Big 12 Mojo Rankings: Bears Rise, Jayhawks Plummet, Ranked Teams Clash in Week 4

Welcome back to the Mojo Rankings, where I talk about and rank the hierarchy of the 16-team Big 12 each week. To do so, I rely on a custom formula, including winning, program health, momentum, and vibes, among other categories. 

The Sun Devils started the party last week with an action-packed Thursday night road win in San Marcos. UCF's thrilling victory over TCU opened official conference play with fireworks. Whether non-con or not, Kansas State made it clear Arizona is not a threat on their level. 

More shakeup awaits with six conference contests on the upcoming all-Saturday slate. Here are my thoughts on the Big 12's overall pecking order entering week four. 

1. UTAH (3-0) 

Last Week: 1st, WIN 38-21 @ Utah State

Without QB Cam Rising, the Utes overcame a slow start to stay perfect. All signs point to Rising returning this weekend, which is excellent news as they prepare to enter hostile territory for a much anticipated Top 15 showdown. A first-time-ever trip to Stillwater makes this an even more unique start to their Big 12 lives. Of note, former Baylor MBB player Caleb Lohner caught his second TD of the season versus Utah State.

Up Next: AT No. 14 Oklahoma State, Saturday, 3 p.m. on FOX

2. OKLAHOMA STATE (3-0) 

Last Week: 2nd, WIN 45-10 @ Tulsa

The Cowboys handled their business in Tulsa behind an impressive air show from Alan Bowman and his talented receivers. Despite RB Ollie Gordon's return this season, the Cowboys run game has not carried over from last year's success. Will that change against a stout Utah defense? Tune up the Paddle People because it's time for a Top 15 mega-matchup in Stillwater. 

Up Next: Home vs. No. 12 Utah, Saturday, 3 p.m. on FOX

3. KANSAS STATE (3-0) 

Last Week: 3rd, WIN 31-7 vs. No. 20 Arizona 

For the first time this season, Chris Klieman fully unleashed Avery Johnson's running powers, and he responded with a 100-plus-yard effort as K-State left Arizona in the dust. Provo at night is dangerous territory, and I'm interested in how Johnson handles that type of pressure. This could be a real slobber knocker, and someone is guaranteed to take their first loss. 

Up Next: AT BYU, Saturday, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

4. IOWA STATE (3-0) 

Last Week: 4th, OPEN

ISU was able to slightly extend their Cy-Hawk celebration and also heal up thanks to an early bye week. A 4-0 start is practically guaranteed. 

Up Next: Home vs. Arkansas State, Saturday, 1 p.m. on ESPN+ 

5. UCF (3-0) 

Last Week: 8th, WIN 35-34 @ TCU 

The Knights galloped back from a 31-13 deficit late in the third quarter to earn one of their biggest wins in program history last Saturday in Fort Worth. The RJ Harvey-led run game is a force, but KJ Jefferson's pass to stud WR Kobe Hudson put the Knights on top with just 36 seconds remaining. Hudson is a stud, and hanging onto that ball showed incredible toughness. But not all was well. With the extra time off, they better work on special teams after having two field goals and an extra point blocked against the Frogs. 

Up Next: OPEN

6. ARIZONA STATE (3-0) 

Last Week: 9th, WIN 31-28 vs. Texas State 

ASU is hot right now and won an incredibly entertaining battle on the road against Texas State last week. It was a great win on a solo main stage nationally. Regionally, it was a vital win for recruiting in Texas. The Sun Devils will now look for an even bigger Lone Star statement, although winning in Lubbock is a different task. Both teams come equipped with bruising rushing attacks. My gut says this outcome will depend on whether Sam Leavitt outplays Behren Morton. 

Up Next: AT Texas Tech, Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on FS1

7. TCU (2-1) 

Last Week: 5th, LOSS 35-34 vs. UCF 

An unfathomable loss. The Frogs couldn't hold onto a 31-13 lead late in the third quarter, as a last-ditch 58-yard field goal attempt was no good. The defense was trampled by RJ Harvey and the Citronauts' fierce rushing attack, while the Frogs could not muster much of their run game. Now it's time to battle for the Iron Skillet in a first-ever Big 12 vs. ACC version of this DFW rivalry. 

