Well this week certainly shook things up. The Big 12 is looking as balanced as ever. The perception of some gained a big boost, while the dweller in the cellar continues to look as bad as ever.
1. Missouri
How They Fared: 36-27 win over Oklahoma
Week Nine: Nebraska
Previous Ranking #2
Once again the Tigers showed why so many are starting to believe they've taken the next step with a big win over Oklahoma. Stability and consistency is what building a college football program is about and Missouri has reached the point where they are competing in every game, every year against anyone. HUGE matchup against Nebraska in Lincoln this week. If the Tigers win there, they will be very much in the National Title hunt. Huge hats off to Gary Pinkel, he just keeps moving the program along.
2. Oklahoma
How They Fared: 36-27 loss in Columbia
Week Nine: Colorado
Previous Ranking #1
Losing on the road in Columbia is not a bad loss, the Tigers are tough. With the college football world changing rather quickly week to week Oklahoma still has a dog in the fight if they can work their way to a one loss conference championship.
3. Nebraska
How They Fared: 51-41 Win over Oklahoma State
Week Nine: Missouri
Previous Ranking #3
The loss to Texas looks a little worse this week but the win over Oklahoma State is nice. Nebraska get's a chance to reassert themselves into the North and Conference title hopes with Missouri coming to Lincoln, but if they lose they're all but on there way to the Big 10.
4. Oklahoma State
How They Fared: 51-41 loss to Nebraska
Week Nine: Kansas State
Previous Ranking #4
No shame in losing to the Huskers. OSU gave it a pretty good go and with the other games playing out the way they did in the Big 12 I'd say this is the point that represents the top tier. OSU, OU, Nebraska(maybe) and certainly Mizzou. After this the waters get a little muddy. Good teams but maybe not full on conference contenders.
5. Baylor
How They Fared: 42-47 win over Kansas State
Week Nine: Texas
Previous Ranking #7
The Bears are bowl eligible. Texas this week and a chance to keep the train rolling. Things are falling the right way for this team this year and they're finally good enough to take advantage. Nice job by Baylor.
6. Iowa State
How They Fared: 28-21 win over Texas
Week Nine: Kansas
Previous Ranking #11
This jump might be generous, but as a Kansas fan it sure would be nice to have a coach that finds a way to get the most out of his kids and pulls an upset. Last year Paul Rhoads did it in Lincoln, this year Austin.
7. Texas
How They Fared: 28-21 loss to Iowa State
Week Nine: Baylor
Previous Ranking #5
Bad season by Longhorn standards, and it could get a lot worse if Baylor pulls it off this weekend.
8. Kansas State
How They Fared: 47-42 loss to Baylor
Week Nine: Oklahoma State
Previous Ranking #6
The schedule is getting tricky here at the end of conference play and the Wildcats are competitive but maybe not quite talented enough to win many more.
9. Texas A&M
How They Fared:45-10 win over Kansas
Week Nine: Texas Tech
Previous Ranking #8
Maybe they should be higher, but this team just didn't look that great against Kansas. Yes it was a big win, but that has more to do with how bad Kansas is and not how good the Aggies are.
10. Texas Tech
How They Fared: 27-24 win over Colorado
Week Nine: Texas A&M
Previous Ranking #8
Beat Colorado in Boulder, but the wheels still need some greasing.
11. Colorado
How They Fared: 27-24 loss to Texas Tech
Week Nine: Oklahoma
Previous Ranking#10
Nail meet Dan Hawkin's Coffin. Still more life than Kansas though.
12. Kansas
How They Fared: 45-10 loss to A&M
Week Nine: Iowa State
Previous Ranking #12
There just aren't any appropriate words at this point. Kansas might not even have a quarterback this weekend.