Not a whole lot in the way of changes this week. Kansas State battled Oklahoma State down to the wire further cementing their position at #3 in my opinion. Baylor makes a big jump as they seem to have gotten much of their offensive mojo back in swing against the Tigers and of course our own Kansas Jayhawks rounding out the power rankings at #10.
1. Oklahoma State
How They Fared: 52-45 win over K-State
Previous Ranking #1
The Cowboys control their destiny when it comes to play for the schools first National Championship. Mike Gundy is about to become even more of a man if they do. And wouldn't it be something to win it against the schools former coach Les Miles? As for this week, a great game against Kansas State and the Cowboys held on at home. Even if the Cowboys fall or LSU v Okie Light doesn't happen, is there any way we could get the LSU defense to play the Okie Light offense in an 80 play scrimmage. That just sounds like a fun matchup to watch.
2. Oklahoma
How They Fared: 41-25 win over A&M
Previous Ranking #2
Huge loss with the torn ACL of Broyles but the Sooners are finding themselves sitting close enough that if they run the table they should be back in the discussion for the BCS Championship game potentially. They'll need some help, but beating rival Oklahoma State would be a big first step and then they can sit back and enjoy a leisure championship weekend waiting for the dominoes to fall just as the Big 10 has done for years.
3. Kansas State
How They Fared: 52-45 loss to OSU
Previous Ranking #3
Snyder went on the road with the Wildcats and almost knocked off the #2 team in the country. K-State has lost two in a row but at this point there isn't a doubt in my mind that this team is the third best team in the conference and they've played the 1st and 2nd already. I suppose A&M might try to make me eat my words next weekend, but I'll take the old man over the Shermanator any day of the week.
4. Texas
How They Fared: 52-20 win over Texas Tech
Texas seems to be putting the pieces together after some early season struggles and this week they head to Columbia to bid the Tigers farewell. I'll give the Tigers the edge at home but Texas the edge in the power rankings for now.
5. Baylor
How They Fared: 42-39 win over Missouri
Previous Ranking #9
Baylor exploded offensively and RGIII continues to be a major thorn in the side of the Tigers. Now Baylor had been pretty average in recent weeks, but with Kansas on the schedule for this week they could find themselves with a lot of momentum heading into the final three games of the year.
6. Missouri
How They Fared: 42-39 loss to Baylor
Previous Ranking #4
One week after putting something together in College Station, the Tigers fall apart. The team that should be a lot better from a defensive perspective continues to struggle and despite a huge 4th quarter rally it was too little too late against RGIII and the Bears.
7. Texas A&M
How They Fared: 41-25 loss to Oklahoma
Previous Ranking #6
A&M had high hopes heading into the season and now they might just bow out of the conference with little fanfare. In fact Mike Sherman's future with the University has even come into question by some. Partially due to the performance on the field and partially due to the potentially huge uphill climb with a move to the SEC West.
8. Iowa State
How They Fared: 13-10 win over Kansas
Previous Ranking #7
It was a win and it puts the Cyclones one game away from a Bowl game, but it wasn't all that impressive and the Cyclones will need to play much better to finish off the season if they want to go bowling. Still this team is on a two game winning streak and carrying some momentum into the home stretch.
9. Texas Tech
How They Fared: 52-20 loss to Texas
Previous Ranking 8
Texas absolutely destroyed the Red Raiders by running the football for 400+. That comes one week after Iowa State lights up the Red Raiders on the ground. I guess it should be no surprise that this was the last opponent that the Jayhawks actually blew up on from an offensive perspective.
10. Kansas
How They Fared: 13-10 loss to Iowa State
Previous Ranking NC
Kansas put together a competitive game and took the Cyclones to the wire. Oddly enough they elected to punt with time running low. Yes the defense was playing better but do you really want to kick and lose the opportunity to ever touch the ball again when you're playing a game close for the first time in weeks?