1. TCU
The Horned Frogs had a big scare over the weekend, needing a miracle touchdown to down Texas Tech 55-52 in Lubbock. TCU’s defense struggled, allowing the Red Raiders to amass 607 total yards of offense. The Frogs remains a Big 12 contender, but their defense makes them look very vulnerable.
2. Baylor
The Bears ended their weak nonconference slate with a 70-17 win over Rice. Baylor’s first real test comes this week against Texas Tech in Arlington. After Tech’s near-win over TCU, this game is far from a sure thing for Baylor.
3. Oklahoma
It was a week off for the 3-0 Sooners. They return home for their Big 12 opener against West Virginia, a game that should tell us a lot about both squads.
4. West Virginia
The Mountaineers took care of business against Maryland, 45-6, and have looked great through their first three games. In an offense-heavy conference, West Virginia is No. 2 in total defense. Its first big test comes this week on the road against the Sooners.
5. Oklahoma State
The Pokes didn’t look as sharp on Saturday against the Longhorns as they had in previous weeks. Some controversial officiating and another Texas special teams gaff helped the Cowboys escape Austin with a win.
6. Texas Tech
Tech lost in heartbreaking fashion as TCU scored the game-winning touchdown on a tipped pass to hand the Red Raiders a loss. Tech has another chance to shake up the Big 12 race Saturday against Baylor, but it might be without sophomore quarterback Patrick Mahomes due to a knee injury.
7. Kansas State
The 3-0 Wildcats had a bye-week but return home to play West Virginia. Kansas State needed triple overtime to beat Louisiana Tech its last time out, so a matchup with No. 23 West Virginia will say a lot about who the Wildcats are.
8. Texas
The Longhorns fell to 1-3 in frustrating fashion again, this time thanks to questionable officiating and another special teams mistake. The road doesn’t get any easier with No. 4 TCU and No. 15 Oklahoma next.
9. Iowa State
The Cyclones are 1-3 but might have a chance at a win this week at home against Kansas.
10. Kansas
The winless Jayhawks fell to Rutgers 27-14 and travel to Iowa State before beginning a stretch against Baylor, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma.