Big 12 Mojo Rankings: Week Five

Welcome, one and all, to the Week 5 edition of the Big 12 Football Mojo Rankings. 

Each Thursday, a new release reflects my thoughts on the conference race and how programs stack up overall, outside of solely wins. 

These rankings are still about winning, most of all, but I also include other ingredients, such as style, momentum, star power, the schedule, and the overall state of the program. 

With the calendar flipping to October, business is about to pick up. 

(1) TEXAS (4-0 | 1-0) 

Last Week: (#1) W 38-6 @ Baylor 

The Longhorns trampled over Baylor in their final visit to McLane Stadium, although their special teams need some work. We know the history against Kansas and how hilarious a loss with these circumstances would be, so I anticipate the Longhorns will be ready. Then again, Red River looms only a week away, so there's always a chance for distraction. They also landed 5-star OT Brandon Baker this week, so everything continues trending upward. 

Up Next: Home vs. Kansas, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on ABC

(2) OKLAHOMA (4-0 | 1-0)  

Last Week: (#2) W 20-6 @ Cincinnati 

The Sooners continued their evolution into a defensive-minded team, winning a low-scoring road opener. OU's most significant question mark now surrounds their lack of a run game. Iowa State's defense should present a terrific challenge for this offense and said rushing attack or lack thereof. Like Texas, OU can ill afford to look past the Cyclones for the Cotton Bowl. 

Up Next: Home vs. Iowa State, Saturday @ 6:00 pm on FS1 

(3) KANSAS STATE (3-1 | 1-0)  

Last Week: (#3) W 44-31 vs. UCF 

The Wildcats went on a 21-0 run starting at the end of the third quarter to pull away in the win over UCF. The team was led by a sensational Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week performance from RB DJ Giddens, who rushed for 207 yards and four touchdowns while also leading the team in receiving with 86 yards. Incredible. That production will be needed, seeing as Will Howard clearly isn't close to 100%. This early bye week may occur at just the right time. 

Up Next: OPEN

(4) KANSAS (4-0 | 1-0) 

Last Week: (#5) W 38-27 vs. BYU 

Last week, KU got points from all three phases and outscored BYU in the second half 24-10 to earn a tough conference opening win. One of two defensive touchdowns came from star CB Cobee Bryant, who made Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors, after a fumble return for a touchdown and an interception. Bryant and the defense look improved but will be challenged this weekend. The Jayhawks could enter meme and Big 12 immortality with one more win over rival Texas. For now, they'll enter as heavy underdogs despite the 4-0 start. 

Up Next: AT Texas, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on ABC

 (5) TCU (3-1 | 1-0) 

Last Week: (#7) W 34-17 vs. SMU 

The Frogs pulled away from Hilltop rival SMU in the second half thanks to a couple of picks. Having retained possession of the Iron Skillet, TCU quietly goes about their business since the Colorado loss, as the defense and Chandler Morris continue progressing. RB Emani Bailey is quickly becoming a 100+ yard threat each week.  

Up Next: Home vs. West Virginia, Saturday @ 7:00 pm on ESPN2

(6) UCF (3-1 | 0-1) 

Last Week: (#4) L 44-31 @ Kansas State 

The Knights hung tough until late but could not stop the 'Cats rushing attack in their Big 12 debut. The run defense looks problematic and their most glaring issue to this point. On the bright side, QB Timmy McClain has adjusted nicely to the starting role. Now, a potential rebound as excitement builds for their first conference home game, fittingly accompanied by the 10th anniversary of their Fiesta Bowl win over the Bears. Heavy underdogs back then, UCF is now the clear favorite. 

Up Next: Home vs. Baylor, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on FS1

(7) BYU (3-1 | 0-1)  

Last Week: (#6) L 38-27 @ Kansas

The Cougars suffered their first defeat this season, primarily due to struggles on offense. Kedon Slovis threw two costly third-quarter interceptions, including a pick six, but most horrific was only managing 9 yards rushing on 22 carries. NINE. Take out negative yardage, and they still ran for less than 50 yards. The offense also gave up two defensive scores, and there's your ballgame. An inaugural conference home opener on Friday night in Provo should create a great atmosphere and an opportunity to nab Big 12 win number one.  

