Big 12 Rankings: Kansas State Surges to 18th in AP

Kansas retains its sixth place ranking in both the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN polls on Monday, but their rivals are finally making some noise. Kansas State moves up in the AP and makes their debut on the ESPN’s side, knocking off Oklahoma State in both polls.

Dec 31, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats guards Rodney McGruder (22) , Shane Southwell (1) and Will Spradling (55) look on after a foul against the South Dakota Coyotes during the second half at Bramlage Coliseum. Kansas State defeated South Dakota 70-50. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

The Wildcats are now ranked 18th in the AP poll, moving up from 25th after a 73-67 win over the then-22nd ranked Cowboys. They debuted with two other teams in ESPN’s poll, getting the highest of the group with 23rd place. VCU and Wyoming debuted at 24th and 25th, respectively.

Kansas State opens the conference season with a victory and moves to 12-2 overall. Oklahoma State falls to 10-3 after their loss to the Wildcats and are currently hanging right outside of both polls.

No other Big 12 team is in the polls are receiving any votes. It’s not a big surprise considering every team but the Kansas schools have three or more losses, and no other teams have major marquee victories that overshadows their negatives shown this season.

Iowa State could make the biggest movement and receive some votes if they can grab a victory in Lawrence on Wednesday, or at the very least play well at Allen Fieldhouse. If they can prevent turning the ball over so much and make their 3-point shots, they’ll have a chance against their biggest rivals in men’s basketball.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor of Clones Confidential and Autzen Zoo. Get more Cyclones coverage by following us on Twitter.