Big 12 Power Rankings Week 7: New Cellar Dweller
The Big 12's latest round of results featured an instant classic in Lawrence, a stunning shutout in South Dallas, a street fight in Stillwater, and a Big Ten impression in Ames.
Entering Week 7, here are my latest Big 12 Power Rankings.
1. OKLAHOMA STATE (W 41-31 vs. Texas Tech)
The Cowboys dispatched a pesky Red Raiders team at home, outscoring Tech 21-7 in the second half to remain unbeaten. Complementary football proved the winning formula once again, as all three phases pulled their weight. The fanbase feels disrespected by a perceived lack of attention, but that'll be remedied quickly by CFB media should they beat the favored Frogs in Fort Worth.
Up Next: @ #13 TCU // Saturday, 2:30 pm, ABC
2. TCU (W 38-31 @ #19 Kansas)
Sonny Dykes’ squad is one of the hottest teams in the country following a huge College GameDay win at Kansas. Their prize is turning around and hosting the top ten Cowboys in a battle of Big 12 unbeaten. Max Duggan continues to thrive, and Duggan vs. Sanders is one of the better dual-threat QB matchups in college football.
Up Next: Home vs. #8 Oklahoma State // Saturday, 2:30 pm, ABC
3. TEXAS (W 49-0 vs. Oklahoma)
The Longhorns beat down rival Oklahoma in historical fashion, and the 49-0 score really doesn't do the whooping justice. The Texas offense appeared to be playing against air at times because of OU's pitiful defense and UT's dynamic play-calling and execution, led by Quinn Ewers.
Up Next: Home vs. Iowa State // Saturday, 11:00 am, ABC
4. KANSAS STATE (W 10-9 @ Iowa State)
The Wildcats earned a gutsy win despite ISU stifling their signature rushing attack. An 81-yard TD pass on the opening drive and a 4th quarter FG won't cut it in most contests moving forward, but it was enough to survive the Cyclones. K-State left Ames victories but banged up, so this break is timely and vital.
Up Next: OPEN
5. BAYLOR (OPEN)
This site knows the importance of a win on Thursday night, but the stakes are similar for their opponent. Fresh off a bye week filled with self-reflection, this is a prime opportunity to make some history in Morgantown and establish a strong tone for the second half of the season. Unfortunately, WVU is another opponent embarrassed by last year's result.
Up Next: @ West Virginia // Thursday, 6:00 pm, FS1
6. KANSAS (L 38-31 vs. #17 TCU)
What a week, huh? The Jayhawks went from unbeaten and hosting GameDay to suffering their first loss, albeit in an instant classic, while potentially losing star QB Jalon Daniels for the season. The timetable and extent of Daniels' absence remain unclear after some mind games with the media this week, but suiting up against the Sooners seems highly improbable. However, Lance Leipold has a solid backup option in Jason Bean, who stepped in admirably last week.
Up Next: @ Oklahoma // Saturday, 11:00 am, ESPN2
7. TEXAS TECH (L 41-31 @ #7 Oklahoma State)
The Red Raiders are a scrappy bunch but dropped to 0-3 on the road while also losing consecutive Big 12 games. The showing in Stillwater was more than respectable but fell short despite a tremendous showing from Behren Morton, as the Tech QB room remains in flux and prone to injury behind a shaky offensive line. Nevertheless, few teams in the country have walked a tougher road at this point, so the break should be well received.
Up Next: OPEN
8. IOWA STATE (L 10-9 vs. #20 Kansas State)
The Cyclones' defense keeps them competitive, but their offense is in messy rebuild mode and not a significant threat, especially when RB Jirehl Brock misses time like last week. I don't like their chances in Austin, but the ISU D vs. Sark & Ewers provides a layer of intrigue.
Up Next: @ #22 Texas // Saturday, 11:00 am, ABC
9. WEST VIRGINIA (OPEN)
A Thursday night home game against a team that physically punked you last season? After a bye week? It sounds like an excellent opportunity for the Mountaineers to enact some payback against the Bears. The loss of RB CJ Donaldson to a concussion is significant but not insurmountable for the JT Daniels-led offense. WVU is desperate for a win, and upsetting Baylor would be a big feather in the cap for Neal Brown after some frustrating defeats.
Up Next: Home vs. Baylor // Thursday, 6:00 pm, FS1
10. OKLAHOMA (L 49-0 vs. Texas)
The Sooners suffered one of the most embarrassing losses in program history last Saturday, not even managing a point or any real threat against arch-rival Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Was that an example of growing pains or signs of things to come? Time will tell. There are whispers that Dillon Gabriel could return this weekend, and that would certainly help matters but won't cure the atrocious defensive play. KU is still dangerous, but without Jalon Daniels, this seems like a potential bounce-back for the struggling Sooners, as they also debut new alternate uniforms.
Up Next: Home vs. #19 Kansas // Saturday, 11:00 am, ESPN2