1. Iowa State
Iowa State has been the biggest story in the Big 12 this year. After losing to Louisiana to begin the season, the Cyclones have won seven of its eight Big 12 games and sit in a firm position to play for their first conference title in over 100 years. Star sophomore running back Breece Hall said it best after beating Texas last week: “It’s five-star culture versus five-star players.”
2. Oklahoma
Oklahoma was scheduled to play West Virginia last week, but COVID-19 issues within the program forced the game to be postponed. Nevertheless, the Sooners appear set to face Iowa State in the Big 12 championship game in a few weeks as they try for their sixth straight conference title.
3. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State pulled out a close one over Texas Tech last week, winning 50-44. With the team’s top two running backs out due to injury, redshirt junior running back Dezmon Jackson stepped up in a big way, rushing for 235 yards and three touchdowns in the win. The Cowboys will travel to TCU this week.
4. Texas
Texas lost a heartbreaker to Iowa State last week 23-20, ending the team’s hopes at a conference title. It wasn’t the Senior Day quarterback Sam Ehlinger hoped for, but the Longhorns have two more Big 12 games and a bowl game. There’s still an opportunity for the seniors to go out on a high note.
5. West Virginia
West Virginia should be well-rested for its upcoming matchup with No. 9 Iowa State after last week’s postponement, though a week off didn’t seem to help Texas much. The Mountaineers have a slim opportunity to cause some chaos at the top of the Big 12 standings if they can beat the Cyclones on Saturday and No. 11 Oklahoma on Dec. 12.
6. TCU
TCU got its free win over winless Kansas last week, beating the Jayhawks 59-23 on the road. Sophomore quarterback Max Duggan contributed four touchdowns, and the team rushed for 337 total yards in the win. TCU needs to win its matchup with No. 15 Oklahoma State this week to finish the season above .500.
7. Texas Tech
Texas Tech put up a solid fight against Oklahoma State last week, losing by six points. Sophomore quarterback Alan Bowman had his best game of the season, throwing for 384 yards and three touchdowns. The Red Raiders are likely to pick up their fourth win of the season against Kansas this week.
8. Baylor
Baylor ended its five-game losing streak with sophomore kicker John Mayers’ game-winning field goal against Kansas State last week. The 32-31 win was the Bears’ second on the season and could serve as a brief confidence boost before their matchup at No. 11 Oklahoma this week.
9. Kansas State
Kansas State has completely fallen apart after a strong 4–1 start to the season. The Wildcats have lost four straight, including a heartbreaker to Baylor in the final seconds of last week’s game. Kansas State will play its final game of the season against Texas this week.
10. Kansas
Kansas lost to TCU 59-23 last week, dropping its record to 0–8 on the season. The Jayhawks only mustered 41 rushing yards in the loss. There’s not much to say here, other than Kansas still stinks, but it will try to earn its first win against Texas Tech this week.
