Final Big 12 Power Rankings
By Ross
1. Oklahoma State – The Cowboys were without a doubt the best team in the Big 12 this year. The Pokes had the most explosive offensive in the nation this year led by QB Brandon Weeden and WR Justin Blackmon. It was a special year in Stillwater and they capped it off with a Fiesta Bowl victory. It will be interesting to see if Mike Gundy and OSU can keep it up next season.
2. Oklahoma – It wasn’t a great year for the Sooners considering fan expectation. They entered the season as the number one team but lost heartbreakers to Texas Tech and Baylor. However, all in all the Sooners were a great team this year and did a lot of good things (even though the OU fans don’t think so).
3. Baylor – There was some buzz in Waco heading into the 2011 season, but I don’t think any Baylor fan was expecting what happened. The Bears had the best year in school history including winning the school’s first Heisman. Robert Griffin III was the best player in the Big 12 this year and arguably nation (sorry, still think Luck should have won). I can go on and on about RG3, but other plays like Kendall Wright had great years.
4. Kansas State – Okay K-State fans, call me a hater. You and others probably think that the Wildcats deserved to be ranked second and you have a strong argument. However, I just don’t believe in my heart that K-State is a better team than the Sooners and Bears. Don’t think I’m taking away from K-State’s year. The Wildcats shocked the entire league this year with their performances. Collin Klein is one of the most underrated players in the country. As a Cyclone fan, I’m already nervous about next year’s Farmageddon game.
5. Texas – This position was tough, either Texas or Mizzou. I know Mizzou beat Texas this year in Columbia, but I can’t get over the defense of Texas. The Longhorns had the best defense in the Big 12 this year as it was filled with NFL talent. Longhorn fans are wondering “what could have been” if the offense, specifically quarterbacks could have played better. Oh well, Texas beat A&M in the final Lonestar Showdown game which will always be remembered by Horn fans.
6. Missouri – For Mizzou, it was their last year in the Big 12 conference. They had a decent year and topped it off with a dominating performance in the bowl game. Mizzou fans should have some confidence heading into the SEC. I really think they are a dark horse candidate in the next year or two in the SEC. Remember, QB James Franklin and the Big 12’s leading rusher, Henry Josey are only sophomores.
7. Texas A&M – I said Texas fans were wondering “what could have been”, but Aggie fans probably asked themselves that question every hour. A&M blew so many leads and lost five games by a touchdown or less. I think A&M had the talent to go to a BCS bowl game this year, but they couldn’t finish games. Mike Sherman lost his job because of it. Kevin Sumlin will be the coach of A&M in the first year that they compete in the SEC.
8. Iowa State – The Cyclones exceeded mine and many others’ expectations this year. There were many great moments this year like beating the Hawkeyes and knocking off #2-ranked Oklahoma State. However, the Clones ended a magical season with a dud in the Pinstripe Bowl. I think Iowa State, next year, can be a really good team and maybe win eight to nine games.
9. Texas Tech – I think Texas Tech had the most disappointing year. It looked like a closed deal that Tech was going to a bowl game after the beat the unbeaten Sooners in Norman. After that, they didn’t win a game. Seth Doege had a rough second half of the season. Tech fans should feel somewhat optimistic in the future with stud WR Eric Ward returning.
10. Kansas – This is a year that Jayhawk faithful definitely want to forget. It isn’t like they had large expectations heading into the season, but fans thought the team would be much better. Kansas didn’t win a single Big 12 game and eventually had to fire their coach. Lucky for them, they hired one of the best in Charlie Weis and have had a couple solid QBs transfer in.