Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 4: Shake It Up

Week 4 shook up the rankings a bit, but the top and bottom remained the same. With a full slate of conference games, we’ll get a much clearer picture next week. That is, unless chaos reigns supreme.

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 – #6 Oklahoma Sooners (3-0) (LW - 1)

Last Week: BYE
This Week: vs Texas Tech (2-1)

There isn’t anything new to say about this team, as both the Sooners and their opponent were on bye last week. It’s hard to see how we can get any sort of positive impression on this defense this week, given that Texas Tech is dealing with an injury to starting QB Alan Bowman.

2 – #11 Texas Longhorns (3-1) (LW - 2)

Last Week: Won 36-30 vs Oklahoma State
This Week: BYE

While it was a big win in the standings, they gave Oklahoma State way too many opportunities to get this win, and it was only through poor execution and coaching decisions that they were able to escape. I was tempted to drop them despite the win, but they get bolstered by the fact that they are down to their 4^th string in several positions.

3 – #24 Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) (LW - 4)

Last Week: BYE
This Week: at Oklahoma State (3-1)

They’ll get an opportunity to solidify this position against a disappointed OSU team. Winning this game will be an impressive boost and solidify their position as a Top 3 Big 12 team this year.

4 – Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-1) (LW - 3)

Last Week: Won 36-30 at Texas
This Week: vs #24 Kansas State (3-0)

I’m not sure who is to blame for that loss against Texas, but it’s clear that something just isn’t jelling right for this team. They had multiple opportunities that they couldn’t capitalize on. This week they get the chance to take their frustration out on a team that was supposed to be rebuilding.

5 – Iowa State Cyclones (2-1) (LW - 7)

Last Week: Won 72-20 vs UL Monroe
This Week: at Baylor (3-0)

Yes it was UL Monroe. But that offense was fairly impressive, regardless of who they were playing. Both the Iowa State offense and the Baylor defense are trying to answer questions, and this will be a good test to see which unit is moving in the right direction.

6 – Baylor Bears (3-0) (LW - 5)

Last Week: Won 21-13 vs Rice
This Week: vs Iowa State (2-1)

Unfortunately for Baylor, their offense looked abysmal against Rice, especially in the second half. They will need to take a big step forward to avoid an embarrassing blowout against the Cyclones.

7 – West Virginia Mountaineers (3-1) (LW - 9)

Last Week: Won 29-24 at Kansas
This Week: BYE

The Mountaineers may be wishing that this bye didn’t come yet, as I’m sure they would like to take this momentum into a game against Texas next week. But they are definitely an improving team.

8 – TCU Horned Frogs (2-1) (LW - 6)

Last Week: Lost 41-38 vs SMU
This Week: vs Kansas (2-2)

Max Duggan was the only QB that played, but he was not very impressive at all. The strength of this offense is definitely the running game, but if they can’t balance the attack with some passing proficiency, it will be a long season. The defense should bounce back, as long as they aren’t torpedoed by bad offensive play.

9 – Kansas Jayhawks (2-2) (LW - 8)

Last Week: Lost 29-24 vs West Virginia
This Week: at TCU (2-1)

Despite the loss, the Jayhawks continue to make strides forward. They nearly won the game against West Virginia despite a -2 turnover margin. This team has built similar success to this point last year without the obscene turnover luck. They may end up being a bottom of the league team, but they should be much more competitive than in years past.

10 – Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-1) (LW - 10)

Last Week: BYE
This Week: at #6 Oklahoma (3-0)

The bye week came at a perfect time, as they had an extra week to absorb the loss of Bowman and try to gameplan around his backup. I don’t expect them to actually challenge Oklahoma for the win, but holding Oklahoma to under 40 should be considered a win for the defense.