1) TCU
The Horned Frogs struggled in a surprising game at Kansas, but quarterback Trevone Boykin continues to show he deserves to be in the Heisman conversation. Their defense, which was supposed to be their strength, has been a bit disappointing. They aren’t bad by any means, but they aren’t superb. They allowed 30 points against Kansas, 61 at Baylor, 30 to West Virginia and 33 against Oklahoma. Fortunately for them, their offense is unstoppable.
2) Baylor
Only one team scores more than TCU, and that is Baylor. The Bears average 50 points per game. It doesn’t matter how bad your defense is when your offense is putting up those kind of numbers. They aren’t one dimensional on offense either. While their passing game is fourth in the country, their rushing attack is no slouch. They are averaging 239.5 yards per game on the ground.
3) Kansas State
After TCU steamrolled them in their biggest game of the year, the Wildcats bounced back to take care of West Virginia last week. Quarterback Jake Waters put up 400 yards through the air, further proof that he has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the Big 12. He has completed fewer than 60 percent of his passes just twice this season, while throwing for at least 223 yards in every game. Most importantly, he limits turnovers, throwing just five picks on 295 attempts.
4) Oklahoma
Head coach Bob Stoops is getting plenty of criticism in Norman, but overall, the Sooners aren’t that bad. They are 8-3, and two of those losses were by four points or less. Last week, true freshman Samaje Perine ran for an FBS record 427 yards. He’s the real deal, and with Joe Mixon, who will return from suspension next year, the Sooners will have the scariest backfield in the nation.
5) Texas
Its defense is for real. Since allowing 45 to Iowa State, the Longhorns have allowed less than 15 per contest. Their pass rush is getting to opposing quarterbacks, and their defensive backs are legit. The only thing holding them back is the inconsistency of the offense. Besides senior receiver John Harris, there isn’t a single player on the offense who has been consistent all year.
6) West Virginia
After shooting up the rankings, the Mountaineers have quickly lost three straight. For the first time this year, they struggled on offense in the loss to Kansas State. All of sudden, they are sitting at 6-5 overall and just 4-4 in the Big 12.
7) Oklahoma State
My, oh, my, how the Cowboys have fallen. Remember when they were 5-1 and ranked No. 13? Since that time, they have lost five straight and will finish the season with games against Baylor and Oklahoma. It’s hard to be believe this team likely won’t be in a bowl game, but their offense has been terrible. Daxx Garman has 12 touchdowns and 12 picks behind one of the worst offensive lines in the Big 12.
8) Texas Tech
The Red Raiders’ defense might be the worst in the nation, and their offense isn’t very good. That’s a losing combination.
9) Iowa State
The Cyclones may not win a Big 12 game, but they stayed close with a few teams. The loss to Kansas really hurt Paul Rhoads’ bunch.
10) Kansas
The Jayhawks gave TCU a scare and won a Big 12 game. That’s a successful season, given the lack of talent within their roster.
