Big 12 Mojo Rankings: Week 6

The last Red River matchup in Big 12 history means one less undefeated team, as unbeatens Oklahoma and Texas headline this week’s schedule. Elsewhere, the new schools continue to struggle early, and the holdovers are a mixed bag. 

1. TEXAS (5-0, 2-0) 

Last Week: (#1) W 40-14 vs. Kansas 

The Longhorns ran away from any KU upset special behind the legs of Jonathon Brooks and Quinn Ewers. They also benefitted from not facing Jalon Daniels to some extent. Star tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders and CB Ryan Watts are major injury questions entering the final Big 12 Red River matchup and, one of the biggest in years. Texas enters as favorites and appears to have more overall firepower, but it’s Red River, so all bets are off. 

Up Next: Red River vs. Oklahoma, Saturday, 11:00 am on ABC

2. OKLAHOMA (5-0, 2-0) 

Last Week: (#2) W 50-20 vs. Iowa State 

The Sooners crushed Iowa State as Dillon Gabriel lit up another defense through the air. But questions remain, such as the reliability of their run game. And while their defense has shown improvement, is it ready for UT’s plethora of playmakers? Is Gabriel prepared to shine on the biggest stage of his career? This game is easily OU’s biggest test thus far and probably all season. 

Up Next: Red River vs. Texas, Saturday, 11:00 am on ABC

3. KANSAS STATE (3-1, 1-0) 

Last Week: (#3) OPEN 

K-State rested up and regrouped last week with an open date. RB Treshaun Ward is set to return to the lineup and rejoin the superb DJ Giddens, making for a potent backfield in Manhattan. K-State has much to like but needs to shore up the secondary’s ability to limit explosives. Playing on a Friday night is weird. 

Up Next: AT Oklahoma State, Friday @ 6:30 pm on ESPN 

4. WEST VIRGINIA (4-1, 2-0) 

Last Week: (#8) W 24-21 @ TCU 

Outside of the Penn State game, this was the dream start record-wise for Neal Brown and company, as his seat cools considerably. QB1 Garrett Greene returned from injury, and his running ability played a massive role in sparking the offense and ensuring the surprising outcome in Fort Worth. Now, a banged-up team can recharge during the bye week. 

Up Next: OPEN 

5. BYU (4-1, 1-1) 

Last Week: (#7) W 35-27 vs. Cincinnati

The Cougars earned their first Big 12 win by capitalizing on opportunities and Cincy miscues in front of a raucous home crowd. The second half of their schedule is filled with potential landmines, but for now, they’re in the mix and sitting pretty well entering the bye week. 

Up Next: OPEN 

6. KANSAS (4-1, 1-1) 

Last Week: (#4) L 40-14 @ Texas 

There’s suddenly lots of suspense surrounding the health of QB Jalon Daniels after his late scratch for the Texas game and day-to-day status all this week. If Daniels’ injured back keeps him out, Jason Bean is a capable QB, but it changes their ceiling immensely. 

Up Next: Home vs. UCF, Saturday @ 3:00 pm on FOX 

7. TCU (3-2, 1-1) 

Last Week: (#5) L 24-21 vs. West Virginia 

The Frogs’ special teams were atrocious, and the offensive line struggled again as the second half turned into a shutout. Far and away, the defense was the clear bright spot, but they still had issues, particularly trying to contain Garrett Greene on the run. This was a winnable game, but sloppy execution means they’ve already matched last year’s loss total. 

Up Next: AT Iowa State, Saturday @ 7:00 pm on FS2 

8. UCF (3-2, 0-2) 

Last Week: (#6) L 36-35 vs. Baylor 

The Baylor loss was shocking and embarrassing as their Big 12 home opener went from dream to nightmare in just over a quarter. But the Knights aren’t a bad team. THAT SHOULD PROVIDE A NICE BOOST with QB John Rhys Plumlee on the cusp of returning at any moment. But still, that was an all-time awful way to lose. The Knights wore down, which brought the whole Big 12 transition concerns into play as they started 0-2. Now, they make their second trip to the state of Kansas in the past three games. 

Up Next: AT Kansas, Saturday @ 3:00 pm on FOX 

9. TEXAS TECH (2-3, 1-1) 

Last Week: (#11) W 49-28 vs. Houston 

The Red Raiders handled business against rival Houston and have a little more pep entering Saturday night after a tough start. In an elite troll job, it appears the Red Raiders will wear all-black uniforms Saturday night at McLane. Last year’s matchup seemed more hyped, and the lack of that attention could be a solid change in preparation for Tech. 

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

10. IOWA STATE (2-3, 1-1) 

Last Week: (#10) L 50-20 @ Oklahoma 

The Cyclones landed a couple of early punches but eventually were overpowered and outmatched by OU. The offense has a playmaker in WR Jaylin Noel, and QB Rocco Becht continues developing behind a shaky line and a quieter run game. 

Up Next: Home vs. TCU, Saturday @ 7:00 pm on FS2 

11. BAYLOR (2-3, 1-1) 

Last Week: (#14) W 36-35 @ UCF 

Thanks to a historic comeback, there’s renewed excitement on the Brazos. But was it sustainable growth or was that simply a one-time magical moment? Getting Blake Shapen back and some breakout performances elsewhere was tremendous. But marquee games have been a struggle at McLane as of late. The buildup is more reserved this year, but this game still carries great importance, especially for the victor. 

Up Next: Home vs. Texas Tech, Saturday @ 7:00 pm on ESPN2 

12. CINCINNATI (2-3, 0-2) 

Last Week: (#9) L 35-27 @ BYU 

The Bearcats hung tough with BYU for a while, but the offense failed to finish drives, and they couldn’t match the Cougars’ big plays. Scott Satterfield and company find themselves with a breather before attempting to break their three-game losing streak. 

Up Next: OPEN 

13. OKLAHOMA STATE (2-2, 0-1) 

Last Week: (#12) OPEN 

The Pokes had a much-needed week off after a weird start to the year. Was it the reset they needed? Alan Bowman is the man moving forward at QB1, and there’s a great opportunity at hand for a freaky Friday. 

Up Next: Home vs. Kansas State, Friday @ 6:30 pm on ESPN 

14. HOUSTON (2-3, 0-2) 

Last Week: (#13) L 49-28 @ Texas Tech 

The Coogs started like a house on fire in Lubbock as Donovan Smith came out blazing against his former team. But like other newer schools, keeping pace all four quarters is a different ballgame, and they were shut out in the second half. It’s been an up-and-down start, so they get a nice breather after a couple of losses. 

Up Next: OPEN