson has returned, and they lost starting safety Marquise 'Muddy' Waters for the season against Texas. With Henry Colombi back at QB due to Tyler Shough's injury, Tech is pretty much the same team from a year ago. 

Up next: @ West Virginia, 2:30 pm 

10. KANSAS — L 52-33 @ Duke

The Jayhawks scored points every quarter against Duke and led 24-21 at halftime, but a 21-3 third quarter doomed their chances against the Blue Devils. One day, Lance Leipold's team will get a big win, but it won't be soon, and it definitely won't be this Saturday in Ames. 

Up next: @ Iowa State, 2:30 pm