Big 12 Mojo Rankings: Week 7

The state of Oklahoma made statements, while Tech gave the state of Texas a sole win. Entering a new week, three of the new four remain winless in Big 12 play, and while the top appears straightforward, the race to the middle remains as cloudy as ever. 

From wins on and off the field to swagger and momentum, these aren't the conference standings: These are the Week 7 Mojo Rankings. 

1. OKLAHOMA (6-0, 3-0) 

Last Week: (#2) W 34-30 vs. Texas 

The Sooners are for real and put everyone on notice with their thrilling win over Texas at the Cotton Bowl. Led by an incredible showing from QB Dillon Gabriel and an improved defense, the Sooners made sure the river stayed red, and the golden hat headed back to Norman. They'll be favorites from here on out, but first, a timely open week before the stretch run. On the downside, WR Andrel Anthony is gone for the season and is a notable loss. 

Up Next: OPEN

2. TEXAS (5-1, 2-1) 

Last Week: (#1) L 34-30 vs. Oklahoma 

Last Saturday, we were 1:17 away from talking about the 6-0 Longhorns and their excellent Red River win. But instead, Texas couldn't hold back the Sooner Schooner and were run over by their rival, falling from the unbeaten ranks in jaw-dropping fashion. UT still controls its Big 12 destiny, but CFP hopes are hanging by a thread. 

Up Next: OPEN

3. WEST VIRGINIA (4-1, 2-0) 

Last Week: (#4) OPEN

After beating a couple of rivals and a hot start to Big 12 play, hot seat talk has cooled off, replaced by Big 12 contender talk. How could it get any better? Well, beating former head coach Dana Holgorsen and the school he abruptly left you for would be an excellent next step. A weekday game on the road can be tricky, but the Mountaineers should benefit from the previous open date, especially health-wise. 

Up Next: AT Houston, Thursday @ 6:00 on FS1

4. KANSAS (5-1, 2-1) 

Last Week: (#6) W 51-22 vs. UCF 

No Jalon Daniels, no problem, as the Jayhawks ran for 399 yards and five scores against UCF. Okay, it was the Knights' defense, but still. Daniels remains sidelined, so it's the Jason Bean Show for the foreseeable future. As their state rival learned last week, going into Stillwater and grabbing a win isn't easy, so KU is on upset watch. But they can also earn a bowl berth by week seven, which, given recent history, is a minor miracle and a testament to Lance Leipold and crew. 

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

5. BYU (4-1, 1-1) 

Last Week: (#5) OPEN

The Cougars enjoyed a week off and now come to Texas ready to convert those who don't believe in their 4-1 start. Although TCU is struggling, a win in Fort Worth would be huge. Kalani Sitake said this week he views this game as a Big 12 measuring stick for his program. 

Up Next: AT TCU, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on ESPN 

6. KANSAS STATE (3-2, 1-1) 

Last Week: (#3) L 29-21 @ Oklahoma State

Friday night games are weird, but K-State's abysmal performance in Stillwater was stunning nonetheless. QB Will Howard rushed for 100+ yards and a score but was awful in the passing game, throwing three picks and less than 50% completion rate. The Wildcats are still dangerous, but sitting at 3-2 less fearsome and a little disappointing. 

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

7. TEXAS TECH (3-3, 2-1) 

Last Week: (#9) W 39-14 @ Baylor 

The Red Raiders earned a satisfying and dominating win in Waco as Joey McGuire and other staffers stood triumphant in their return to McLane. The win sets Tech up nicely for the second half. A win over the Wildcats would lead to cranking up the Tech hype derrick again. 

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

8. IOWA STATE (3-3, 2-1) 

Last Week: (#10) W 27-14 vs. TCU 

The resilient Cyclones picked off four passes and knocked Chandler Morris out for the next few weeks in a big upset of the Frogs. Offensively, they're still feeling things out, but it was a solid response to the butt-whooping courtesy of OU the week prior. Now, a curious matchup against a Cincy team fresh off the bye week, but given the old vs. new battles so far, ISU has a great opportunity at a 3-1 conference start. 

Up Next: AT Cincinnati, Saturday @ 11:00 am on FS1 

9. OKLAHOMA STATE (3-2, 1-1) 

Last Week: (#13) W 29-21 vs. Kansas State 

The Pokes rose like The Undertaker, showing why Stillwater has buried plenty of teams over the years. The Cowboys are finding their identity on offense with QB1 Alan Bowman and RB Ollie Gordon in the backfield and playing good defense. Now, another big home game against a team from the Sunflower State. 

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

10. TCU (3-3, 1-2) 

Last Week: (#7) L 27-14 @ Iowa State

Welp, no giving them the benefit of the doubt any longer. The Frogs were stunned in Ames and dropped their second straight. They'll also be without starting QB Chandler Morris for an unknown amount of time due to a sprained MCL. So, Josh Hoover is the name to know for the time being. 

Up Next: Home vs. BYU, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on ESPN 

11. BAYLOR (2-4, 1-2) 

Last Week: (#11) L 39-14 vs. Texas Tech 

The Bears could not follow up on their win in Orlando, instead falling in lopsided and disappointing fashion at home to Texas Tech. Now, a little break with a bye week and some time to reevaluate and retool ahead of the second-half stretch. Sweeping changes aren't realistic or healthy, but trotting out the same product for six more games isn't either.

Up Next: OPEN

12. CINCINNATI (2-3, 0-2) 

Last Week: (#12) OPEN

The Bearcats should be refreshed following the bye as they seek to snap a three-game losing streak and earn their first Big 12 win. QB Emory Jones must better protect the football against a reliably tough Cyclones defense. 

Up Next: Home vs. Iowa State, Saturday @ 11:00 am on FS1 

13. UCF (3-3, 0-3) 

Last Week: (#8) L 51-22 @ Kansas 

The Knights are experiencing a rude awakening in the Big 12, and the blunders vs. Baylor only continued on the road as the rush defense was atrocious against the Jayhawks. QB John Rhys Plumlee returned but wasn't fully ready and got yanked. This week was a much-needed break in the action to temporarily stop the bleeding. 

Up Next: OPEN

14. HOUSTON (2-3, 0-2) 

Last Week: (#14) OPEN

Dana Holgorsen and the Coogs prepare to face his former team in a battle of bad blood. Things can get weird on weeknights, especially when you're an underdog at home with a bye week to prepare. Beating a hot WVU squad would be a big deal in more ways than one for Holgo and Houston as they seek the program's first-ever Big 12 win. 

Up Next: Home vs. West Virginia, Thursday @ 6:00 on FS1