We’re halfway through the college football regular season, and some teams are becoming top tier while others are sliding further down. Here’s where each Big 12 team sits going into Week Seven:
No. 1, Texas
The 48 points scored against OU were the most put on the board by the Longhorns in the history of the Red River Rivalry. Combine that with a game-winning field goal, and Texas reaches the top of the Big 12 power rankings for the first time in what feels like ages. Texas has now won five straight games, with three coming over ranked opponents. Sam Ehlinger found the endzone five times Saturday and finished without an interception for the fifth-straight game.
No. 2, West Virginia
West Virginia remained undefeated with a 38-22 victory over Kansas this past weekend. However, it wasn’t the prettiest victory. Quarterback Will Grier threw three interceptions to a Jayhawks defense that has allowed the second most points in Big 12 play. But still, despite the errors, the No. 6 Mountaineers in the nation have yet to score less than 35 points in a game this season.
No. 3, Oklahoma
A glimmer of hope turned into a brutal heartbreak for the Sooners at the Cotton Bowl this weekend. Trailing by 21 points in the fourth quarter, Kyler Murray and company rallied to tie the Longhorns late in the fourth before a game-winning field goal sunk their comeback attempt. The Sooners’ first loss of the season comes with more baggage upon the announcement of defensive coordinator Mike Stoops being let go.
No. 4, Baylor
A year removed from a 1–11 season is enough to thrust Baylor into the No. 4 spot of the power rankings. The Bears are 4–2 thanks to a last-second field goal that gave them a massive conference victory over Kansas State. Baylor’s momentum may come to a screeching halt in the coming weeks, though, with Texas and West Virginia slated over the next two weeks.
No. 5, Texas Tech
For three quarters, it appeared that the Red Raiders were going to be blown out at home against Will Grier and the Mountaineers. However, a late comeback attempt by replacement quarterback Jett Duffey provides optimism for Tech moving forward. The Raiders showed that they are truly a dual-threat team last Saturday with 295 receiving yards on 25 catches.
No. 6, Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State suffered a tough loss at the hands of Iowa State this weekend. Coming in at 4–1, the Cowboys had hopes of staying ranked and keeping momentum on their side heading into Manhattan. Instead, they allowed a season-high 48 points to the Cyclones, which is certainly concerning for a team with hopes of making a big bowl game this season.
No. 7, Iowa State
An upset over Oklahoma State moves Iowa State up the ladder just a bit this week. Coming off of a 48-point rout, the Cyclones are back to their winning ways for now. A matchup with West Virginia this week will likely determine the fate of this team.
No. 8, TCU
TCU had the week off, which keeps them low in the standings. The Horned Frogs did get back on track two weeks ago with a victory over Iowa State, but there are still questions surrounding the offense. Right now, the uncertainties with Gary Patterson’s group may keep them in the bottom half of the rankings for weeks to come.
No. 9, Kansas State
A last-second field goal by the Baylor Bears gave Kansas State their third consecutive loss. The Wildcats have dropped games to three ranked opponents and have not been able to secure an impressive victory. A matchup this weekend against Oklahoma State, the nation’s 8th ranked offense, does not appear promising for Kansas State.
No. 10, Kansas
Kansas’ short stint of being out of the cellar of the Big 12 has come to an end following their 38-22 loss to West Virginia. The lone bright spot for the Jayhawks was intercepting Will Grier three times. Kansas goes on the road to Lubbock and Fort Worth over the next two weeks, providing one of the tougher stretches their schedule has to offer.
