Big 12 Power Rankings Week 11: Battle for Number One
On Saturday, two games will majorly impact four conference teams, the ongoing Big 12 title race, and inevitably the College Football Playoff, thanks to TCU's unbeaten record.
Meanwhile, the rest of the league prepares to fight for bowl berths and slump-busters.
Here are my latest Big 12 Power Rankings, entering week eleven of the college football regular season.
1. TCU (9-0, 6-0)
W 34-24 vs. Texas Tech
Last Week: #1
The Frogs survived and advanced against Texas Tech thanks to yet another fourth-quarter surge — an injured opposing quarterback. After landing at No. 4 in the latest CFP rankings, everything remains in play for the program entering week 11, and they can clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship game with a win on Saturday. However, despite the 9-0 record, TCU finds themselves as touchdown underdogs ahead of their Top 25 College GameDay matchup in Austin. Additionally, WR Quentin Johnston's status is a vital unknown after he exited last week's game early on.
Up Next: @ #18 Texas // 6:30 pm, ABC
2. TEXAS (6-3, 4-2)
W 34-27 @ #14 Kansas State
Last Week: #2
The Longhorns rode Bijan Robinson and some Adrian Martinez turnovers into a huge top-15 road win. Now, they host College GameDay as favorites over No. 4 TCU. With a Big 12 title spot in view with a win this weekend. All the while, they stand to benefit greatly in recruiting from the struggles of rivals OU and Texas A&M, flipping prized defensive end and local star Colton Vasek from the Sooners this week. With all the sudden momentum and attention, Saturday is a massive opportunity for the Sark regime. And you think Gary Patterson wants to see the program he built winning titles and making the CFP a year after he "mutually agreed" upon departure?
Up Next: Home vs. #4 TCU // 6:30 pm, ABC
3. BAYLOR (6-3, 4-2)
W 38-35 @ Oklahoma
Last Week: #3
Three wins in a row and the Bears are bowl-eligible and in control of their destiny. Sqwirl Williams was fantastic against OU as the run game continued to be reliably violent the last three weeks. Complementary football is a winning formula, but this team still hasn't unlocked its full potential by a long shot. Win out, and they're in the Big 12 Championship game, but that's far from a certainty as Kansas State heads to Waco with elimination on the line. It appears the university might actually embrace the grassroots blackout movement ahead of the first night game in quite some time. All the ingredients are in play for a special night and absolute slobber-knocker at McLane on Saturday.
Up Next: Home vs. #19 Kansas State // Saturday, 6:00 pm, FS1
4. KANSAS STATE (6-3, 4-2)
L 34-27 vs. #24 Texas
Last Week: #4
Adrian Martinez was back in the saddle for better and worse in the loss to Texas. The Wildcats were blown out in the first half in front of their home crowd but clawed back and gave themselves a chance before QB1 gave UT the football again. As a result, the 'Cats head to Waco as slight underdogs with title hopes still alive, although they must win out and get some help. After their poor overall showing last week, K-State will bring their best this weekend, and Baylor better be prepared for a fight.
Up Next: @ Baylor // Saturday, 6:00 pm, FS1
5. KANSAS (6-3, 3-3)
W 37-16 vs. #18 Oklahoma State
Last Week: #8
Incredibly, the Jayhawks are bowl eligible for the first time since 2008 after beating Oklahoma State for their first Top 25 win since 2010. RB Devin Neal was sensational, notching the rare 200+ yards rushing/100+ yards receiving performance. The potential return of Jalon Daniels remains a question mark, but in his absence, Jason Bean has remained a steady playmaker at QB. The bowl game is fantastic and essential to building, but more than that, Lance Leipold's program still has a fighting chance to make the Big 12 title game, so long as they earn a win in Lubbock.
Up Next: @ Texas Tech // Saturday, 6:00 pm, BIG 12/ESPN+
6. OKLAHOMA STATE (6-3, 3-3)
L 37-16 vs. Kansas
Last Week: #5
Spencer Sanders didn't play, nor did many others, as a beat-up Pokes squad got beat up further by the Jayhawks last weekend. When or if Sanders returns is a complete mystery at the moment. And with so much uncertainty, it's difficult to peg how far the Cowboys should plummet, but these last two weeks have been historically ugly, primarily due to injuries and inexperience.
Up Next: Home vs. Iowa State // Saturday, 2:30 pm, ESPNU
7. OKLAHOMA (5-4, 2-4)
L 38-35 vs. Baylor
Last Week: #6
The Sooners have plenty to work on as the program continues its overhaul under Brent Venables. On the one hand, they didn't play well and only lost by three points to a good Baylor squad. On the other hand, this is Oklahoma Football, and there are no moral victories, especially when losing at home. Everyone involved would benefit from getting bowl-eligible this weekend and going from there. Eric Gray is a stud, but there's a stunning lack of top-end talent on that roster right now for various reasons. Adding insult to injury, OU lost star defensive commit, Colton Vasek to hated rival and hometown UT.
Up Next: @ West Virginia // Saturday, 11:00 am, FS1
8. IOWA STATE (4-5, 1-5)
W 31-14 vs. West Virginia
Last Week: #9
It wasn't easy, but the Cyclones finally won a Big 12 game. Leading 10-7 heading into the fourth quarter, ISU reeled off 21 straight in the final frame to keep bowl hopes alive and snap a five-game losing streak. Their bowl hopes remain alive, needing two wins in their last three contests. It's been a rough year, but earning a postseason berth would save some face.
Up Next: @ Oklahoma State // Saturday, 2:30 pm, ESPNU
9. TEXAS TECH (4-5, 2-4)
L 34-24 @ #7 TCU
Last Week: #7
The Red Raiders gave TCU a fight, as expected, but lost Behren Morton to a nagging ankle injury, as the quarterback room constantly remains in flux. Morton was a tough loss — and he's already been ruled out this week — but regardless, Tech ultimately couldn't overcome mistakes, penalties, and some analytics-driven decisions from head coach Joey McGuire. Fortunately, they return home, where they're 4-1, versus their now 0-4 mark on the road. With three to play, including two in Lubbock, Tech is fighting to earn a bowl berth and get that valuable extra practice time for a newer staff building a program.
Up Next: Home vs. Kansas // Saturday, 6:00 pm, BIG 12/ESPN+
10. WEST VIRGINIA (3-6, 1-5)
L 31-14 @ Iowa State
Last Week: #10
Morgantown and Mountaineers Football is the opposite of good vibes after a third consecutive loss and another Saturday full of frustration. The 'Eers must win out to reach the postseason, but let's be honest, that's not happening based on nine weeks of results. The future of Neal Brown remains the hottest topic surrounding the program. He's unlikely to go anywhere, but WV-based scuttlebutt suggests some staff shakeup could be on the horizon.
Up Next: Home vs. Oklahoma // Saturday, 11:00 am, FS1