Up Next: Home vs. Cincinnati, Friday @ 9:15 pm on ESPN

(8) WEST VIRGINIA (3-1 | 1-0) 

Last Week: (#8) W 20-13 vs. Texas Tech 

The Mountaineers' defense and some good fortune have them sitting at 3-1 and 1-0 in the conference. They've won ugly, and I'm not a believer, as the offense is abysmal, and it's not like the defense is the '85 Bears. Still, Neal Brown guaranteed they wouldn't finish last in the league, and well, they just picked up a massive win at home against Texas Tech. The QB rotation remains unsettled as they prepare for a tough road trip. 

Up Next: AT TCU, Saturday @ 7:00 pm on ESPN2

(9) CINCINNATI (2-2 | 0-1) 

Last Week: (#9) L 20-6 vs. Oklahoma 

The Bearcats unsuccessfully tried to play spoiler in their Big 12 debut but still kept it respectable against the Sooners, thanks to their run defense. Cincy wasn't good enough offensively, and QB Emory Jones remains too turnover-prone. Now, an exciting matchup between two physical and defensive-led newcomers, each looking for their first-ever Big 12 win. For Cincinnati, playing on a late Friday night in Provo will be the crucial challenge, as we witnessed with Baylor a year ago.  

Up Next: AT BYU, Friday @ 9:15 pm on ESPN

(10) IOWA STATE (2-2 | 1-0) 

Last Week: (#12) W 34-27 vs. Oklahoma State

The Cyclones picked up a crucial conference win over OSU, as young QB Rocco Becht had a career day through the air. The Cyclones still need to run the ball better, however. That doesn't figure to fare any better against an up-and-coming Sooners defense. Kicker Chase Conteraz won Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week with field goals of 51 and 46, his second 50+ yarder of the year. 

Up Next: AT Oklahoma, Saturday @ 6:00 pm on FS1 

(11) TEXAS TECH (1-3 | 0-1)  

Last Week: (#10) L 20-13 @ West Virginia

The Red Raiders were dealt some harsh blows in Morgantown, on the scoreboard, and with the loss of QB Tyler Shough for the rest of the year. If there's a bright side, Shough's injury does clear up the chaotic court of public opinion on the QB position. Behren Morton is now the guy moving forward, and there's no debate. This week, a winnable conference home opener against a struggling Houston, led by former QB Donovan Smith. Tech will be inducting the late Mike Leach and Kliff Kingsbury into the school's Hall of Fame. Houston is no stranger, and this winnable game is a must-win in a couple of ways. 

Up Next: Home vs. Houston, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on FS2

(12) OKLAHOMA STATE (2-2 | 0-1) 

Last Week: (#13) L 34-27 @ Iowa State 

OSU gave the keys to Alan Bowman and stopped their QB carousel for at least one week. It didn't result in a win, though the offense seemed less erratic despite him throwing a couple of picks. The real story was giving up huge numbers and big plays to an Iowa State offense that's struggled mightily this season. Now, it's an off week to regroup and dive further into what ails them and their QB competition plans. We'll see what the second "half" of the season brings, but the vibes around the Pokes remain strange. 

Up Next: OPEN

(13) HOUSTON (2-2 | 0-1)  

Last Week: (#14) W 38-7 vs. Sam Houston 

Back in familiar stomping grounds, emotions will run high for former Tech assistant Dana Holgorsen as the Red Raiders induct his former boss, the late Mike Leach, and his former pupil, Kliff Kingsbury, into the school's hall of fame this weekend, with the Coogs in town Dealing with a different type of emotions, QB Donovan Smith also returns to Lubbock after playing in 12 games with four starts last year for the Red Raiders. Oddly enough, in relief of an injured Tyler Shough and Behren Morton. Now, Shough is hurt again as Morton again suits up as the starter. So, opportunities are as abound as old memories. 

Up Next: AT Texas Tech, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on FS2

(14) BAYLOR (1-3 | 0-1) 

Last Week: : (#11) L 38-6 vs. Texas 

The Bears hit the road for the first time this season, which may not be bad, after an embarrassing showing and defeat at home against Texas last week. It was an event that turned out to be an atrocious sendoff to their series with the Longhorns. The Bears were solidly outgunned, but this week could see the return of several reinforcements, including QB Blake Shapen, or at least soon. They must find a way to run the ball and finish on offense. The fanbase isn't feeling great, and the program is fighting through growing pains with no end in sight. A 1-4 start is a strong possibility, but pulling an upset would be incredible for morale. 

Up Next: AT UCF, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on FS1