1. Texas
Texas needed some late-game heroics but still found a way to survive against Texas Tech last week in an overtime thriller. The Longhorns are 2–0 for the first time under head coach Tom Herman and take the top spot in the Big 12 following Oklahoma’s loss. Texas will be back in Austin for a matchup against TCU this week.
2. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State joins Texas as the only 2–0 teams in the Big 12 after its victory over West Virginia last week. It didn’t look pretty, but redshirt junior running back Chuba Hubbard put up another 100-yard game on the ground, leading the Cowboys to victory. Oklahoma State travels to Kansas this week.
3. Kansas State
Kansas State stunned No. 3 Oklahoma last week, roaring back from a 21-point deficit to upset the Sooners for a second straight year. The final tally in Norman was 38-35. Senior quarterback Skylar Thompson threw for over 300 yards in the comeback victory. Kansas State takes on Texas Tech at home this week.
4. Baylor
The Bears looked good in their 47-14 drubbing of Kansas last week, finally getting to play a game after having their first three games of the season canceled or postponed. Dave Aranda got the win in his debut as Baylor’s head coach. Senior running back Trestan Ebner shined on the field, collecting four touchdowns, including two kick returns for touchdowns. Baylor travels to West Virginia this week.
5. Iowa State
Iowa State got back on track last week with a 37-34 win over TCU. Sophomore running back Breece Hall ran for 154 yards and three touchdowns in the win. The Cyclones are 1–0 in conference play and will look to keep the momentum going against Oklahoma this week, a matchup that will tell us a lot about the mental fortitude of both teams.
6. Oklahoma
Redshirt freshman quarterback Spencer Rattler looked — forgive me — rattled during Kansas State’s stunning comeback over Oklahoma last week. Rattler threw three interceptions, including an errant throw that sealed the game for the Wildcats. The young quarterback will look to improve upon that performance this week against Iowa State.
7. TCU
TCU dropped a close one last week to Iowa State in their season opener. Sophomore quarterback Max Duggan threw three touchdowns in the second half, but a tipped interception late set up the game-winning score for Iowa State. TCU travels to Austin this week for a matchup with No. 9 Texas.
8. Texas Tech
Texas Tech’s 56 points were the most the team has ever scored against Texas, but it wasn’t enough to complete the upset. The Red Raiders had a 15-point lead with a few minutes to go before senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger, with the help of an onside kick recovery, led the Longhorns to 22 unanswered points. Texas Tech travels to Kansas State this week.
9. West Virginia
West Virginia only managed to score 13 points in its Big 12 opener against Oklahoma State, mustering just one touchdown in the loss. West Virginia hopes to put up a better fight against Baylor this week.
10. Kansas
Kansas lost big to Baylor last week. Junior running back Pooka Williams Jr. scored twice on the ground, but he was the lone bright spot for the Jayhawks, who couldn’t score any additional points. Kansas hosts Oklahoma State this week.
