1. Iowa State
Iowa State dominated Kansas State last week 45-0 to improve to 6–1 in Big 12 play. Junior quarterback Brock Purdy threw three touchdowns, and star sophomore running back Breece Hall continued his strong season by rushing for 135 yards and two touchdowns. The Cyclones will put their top spot on the line against No. 20 Texas this week.
2. Oklahoma
Oklahoma made a statement with its Bedlam win over rival Oklahoma State last week. The Sooners raced out to an early 21-0 lead and held onto it the rest of the game. They currently sit in second place in the Big 12 after five straight victories, and redshirt freshman quarterback Spencer Rattler continues to make a name for himself with his impressive play.
3. Texas
Texas received an extra bye last week after Kansas was unable to suit up because of COVID-19 and injury issues. No. 20 Texas now looks forward to hosting No. 15 Iowa State in Austin on Friday. Since Oklahoma keeps winning, the Longhorns need to beat Iowa State to keep their Big 12 title hopes alive.
4. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State lost to in-state rival Oklahoma for the 16th time in the last 20 seasons last week. You have to wonder how many more beatings head coach Mike Gundy can survive, as he is now 2–13 against Oklahoma in his current role. The Cowboys have lost two out of their last three but still sit at fourth in the conference with a slim chance at a title game appearance.
5. West Virginia
West Virginia is coming off a bye week in preparation for its meeting with No. 14 Oklahoma this week. Although the Mountaineers defense has been solid all year, the Sooners pose a greater threat than any team they’ve played this season. Forcing mistakes and turnovers will be crucial to West Virginia’s hopes of earning a win.
6. TCU
TCU sits at 3–4 heading into its matchup against winless Kansas this week. Sophomore quarterback Max Duggan is the star of the Horned Frogs offense, leading the team in both passing and rushing yards this season. Anything other than a horrible showing will be enough to beat the Jayhawks.
7. Texas Tech
Coming off the heels of a nail-biting win over Baylor and a bye last week, Texas Tech will be rested and energized for its matchup with No. 21 Oklahoma State on Saturday. The Red Raiders have had a revolving door at quarterback and are scoring less than 30 points a game, so a win this week would be a big accomplishment.
8. Kansas State
Kansas State was humiliated by No. 15 Iowa State last week, unable to score a single point against the Cyclones’ defense. The Wildcats managed just 149 yards of total offense, committed three turnovers and gave up 539 yards on defense. Kansas State will look to end its three-game skid in its upcoming matchup against Baylor.
9. Baylor
Baylor has only one win this season, which came against Kansas, the only team below it in the rankings. The Bears were on bye last week, and only time will tell if they took advantage of it before heading into their matchup with Kansas State.
10. Kansas
Kansas couldn’t suit up enough players against Texas last week, meaning its matchup with the Longhorns won’t take place until Dec. 12. The Jayhawks are currently scheduled to play TCU this week. Expect their winless streak to continue.
