Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 2: Texas is still good, despite the loss to LSU

Football season is in full swing, and that means it’s time to look at where everyone stands in the Big 12 conference pecking order. Yes, it’s painful, but someone has to do it.

A reminder that these are power rankings, not resume rankings. They are intended to be a current snapshot, and the opinion of the author on how teams would likely fair if they played everyone else in the conference this coming week. They are highly influenced by recent history, and if you don’t like them, feel free to give your own in the comments.

1 – #5 Oklahoma Sooners (2-0)

Last Week: Won 70-14 vs South Dakota
This Week: at UCLA (0-2)

The Sooners are the clear class of the conference right now. They have an offense that is still operating at peak Lincoln Riley efficiency. The defense is much improved from last year, although they still haven’t faced anyone. That will continue against UCLA, which is floundering in year 2 of Chip Kelly.

2 – #12 Texas Longhorns (1-1)

Last Week: Lost 45-38 vs LSU
This Week: at Rice (0-2)

Despite the loss to LSU, Texas is still deserving of this second spot. They clearly have an efficient offense, and the lack of their expected running back depth likely played a big factor in their goal line difficulties. The defense is more than talented enough to compete in the Big 12, and they should remain near the top of the conference all year long.

3 – Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-0)

Last Week: Won 56-14 vs McNeese
This Week: at Tulsa (1-1)

There were a few hiccups at the beginning of the game, but OSU did what they were supposed to against McNeese. It was expected that redshirt freshman QB Spencer Sanders was going to run into a few issues here and there, but he recovered nicely. Their first real test won’t come until their Week 4 matchup against the Longhorns.

4 – Baylor Bears (2-0)

Last Week: Won 63-14 vs UTSA
This Week: BYE

Baylor did what a good team should against their early slate. Their movement into next week will depend on what Kansas State and Iowa State do.

5 – Kansas State Wildcats (2-0)

Last Week: Won 52-0 vs Bowling Green
This Week: at Mississippi State (2-0)

Kansas State has been dominant in their first two. Yes, the competition hasn’t been stellar, but their lines have absolutely owned the field. That rushing attack should help them stay in pretty much every game this year. Mississippi State is a chance for a marquee win early in the season.

6 – Iowa State Cyclones (1-0)

Last Week: BYE
This Week: vs #19 Iowa (2-0)

It’s #CollegeAmesDay! The Hawkeyes Cyclones NEED this game. They’ve been pushed around too long by their in-state brethren, and they still need to put the narrow UNI win behind them. If they don’t win this one, they could drop pretty far.

7 – Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0)

Last Week: Won 38-3 vs UTEP
This Week: at Arizona (1-1)

Tech hasn’t faced any offense worth talking about, so the big question for them this year hasn’t been answered. The defense is going to have to step up against a decent offense. If Tech wins big, they could jump next week.

8 – TCU Horned Frogs (1-0)

Last Week: BYE
This Week: at Purdue (1-1)

The Horned Frogs benefited from not playing, as they didn’t have to deal with the potential of a bad loss. Purdue has not looked impressive at all this year, so even though the game is on the road, they need to get this win if they want to be taken seriously in the Big 12.

9 – West Virginia Mountaineers (1-1)

Last Week: Lost 38-7 at Missouri
This Week: vs NC State (2-0)

I was ready to crown West Virginia as the worst team in the Big 12, and that ugly loss to Missouri certainly would have made them worthy. This time is a mess, especially on the lines, and they will have trouble beating anyone else the rest of the year.

10 – Kansas Jayhawks (1-1)

Last Week: Lost 12-7 vs Coastal Carolina
This Week: at Boston College (2-0)

The Jayhawks snatched the bottom spot away from West Virginia with a horrible home loss to Coastal Carolina. This team looks completely lost, which shouldn’t be a surprise for KU fans, but somehow still is.