Psalm 119:36
Cream continues to rise to the top in Big 12 after week seven | Power Rankings
With Oklahoma’s 52 on TCU and OSU’s come-from-behind victory over Texas, the Big 12 continues to move forward and the picture for the league is becoming clearer as there appears to be a distinguiseing line between top of the league and the bottom. Here are the Power Rankings for the Big 12 after week seven.
1. OKLAHOMA — W 52-31 vs. TCU
The Sooners are thriving offensively with Caleb Williams taking over at quarterback and RB Kennedy Brooks picking up steam. However, the defense is showing some cracks, especially in the secondary, giving up over 700 yards and nine touchdowns through the air in their last two games. Will Spencer Rattler see mop-up duty?
Up Next: Home vs. Kansas, 11:00 am
2. OKLAHOMA STATE — W 32-24 @ #25 Texas
The Cowboys were in trouble last week in Austin but now find themselves in the top ten after another comeback victory. Jaylen Warren is running straight towards all-conference honors in a league of great backs, and Jim Knowles’ defense always finds an answer. Big test on the road this week in Ames, but the Pokes have had the upper hand in this series. It should be a slobber-knocker.
Up Next: @ Iowa State, 2:30 pm
3. BAYLOR — W 38-24 vs. #19 BYU
The Bears are recharging with an open weekend before the second-half stretch run, starting with Texas at home. Baylor isn’t in complete control of its destiny but still positioned well to make some big noise if they uphold the standard.
Up Next: OPEN
4. IOWA STATE — W 33-20 @ Kansas State
The Cyclones had no trouble taking care of Kansas State in Manhattan. At 2-1 in the Big 12, ISU is alive and well in the conference race, and a win at home against #8 Oklahoma State would improve their chances dramatically. It should be a great atmosphere, and it will be interesting to see how effective Brock Purdy and Breece Hall are against this tough OSU defense.
Up Next: Home vs. #8 Oklahoma State, 2:30 pm
5. TEXAS — L 32-24 vs. #12 Oklahoma State
These last two weeks have been brutal, so the open date probably comes at a great time. The Longhorns can’t close games and have also suffered some injuries. There are even some grumblings once again about the starting quarterback spot, although Sarkisian confirmed Casey Thompson would remain QB1 and subsequently the starter against Baylor. The upcoming game in Waco is enormous for this team.
Up Next: OPEN
6. TCU — L 52-31 @ Oklahoma
Wide receiver Quentin Johnston had an all-timer of a day against OU, but it wasn’t nearly enough to win. The Frogs’ defense is in unfamiliar territory as a vulnerability. You can blame injuries to an extent, but they did see the returns of DT Cory Bethley and LB Jamoi Hodge last week. On offense, they were without running back Zach Evans due to injury, and fellow back Kendre Miller also got banged up. The Frogs remain formidable but have yet to hit a stride this season.
Up Next: Home vs. West Virginia, 6:30 pm
7. TEXAS TECH — W 41-14 @ Kansas
The Red Raiders handled Kansas with ease and now play host to a 3-3 Kansas State squad with a chance to earn win number six and bowl eligibility. This matchup will be intriguing because KSU has played a demanding schedule. After this weekend, the Red Raiders close the season at #3 OU, home vs. Iowa State and #8 OK State, and at #20 Baylor.
Up Next: vs. Kansas State, 11:00 am
8. KANSAS STATE — L 33-20 vs. Iowa State
The Wildcats’ conference struggles continued last week as Iowa State was the better team. They’re 0-3, but that’s against #8 Oklahoma State, #6 Oklahoma, and ISU. QB Skylar Thompson hasn’t been a running threat since returning two weeks ago, and their defense needs to clean up the sloppiness. The Wildcats could use a win to state the obvious, but that’s no guarantee in Lubbock.
Up Next: @ Texas Tech, 11:00 am
9. WEST VIRGINIA — OPEN
Neal Brown and the Mountaineers were in rough shape following their loss in Waco two weeks ago, a third straight. Now, WVU is fresh off a bye week and needs to go 4-2 down the stretch to secure a postseason berth. The issues on offense are well-documented, and the defense has taken some lumps in the secondary. A loss this weekend would put the ‘Eers at 2-5 with Iowa State and Oklahoma State to follow. Not great.
Up Next: @ TCU, 6:30 pm
10. KANSAS — L 41-14 vs. Texas Tech
The tenth and final spot is the Jayhawks’ spot, and they are not budging anytime soon.
Up Next: Home vs. #3 Oklahoma, 11:00 am