Big 12 football power rankings: Baylor at the top after Oklahoma knockdown
By Brian Spaen
Here are the Big 12 football power rankings after Week 6 of the college football season.
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Take a look at the latest Big 12 football standings.
1. (5)Baylor Bears (LW: 2 — Next: vs TCU)
It was a head scratcher for well over a half, but Baylor finally got things together and was victorious in Austin. Bryce Petty, Shock Linwood, and the depth of the wide receivers always get the headlines, but you have to give the defense all the credit in that victory. A ballsy call for a punt fake also essentially ended the game after the Bears scored quickly.
2. (17)Kansas State Wildcats (LW: 3 — Next: BYE)
While it was just against Texas Tech’s crappy defense, KSU quarterback Jake Waters looked like a star in the air and on the ground. They would have played Iowa State this week, but due to a schedule change in the preseason, they’ll have a BYE week instead.
3. (9)TCU Horned Frogs (LW: 4 — Next: at Baylor)
I understand more people will have TCU at number two with their big win over Oklahoma, and I was higher than most on the Horned Frogs coming into the season. Their defense wasn’t perfect, but it’s amazing to see how TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin has improved from a few years ago.
4. (11)Oklahoma Sooners (LW: 1 — Next: vs Texas)
Oklahoma can’t hang their heads low after a thrilling game like that. It wasn’t a bad loss. TCU is really good, and they are still in contention for a College Football Playoff berth if they can win out.
Oct 4, 2014; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback
Clint Trickett(9) throws a pass against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
5. (16)Oklahoma State Cowboys (LW: 5 — Next: at Kansas)
Again, I still can’t figure this team out. It took a horrible call and a Tyreek Hill kickoff return to get the blood flowing, and who knows what would have happened if the momentum didn’t swing all the way to their side in the second half against Iowa State. They’re good, but they don’t deserve a ranking higher than Kansas State.
6. West Virginia Mountaineers (LW: 6 — Next: at Texas Tech)
They looked great against Kansas. We move on.
7. Texas Longhorns (LW: 7 — Next: vs Oklahoma)
Defensively, this team is legit. Throw out the Baylor game and they’ve done a solid job setting up their offense to win against UCLA and Baylor. There’s just not enough pop on offense, and that’s why the upcoming Red River Shootout could be trouble unless the defense has as great of a performance as they did against the Bears.
8. Texas Tech Red Raiders (LW: 8 — Next: vs West Virginia)
Unless the defense gets better, they’re going to be giving up 40-plus points in every game. At this point, it’s too bad Iowa State can’t play against them next week because I think the offense could finally figure things out.
9. Iowa State Cyclones (LW: 9 — Next: vs Toledo)
Luckily, the Cyclones could figure out some things against their non-conference opponent this week who ranks 94th nationally in total defense. They need to, or they’ll be sitting by Kansas all season long.
10. Kansas Jayhawks (LW: 10 — Next: vs Oklahoma State)
Basketball can’t come soon enough.