Up Next: AT SMU, Saturday, 4 p.m. on The CW

8. BYU (3-0) 

Last Week: 10th, WIN 34-14 @ Wyoming

The defense has only allowed 15 points or less in all three games, so something has to give against a talented, run-heavy K-State attack. This weekend, the Cougars are breaking out throwback uniforms and an alternate CougarTail flavor, surefire promotional signs of this game's importance. 

Up Next: Home vs. No. 13 Kansas State, Saturday, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN

9. BAYLOR (2-1) 

Last Week: 12th, WIN 31-3 vs. Air Force

The Bears lit up the scoreboard against Air Force in the second half, easily overcoming three first-half fumbles that resulted in a less-than-ideal start. Sawyer Robertson stated his case for QB1 honors, but that is undecided, leading to some intrigue. Regardless of signal-caller, the Bears must protect the football better this week. I'm fascinated to see how Dave Aranda combats the Colorado offensive attack, especially how an untested secondary holds up against some high-level talent.  

Up Next: AT Colorado, Saturday, 7 p.m. on FOX 

10. COLORADO (2-1) 

Last Week: 13th, WIN 28-9 @ Colorado State 

Colorado rebounded from the Nebraska loss by winning the Rocky Mountain Showdown for the seventh straight season. Now, for the first time since 2010, the Buffs host the Bears in Big 12 play. The slight advantage towards Deion and Company seems to be location-related because, other than that, this has all the makings of a tossup. Shedeur and his bevy of passing game weapons is their undeniable strength, but they did improve in other areas like the DL and undoubtedly top the Bears in the hype department. 

Up next: Home vs. Baylor, Saturday, 7 p.m. on FOX

11. ARIZONA (2-1) 

Last Week: 6th, LOSS 31-7 @ No.14 Kansas State 

New kid Arizona got shoved into the lockers and punked up in Manhattan last Friday night. Tetairoa McMillan still got his share, but Zona is currently very erratic. Questions were already brewing about their contender status, but getting whooped by 24 and falling out of the Top 25 amplifies that conversation. On the bright side, this result didn't count toward the conference standings.

Up Next: OPEN

12. TEXAS TECH (2-1) 

Last Week: 14th, WIN 66-21 vs. North Texas

The Red Raiders took out all their early-season frustrations on the Mean Green. It also helped to have RB Tahj Brooks in the lineup after a one-game injury absence. He's their difference-maker. I know that I had to feel good for Joey McGuire and the faithful. The follow-up against a red-hot ASU squad is an intriguing conference opener for both sides. 

Up Next: Home vs. Arizona State, Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on FS1 

13. CINCINNATI (2-1)

Last Week: 15th, WIN 27-16 @ Miami (OH)

Cincy won back the Victory Bell in the 128th meeting of the rivalry and retook the all-time series lead, 61-60-7, behind a strong run game, kicking game, and some errors by the RedHawks. It was an essential win for multiple reasons. As for this list, I'm just not bought in yet, compared to most others. 

Up Next: Home vs. Houston, Saturday, 11 a.m. on FS1

14. KANSAS (1-2) 

Last Week: 7th, LOSS 23-20 vs. UNLV 

New week, similar criticisms. UNLV deserves credit, but the KU team getting hyped up in the preseason wasn't scheduled to lose to the Rebs at home. Jalon Daniels ran effectively, but two more interceptions give him six through three games, compared to five total touchdowns (three passing, two rushing). They've lost to a pair of close games to good teams, so the sky isn't falling, but a 1-3 start would be reason to worry. 

Up Next: AT West Virginia, Saturday, 11 a.m. on ESPN2

15. WEST VIRGINIA (1-2)

Last Week: 11th, LOSS 38-34 @ Pittsburgh

The mood is down bad in Morgantown after a gutwrenching Backyard Brawl loss to rival Pitt, despite holding a 10-point lead with 4:54 remaining. The defense put tons of pressure on Panthers' quarterback Eli Holstein, but the secondary is shakier than salt and pepper. Much like the big-picture confidence levels amongst the fanbase currently.  

Up Next: Home vs. Kansas, Saturday, 11 a.m. on ESPN2 

16. HOUSTON (1-2) 

Last Week: 16th, WIN 33-7 vs. Rice

Willie Fritz and his Coogs picked up their first victory and took back the Bayou Bucket with authority thanks to huge plays across all three phases. It was another week of positive growth. Rice isn't exactly a measuring stick, but that was a must-win for Shasta's sake. 

Up Next: AT Cincinnati, Saturday, 11 a.m. on FS1