Big 12 Mojo Rankings: Week 12

UCF unexpectedly crushed the Cowboys, Texas maintained control, and Texas Tech earned a big road win as the conference title race received a jolt. 

With two weeks to go, the Big 12 is adjusting tiebreaker procedures on the fly but pretending they didn't despite being caught in 4K. 

What is going on? 

Here are the Big 12 Mojo Rankings entering Week 12. 

1. TEXAS (9-1, 6-1) 

Last Week: (#1) W 29-26 @ TCU 

The Longhorns survived and advanced again as QB Quinn Ewers returned, but they lost star RB Jonathon Brooks for the year with a torn ACL. Texas can clinch a spot in Arlington with a win this weekend in what should be a super-charged atmosphere in Ames. It was a newsy week elsewhere as Texas flipped 4-star CB Wardell Mack from Florida. Add in watching the rival Aggies fire jumbo buyout Jimbo, and it's been a good few days. 

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

2. KANSAS STATE (7-3, 5-2) 

Last Week: (#4) W 59-25 vs. Baylor 

The Wildcats pounced all over Baylor as expected and dominated after an early 7-7 start to the game. The Wildcats did see their Big 12 title odds drop to unlikely once the conference changed, I mean, further clarified the tiebreaker rules this week. Next up, an in-state road trip for the Sunflower Showdown. 

Up Next: AT #16 Kansas, Saturday @ 6:00 pm on FS1 

3. OKLAHOMA (8-2, 5-2) 

Last Week: (#6) W 59-20 vs. West Virginia 

The Sooners needed chaos, and they got it. Conference title hopes are still alive but not in their control. After two tough losses, OU took out frustrations at home against West Virginia as Dillon Gabriel and Drake Stoops each had monster days. 

Up Next: AT BYU, Saturday @ 11:00 am on ESPN

4. OKLAHOMA STATE (7-3, 5-2) 

Last Week: (#2) L 45-3 @ UCF  

What was that?!? The Cowboys got bounced in The Bounce House and soaked, too, thanks to a torrential downpour. UCF derailed The Ollie Express to the tune of 32 yards and a fumble on just 12 carries for 25 yards and two catches for 27 yards. Alan Bowman threw three interceptions, and the defense gave up 45 points and 600 yards of offense. It was an all-around awful trip to Orlando, but despite that, they still control their path to Arlington by winning their last two contests. Still, there has to be some penalty for losing by 42.

Up Next: AT Houston, Saturday @ 3:00 pm on ESPN2 

5. IOWA STATE (6-4, 5-2) 

Last Week: (#7) W 45-13 @ BYU 

The Cyclones are bowl-eligible after pummeling BYU in Provo. Two tremendous opportunities remain in the regular season, starting with #7 Texas coming to Ames. All that's newsworthy enough, but then ISU OL Jarrod Hufford caused a commotion in Austin with his comments to the media about UT's ego, arrogance, and lack of recent success in Ames. Was he lying? Well, ready or not, ISU has now talked the talk and fired up the Longhorns, so can they walk the walk? 

Up Next: Home vs. #7 Texas, Saturday @ 7:00 pm on FOX 

6. KANSAS (7-3, 4-3) 

Last Week: (#3) L 16-13 vs. Texas Tech 

Trailing all game, the Jayhawks tied it up with 25 seconds remaining, only to give up a 4-play, 63-yard drive punctuated by a 26-yard field goal with 3 seconds on the clock. All this after usual third-string QB Cole Ballard got thrust into action due to an early injury to Jason Bean. The loss dashed any Big 12 title hopes, but plenty of bragging rights are on the line in the Sunflower Showdown.  

Up Next: Home vs. #25 Kansas State, Saturday @ 6:00 pm on FS1 

7. WEST VIRGINIA (6-4, 4-3) 

Last Week: (#5) L 59-20 @ #17 Oklahoma 

It was a big week for the Fire Neal Brown crowd as the Mountaineers got a reality check and ran off the field at Oklahoma. There was nothing good to see here, as the Sooners dominated on all sides. Back at home, WVU gets another renewed rivalry back on the docket as they welcome in former Big East foe Cincinnati. A loss here, and Brown might as well set a flamethrower to his seat. 

