Big 12 football power rankings: Kansas State rises to the top

A new team reigns as the Big 12’s elite squad. There’s some other shifts at the top, but I don’t completely give up on either Baylor or Oklahoma just yet.

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Here’s our Big 12 football power rankings heading into Week 9.

1. (11)Kansas State Wildcats (LW: 2 — Next: vs Texas)

You could argue either KSU or TCU in the top spot, but I’m going with Bill Snyder and Jake Waters. An incredible victory over Oklahoma because they take advantage of the Sooners’ mistakes. In my eyes, Waters is playing the best out of all the talented quarterbacks in the Big 12. A loss to Auburn (that was totally winnable) is all that hinders them from being in the College Football Playoff. Giving them just an 11th ranking in the AP poll is a crime; they are easily a top 10 team in the nation.

2. (10)TCU Horned Frogs (LW: 3 — Next: vs Texas Tech)

Why is the Horned Frogs so damn good? They have a top ten offense in scoring and yards per game thanks to the improvement in Trevone Boykin‘s arm. Also, the defense isn’t crushing it, but they’re clutch. They hold opponents to just 25.9 percent in third down conversions and average over a positive turnover per game. If they could have beaten Baylor, they’d be a threat for the CFP right now.

3. (12)Baylor Bears (LW: 1 — Next: BYE)

Just because the defense got knocked around twice in a row doesn’t mean the Bears are bad. They still have the best offense in the nation. It’s just time for the defense to get back on track — especially when they’re away from Waco.

4. (17)Oklahoma Sooners (LW: 4 — Next: BYE)

Oct 18, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

If they would have let Texas win a week ago, this would have been a 3-game losing stretch that would probably be calling for Bob Stoops’ head. Mistakes have plagued this team since representing the conference early this season.

5. Texas Longhorns (LW: 5 — Next: at Kansas St)

They got the win over Iowa State, but I just can’t put them ahead of the Sooners just yet after the defense game up 45 points to one of the worst ranked offenses in the nation. Tyrone Swoopes and the offense are rolling though.

6. (22)West Virginia Mountaineers (LW: 7 — Next: at Oklahoma St)

Clint Trickett is close to being the best quarterback in the conference. He was awesome in the big victory over Baylor. Perhaps this is a bit low for a 5-2 team, and you could truly organize OU, Texas, and this team in any order you want between 4-6. They’ll only rise if they can take advantage of playing TCU and Kansas State at home down the stretch.

7. Oklahoma State Cowboys (LW: 6 — Next: vs W Virginia)

An ugly display at TCU last Saturday. This is just the beginning of the Cowboy’s tough slate — it could get even uglier.

8. Iowa State Cyclones (LW: 8 — Next: BYE)

Oct 18, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back Aaron Wimberly (2) carries the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

45 points and over 500 yards of offense. Also, a running attack exists! Despite losing, the last two games are confidence boosters on the offense. Unfortunately, roles reversed and the defense was a bit of a letdown.

9. Texas Tech Red Raiders (LW: 9 — Next: at TCU)

If the running game continues to shine for the Red Raiders, they’ll get out of the cellar pretty quick. TTU breaks a four-game losing streak, but it was against Kansas — no movement just yet.

10. Kansas Jayhawks (LW: 10 — Next: BYE)

Signs of life continue to pulsate from Lawrence’s football squad. This team may compete after this year, which isn’t fun news to hear from Cyclone fans that really counted on this game being a walkover.

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