Big 12 Power Rankings: After Week 6
After hitting pause on the Big 12 Power Rankings to let some dust settle with the start of conference play, here is how I rank the Big 12 from top to bottom based on the results of the first six weeks of the season.
Previous: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3
1. Texas (5-1)
W - Texas 48, Oklahoma 45
Previous: 5
The loss to Maryland is all but out of the rearview mirror now that the Longhorns have the best win of any Big 12 team in 2018 and have wins over two of the top four teams in this current ranking. Texas hasn't turned the ball over in their five game winning streak and their defense is more than talented enough to stop even the most prolific offenses in the conference.
2. West Virginia (5-0)
W - West Virginia 38, Kansas 22
Previous: 2
It was hard to nowhave WVU at No. 1 this week as the only undefeated team, but after being shutout offensively against Texas Teh two weeks ago in the second half and needing to battle against Kansas to pull away in the second half, the eye test says Texas is the better team for now.
3. Oklahoma (5-1)
L - Texas 48, Oklahoma 45
Previous: 1
Three terrible turnovers by the Sooners are the difference in staying at No. 1 and being undefeated and an average defense keeps them from being No. 2 at 5-1. Baylor's 493 yards of offense and 400 yards passing exposed them in week five and Texas got Mike Stoops fired. The offense is there to run the table and get back to the Big 12 Championship game, but they are at No. 3 for now.
4. TCU (3-2)
DNP
Previous: 4
TCU's 17-14 win over Iowa State looks much more impressive after Iowa State's victory over OSU in Stillwater last week. The Horned Frogs defense is good and a healthy and more consistent Shawn Robinson is the difference between a team fighting for a top two spot in the league. Their game against Tech on Thursday night could be a turning point in their season for better or for worse.
5. Texas Tech (3-2)
DNP
Previous: 6
If Alan Bowman is healthy Texas Tech deserves their No. 1 offensive ranking in the country. If he's not, Tech will need to rely on their defense to force turnovers again because they haven't proven they can consistently stop Big 12 offenses. Like for TCU, Thursday night is crucial for the direction of their season.
6. Iowa State (2-3)
W - Iowa State 48, Oklahoma State 42
Previous: 7
Iowa State planned to play QB No. 3 in Stillwater for one series, but they couldn't take him out after his ability to lead the team up and down the field against the Cowboys. It was the first time in 2018 that the offense for the Cyclones produced consistently. Coupled with a steady defense, Iowa State could be in line for an upset over West Virginia this weekend in Ames.
7. Oklahoma State (4-2)
L - Iowa State 48, Oklahoma State 42
Previous: 3
Both Iowa State and Texas Tech, the No. 5 and No. 6 teams in the conference, moved the ball wil ease against the Cowboys in Stillwater. The offense can still produce, but it's not the juggernaut it was a season ago. The Cowboys have a big momentum test this weekend at Kansas State who is playing better football that their record might indicate.
8. Baylor (4-2)
W - Baylor 37, Kansas State 34
Previous: 9
Baylor's only wins come over the bottom two teams in the conference and a blowout loss comes to an exposed Oklahoma unit. Facing Texas this weekend means the Bears won't know much more about themselves, something that not not be answered until Nov. 3 against Oklahoma State, the first middle-of-the-pack opponent they will face in Big 12 play.
9. Kansas State (2-4)
L - Baylor 37, Kansas State 34
Previous: 8
Kansas State lost a five-point game at home to Texas and a three-point game on the road to Baylor, two losses to go along with losses to naitonally ranked opponents Mississippi State and West Virginia. The Wildcats seem to find their running game, but their game at home against OSU will be very telling.
10. Kansas (2-4)
L - West Virginia 38, Kansas 22
Previous: 10
Kansas continues to at least be decently competitive, but that isn't enough to get out of the cellar or enought to keep offensive coordinator Doug Meacham from being relieved of his duties. The Jayhawks are staring at a two-win season unless something drastic changes.