Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 9
By Ross
1. Oklahoma State – Okie State moved forward a spot in most of the polls after OU’s loss. They are ranked first in the nation in a couple of the computer polls but I still feel like they are behind LSU and Alabama. OSU handled Mizzou this past Saturday. Joseph Randle rushed for 138 yard on only 14 carries and scored on 3 of them.
2. Oklahoma – Gone. Just like that, Oklahoma’s chances of a BCS Championship are finished after their shocking loss at home against Texas Tech. The Sooners fell behind early and had a big rally late but a missed FG late in the 4th was the difference in the game. The Sooners still have a shot at the Big 12 title and a trip to the Fiesta Bowl to play for but they still have to play A&M and OSU.
3. Texas A&M – The Aggies are back in the Big 12 championship race after OU’s loss. I thought the Aggies struggled somewhat against the Clones but still won by 16. Christine Michaels and Cyrus Gray rushed for a combined 267 yards.
4. Kansas State – Call me a moron but I’m still not sold on Kansas State as a legit Big 12 championship contender. Don’t get me wrong, the Wildcats are a good team but look at their next 4 games. They play Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Texas. Brutal. I would be shocked if they come out of that with anything more than one win.
5. Texas Tech – Wow. The Red Raiders didn’t just win but dominated the Sooners for most of the game (up 34-17 at the end of the 3rd). Seth Doege led the way with over 400 yards passing and 4 TDs through the air. Alex Torres only caught 4 passes but 3 of them were for a touchdown.
6. Texas – Texas didn’t play this week but are hoping to bounce back from back-to-back losses against the top two teams in the conference. Lucky for them, they play Kansas this week.
7. Baylor – The Bears also didn’t play this week after a big loss to A&M. Baylor travels to Oklahoma State to take on the Cowboys next week.
8. Missouri – Good news for the Tigers, they have already played KSU, OU, and OSU. They got beat by Oklahoma State this past weekend pretty handedly, 45-24. Mizzou turned the ball over 4 times and 3 of them were INTs from James Franklin.
9. Iowa State – As you know, QB Steele Jantz was benched after an interception on his first pass followed by two straight 3-and-outs. Jared Barnett came in and led the Clones down to field for a TD of his first possession. Barnett did enough for Paul Rhoads to name him the starter for next week. Next week’s game at Texas Tech is a must-win for ISU if they want to go bowling.
10. Kansas – The Jayhawks got thumped by their instate rivals, 59-21. Their goal for the rest of the season: win a Big-12 game (Best chance is Iowa State).