Big 12 Power Rankings Week 8: Order Beginning to Show
A lead pack may be emerging in the Big 12, but little seems to separate one through ten as we near the midway point. After this weekend's fun-on-paper slate, only one team will stand perfect in conference play amid a further shakeup in the total standings.
In league news, Commissioner Brett Yormark is teasing a sooner-than-expected TV deal announcement as the league looks to solidify revenue and claim valuable TV territory in the immediate post-realignment future.
Amid these exciting times, here are my latest Big 12 Power Rankings as we enter week eight.
1. TCU (W 43-40 vs. #8 Oklahoma State - 2 OT)
The Frogs are the only undefeated team remaining in the Big 12, and as winners of six straight, the easy choice for numero uno. Albeit in a league that still seems nowhere near settled, and TCU is nowhere near safe. Look no further than this weekend, as the Frogs welcome in Kansas State, the winner emerging as the only unbeaten team in conference play. Max Duggan is one of the nation's best quarterbacks thanks to his evolving passing game and a stellar supporting cast led by WR Quentin Johnston. They were on the ropes against the Pokes but made plays late and stole away a defining victory for Sonny Dykes up to this point.
Up Next: Home vs. #17 Kansas State // Saturday, 7:00 pm, FS1
2. KANSAS STATE (OPEN)
The rested-up Wildcats are two weeks removed from a 10-9 win over Iowa State in Ames. Fair to assume they'll need more than 10 points this weekend to outmatch an electric TCU offensive attack, but K-State has shown it can win both shootouts and near shutouts. The winner of this weekend's showdown will be rewarded with sole possession of the conference lead. Adrian Martinez vs. Max Duggan in an essential national Top 25 contest is the Paul Rudd/Hot Ones "Hey, Look at Us" meme come to life.
Up Next: @ #8 TCU // Saturday, 7:00 pm, FS1
3. OKLAHOMA STATE (L 43-40 @ #13 TCU - 2 OT)
The Pokes entered the fourth quarter in Fort Worth with a 14-point lead and left after two overtime with their first loss of the year. Spencer Sanders has a dinged-up shoulder, but to what extent remains a State secret. The Cowboys are a good team that shouldn't be punished too harshly for falling in double OT on the road to a ranked team. However, they need more from their running game, especially if Sanders is limited.
Up Next: Home vs. #20 Texas // Saturday, 2:30 pm, ABC
4. TEXAS (W 24-21 vs. Iowa State)
The Longhorns were fortunate to avoid defeat at home last week, as the Quinn Ewers to Xavier Worthy connection and some beneficial calls saved the day. That could have been a stumbling block but became an exciting victory and an immense sigh of relief. As a result, the Longhorns have an opportunity to take an inside position in the Big 12 title race, with matchups against K-State and TCU still to come. A loss here, and any CFP dream scenarios dissolve.
Up Next: @ #11 Oklahoma State // Saturday, 2:30 pm, ABC
5. WEST VIRGINIA (W 43-40 vs. Baylor)
WVU snatched a victory away from the jaws of defeat last week by taking advantage of Baylor's miscues and hitting some explosive plays. The Mountaineers are a solid enough football team to grab some more wins, but I think the negativity surrounding Neal Brown still lingers. Now, beat Tech in Lubbock, and tunes will probably start sweetening a little further. I don't love them traveling halfway across the country to Lubbock following a Tech bye week, although a Thursday win over Baylor meant a little extra rest for the 'Eers, too. Anyways, the winner gets further distanced from pulling up in last place.
Up Next: @ Texas Tech, 2:00 pm, FS1
6. BAYLOR (L 43-40 @ West Virginia)
The Bears let one get away in Morgantown, suffering their second straight loss on the year and in conference play. On the bright side, Blake Shapen is expected back following a head injury against the Mountaineers. Still, Kyron Drones should probably stay ready and keep his arm loose, just in case. This team seems just a step off, but if the Bears can play better complementary football, they can play with just about anybody. If this team has a pulse, we should see it this weekend. Homecoming could add some extra spice to this weekend's atmosphere, but the bottom line, a win would do a world of good for this team's confidence.
Up Next: Home vs. Kansas, 11:00 am, ESPN 2
7. OKLAHOMA (W 52-42 vs. #19 Kansas)
After an embarrassing start to Big 12 play, the Sooners finally earned their first league win, and it surprisingly coincided with QB Dillon Gabriel's return. The defense remains a question mark, but now they get a chance to regroup during the bye week break in the action. Historically, it's still stunning they were basically out of the Big 12 race by mid-October, and their second half story will be interesting.
Up Next: OPEN
8. KANSAS (L 52-42 @ Oklahoma)
QB Jalon Daniels is unlikely to play and hasn't practiced this week. So, Jason Bean becomes target numero uno for Baylor's defense. The Jayhawks scored 42 on a bad OU defense last weekend, but it wasn't enough for a win. KU will show up ready to scrap in Waco, but they appear to be losing some serious steam as injuries mount along with consecutive losses. The Jayhawks can enjoy a much-needed bye next week.
Up Next: @ Baylor, 11:00 am, ESPN 2
9. TEXAS TECH (OPEN)
The Red Raiders had a grinder of an early schedule, so they benefitted from the break in action a bye week brings teams. Joey McGuire said QB Donovan Smith would be back in action, alongside last week's start Behren Morton, and original starter Tyler Shough is close to being back as well. If not this weekend, Baylor seems like a safe bet the following week. Either way, if all three are healthy and ready this weekend, all three will play. How Tech navigates the QB committee and what that produces is one of the bigger storylines for them down the stretch.
Up Next: Home vs. West Virginia, 2:00 pm, FS1
10. IOWA STATE (L 24-21 @ #22 Texas)
The Cyclones had Texas on the ropes but couldn't finish the job in the fourth quarter. This a recurring theme for ISU as they lost their fourth straight this season after a 3-0 start to the year, dropping to 0-4 in Big 12 play. This team has some weaknesses, but the defense remains among the country's top units. Their margin of losses, 7, 3, 1, and 3, is sickening. So, it's fair to say they could use a breather.
Up Next: OPEN
