Week four brought a handful of byes and our first league action as the Sooners played host to the Tigers and College Station took center stage with the Cowboys taking on the Aggies.
We learned a little more about the balance of the league, who might contend and in general the Big 12 looks as strong as ever when you compare it week in and week out to other conferences around the country.
1. Oklahoma
How They Fared: 38-28 win over Mizzou
Previous Ranking NC
Oklahoma trailed early before pulling away from the Tigers in the second half. It was a solid win for the Sooners especially coming off of an emotional road win in Tallahassee. This team has been tested early but there will be more on the road to the Big 12 title.
2. Oklahoma State
How They Fared: 30-29 win over A&M
Previous Ranking #3
An exciting game and the Cowboys come away with a big road win over the Aggies of A&M. Things will change and shift but how fun does Bedlam look at this moment? Here's hoping the Cowboys and Sooners can keep pace and I'm a bit torn as to whether or not I want T. Boone getting a Big 12 title.
3. Texas A&M
How They Fared: 30-29 loss to Oklahoma State
Previous Ranking #2
Hard to punish a team too much for losing to a top 10 opponent but A&M was the home team, they were playing with a nice lead at halftime and they just let down. I'm sure this one didn't sit real well for Aggie fans and an even more tragic twist in that parts of the country missed this game...at least I did.
4. Texas
How They Fared: Bye
Previous Ranking NC
Bye week for the Longhorns and a week where you almost fall during the bye week because the team just below Texas looked pretty darn good. The only issue with catapulting Baylor over the Longhorns is the strength of schedule.
5. Baylor
How They Fared: 56-31 win over Rice
Previous Ranking NC
Robert Griffin had 338 yards passing with five touchdowns to five different receivers. He added 51 yards on the ground and another touchdown. Right now Griffin certainly has to be in the discussion for offensive player of the year if he can continue the pace. The big question is and will continue to be defense until they prove otherwise against a more challenging opponent.
6. Missouri
How They Fared: 38-28 loss to Oklahoma
Previous Ranking NC
I'm not ready to drop Mizzou a notch especially since they came out strong against the Sooners on the road, but in a lot of ways Kansas State v Mizzou is looking like a pretty strong battle for among the former North teams. That said, the Tigers are growing as a team and starting to find themselves after youth and early season injuries set things back just a tiny bit. Mizzou's group will continue to compete with everyone on the schedule.
7. Kansas State
How They Fared: 28-24 win over Miami
Previous Ranking #9
Great win on the road for the Wildcats. Doubt the old man again, I dare you. The fact is this isn't an overly talented team, hell Colin Klein is the quarterback and most K-State fans were dreading that possibility. That said, Snyder comes out with a great gameplan, his players execute well and they tend to exceed expectations more often than not. What's worse for those seeking the Wildcats demise is the fact that Snyder looks like he could go another 10 years at times.
8. Iowa State
How They Fared: Bye
Previous Ranking #7
Just a bye week and a big road win for Kansas State. That's all that happened to the Cyclones. I can't honestly remember, does Farmageddon still exist? It would be a decent game this year if you're a college football fan. You'll certainly see a couple teams that would run through a wall for their coach.
9. Texas Tech
How They Fared: 35-34 win over Nevada
Previous Ranking #8
Tech is battling some injury and their defense leaves a lot to be desired. They still managed to have the firepower to outgun Nevada so that's obviously a positive, but at this moment next weeks matchup with Kansas might be the lone remaining opportunity for the Jayhawks. Stressing the word MIGHT.
10. Kansas
How They Fared: Bye Week
Previous Ranking NC
Right now it's a noticeable separation between Kansas and almost every other team in the conference. K-State is looking much improved after struggling in week one, Iowa State is doing what they do every year, the only other team that should even be in discussion as a possible victory right now is Tech and that's based solely on the struggles by the Red Raiders this past weekend. It's going to be a tough road, if Kansas can squeak out two more wins this year that would be considered a moral victory. That said, Gill and his staff have to do more. You can't convince me that the three teams above Kansas are that superior from a talent perspective, but it's not even a question that those teams look better prepared, better coached and more motivated on a weekly basis.