Up Next: Home vs. Cincinnati, Saturday @ 1:30 pm on BIG 12/ESPN+ 

8. TEXAS TECH (5-5, 4-3) 

Last Week: (#8) W 16-13 @ #16 Kansas 

Give Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders credit as they've worked their way back to a favorable postseason shot following a 1-3 start and some tough losses. All they need is one win in their final two, and this weekend is their best bet vs. needing to win in Austin. Their 20-second, 63-yard game-winning drive against KU was beautiful, as Gino Garcia eventually booted them to a proud Top 25 road victory. That game checked many satisfying boxes and fended off a negative final judgment on this season for now. 

Up Next: Home vs. UCF, Saturday @ 4:00 pm on FS2 

9. UCF (5-5, 2-5) 

Last Week: (#13) W 45-3 vs. #15 Oklahoma State

The Knights have two Big 12 wins in a row and now their highest-ranked regular season win since 2009, thanks to the total domination of formerly #15 Oklahoma State. It was a massive career win #100 for Gus Malzahn, as their woeful defense surprisingly shut down Ollie Gordon. Instead, it was UCF back RJ Harvey starring on the ground while running for 200-plus and three TDs. Riding some momentum, they head out on a first-time road trip to Lubbock for a battle of bowl eligibility. 

Up Next: AT Texas Tech, Saturday @ 4:00 pm on FS2 

10. TCU (4-6, 2-5) 

Last Week: (#9) L 29-26 vs. #7 Texas 

The Frogs fought back again but fell short again and have now lost five of their last six contests. TCU must win the next two to reach the postseason or go from playing in the Natty to no bowl game in a year. WR Savion Williams had a massive showing against the Horns and was a bright spot. They've owned the rivalry with Baylor of late, but there's an interesting new wrinkle as OC Kendal Briles faces off with the Bears for the first time since departing Waco. 

Up Next: Home vs. Baylor, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on BIG 12/ESPN+ 

11. BYU (5-5, 2-5) 

Last Week: (#10) L 45-13 vs. Iowa State 

The Cougars were blown out for the third straight game and have now been outscored 117-26 during this losing streak against Texas, WVU, and Iowa State. But the Cyclones dusted them at home, making their struggles an even harsher reality. And now, Dillon Gabriel rolls into town after his 8-TD performance last week, so it could get uglier. 

Up Next: Home vs. #14 Oklahoma, Saturday @ 11:00 am on ESPN

12. CINCINNATI (3-7, 1-6) 

Last Week: (#14) W 24-14 @ Houston 

The Bearcats finally won their first Big 12 game, albeit against a fellow newcomer, but beggars can't be choosers. And Cincinnati was begging for some win and positivity. They also broke a brutal 7-game losing streak in the process. Now, the rekindling of an old Big East rivalry and the first meeting since WVU left for the Big 12 over a decade ago. 

Up Next: AT West Virginia, Saturday @ 1:30 pm on BIG 12/ESPN+ 

13. HOUSTON (4-6, 2-5) 

Last Week: (#11) L 24-14 vs. Cincinnati 

Houston followed up their big walkoff win in Waco with an ugly loss at home to become Cincinnati's first Big 12 victim, as Donovan Smith threw three interceptions. That means the Cougars must win their final two to make the postseason, which is unlikely as a recently embarrassed OSU rolls into town. Star WR Matthew Golden is sidelined with an injury, but he's apparently receiving six-figure transfer offers from SEC schools, per Dana Holgorsen. 

Up Next: Home vs. #23 Oklahoma State @ 3:00 pm on FS2 

14. BAYLOR (3-7, 2-5) 

Last Week: (#12) L 59-25 @ #25 Kansas State

The Bears were manhandled in Manhattan, and Dave Aranda's postgame reaction seemed to signify a new low point this season. He was a tad more upbeat on Monday, but everyone knows there are significant issues, and it's just a puzzling big-picture question now of how they fix them. They'll have extra time to figure that out soon, as there will be no postseason. But there is an opportunity to beat your rival for once and spoil their bowl hopes, too. Besides that, with two to play, it's all about pride, love of the game, and playing for teammates now and for the future. 

Up Next: AT TCU, Saturday @ 2:30 pm on BIG 12/ESPN+