1. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State survived its first big test of the season last week, beating Iowa State 24-21. The No. 6 Cowboys look every bit like a top-10 team with an offense that is putting up 420 yards a game and a defense that is allowing just over 300. Junior running back Chuba Hubbard continued his strong season with his third straight 100-yard game last week. A win against Texas would put Oklahoma State firmly in the driver’s seat of the Big 12.
2. Iowa State
Iowa State played well in its close loss to Oklahoma State last week. Sophomore running back Breece Hall ran through a solid Cowboys defense to the tune of 185 yards. Although the loss caused the Cyclones to slip in the AP Top 25, they should get back on track against Kansas this week.
3. Kansas State
Kansas State moved to 4–0 in the Big 12 after its drubbing of Kansas last week. However, the Wildcats will only go as far as freshman quarterback Will Howard can take them. Starter redshirt senior Skylar Thompson is out for the rest of the season after suffering an upper body injury in early October against Texas Tech. Kansas State travels to West Virginia this week.
4. Oklahoma
Despite the rough start to their season, the Sooners appear to be rounding into shape. Oklahoma has won two straight games after beating TCU last week. Look for that to continue this week when Oklahoma travels to Texas Tech. Redshirt freshman quarterback Spencer Rattler continues to improve as well with over 1,500 yards of passing on the season.
5. Texas
Texas snapped its two-game losing streak with a 27-16 win over Baylor last week. The Longhorns controlled the game for the most part, but they didn’t look amazing either. There were still some boneheaded errors in the second half that allowed Baylor to make it somewhat interesting. A huge matchup at No. 6 Oklahoma State looms this week.
6. West Virginia
Here’s where the rankings start to become a bit of a mess. West Virginia lost to Texas Tech last week, though much of that can be attributed to a Texas Tech scoop and score in the fourth quarter that West Virginia couldn’t overcome. The Mountaineers sit at 2–2 in Big 12 play heading into an intriguing matchup with No. 16 Kansas State.
7. Baylor
Just three games into Baylor’s season, it’s still hard to know exactly how the Bears will fare this year. They sit at 1–2 with a win over Kansas and losses to West Virginia and Texas. First-year head coach Dave Aranda remains unproven and has yet to establish a decent running game. Baylor hosts a struggling TCU squad this week in a game that could serve as a confidence boost.
8. TCU
TCU sits at 1–3 following its loss to Oklahoma last week, with its lone win coming against Texas. The Horned Frogs defense is giving up 400 yards a game, and their offense has struggled outside of sophomore quarterback Max Duggan. TCU will look to right the ship this week against Baylor.
9. Texas Tech
Texas Tech got a nice win over West Virginia last week, but that remains the only bright spot on its season so far. Texas Tech has to rely on its offense since its defense is giving up 37 points a game. A brutal matchup against an Oklahoma offense that’s stepping up their game awaits the Red Raiders this week.
10. Kansas
Kansas was humiliated by Kansas State last week, losing 55-14. The Jayhawks remain winless, and there doesn’t appear to be much on their horizon. Kansas faces No. 23 Iowa State this week, No. 24 Oklahoma next week and Texas in mid-November.
