Football Power Rankings: Big 12 Conference Fans Receives More Tantalizing News to Cheer About
A hierarchy is forming in the Big 12 conference. Advanced analytics indicate that it’s a four-team race for the Big 12 title, involving BYU, Iowa State, Kansas State, and Colorado. The conference has been tumultuous, with less than half of the conference games having been completed so far. Today, we’re presenting our updated Big 12 power rankings as we approach week ten.
1. BYU
Record: 8-0
Next Opponent: Utah
BYU claims the top position due to having the strongest resume and the best record in the Big 12. Their victory over Kansas State stands out as the most impressive win in conference play by a considerable margin. The Cougars are in an excellent position as they approach November.
2. Iowa State
Record: 7-0
Upcoming Opponent: Texas Tech
Iowa State narrowly avoided an upset against UCF two weeks ago. They are one of the two undefeated teams in the Big 12, sitting just behind BYU in the power rankings. The Cyclones have shown remarkable consistency throughout the conference.
Historically, Iowa State has struggled to break through, never having won an outright conference championship. If this is their breakthrough year, they must navigate potential trap games, such as their matchup against Texas Tech this week.
3. Kansas State
Record: 7-1
Upcoming Opponent: Houston
Kansas State narrowly avoided an upset against rival Kansas last week. The Wildcats have a relatively easy schedule ahead, facing Houston, Arizona State, and Cincinnati before heading to Iowa State. There’s a good chance they could be 10-1 when they meet Iowa State in week 12.
4. Colorado
Record: 6-2
Next Opponent: Texas Tech
Colorado keeps racking up victories and remains competitive in the conference title chase. The Buffaloes are a strong team, just a few plays away from being unbeaten in conference play. Their upcoming schedule is advantageous, putting them in a good position to vie for a spot in the conference championship game. Colorado will face Texas Tech next Saturday in what is likely to be one of their toughest games left this season.
5. Cincinnati
Record: 5-3
Next Opponent: Colorado
With their defeat at Colorado, Cincinnati has effectively been knocked out of contention for the Big 12 title. The Bearcats currently hold a 3-2 record in conference play and face a challenging schedule in the next four games, including matchups at Kansas State and Iowa State. While they merit a place in the top five for now, there’s a notable divide between the top four teams and the rest of the pack.
6. Arizona State
Record: 5-2
Next Opponent: Oklahoma State
Arizona State’s offense faced challenges in the absence of Sam Leavitt. However, it appears that Leavitt is expected to return for the game against Oklahoma State on Saturday. Despite this setback, the team is still sitting at 5-2 and has a solid opportunity to qualify for a bowl game.
7. TCU
Record: 5-3
Next Opponent: Texas Tech
TCU is remarkably difficult to forecast. One week they surrender 66 points to SMU, and the next they limit Utah to just 7 points. Additionally, they suffered one of the worst losses in conference play against Houston. With a 3-2 record in the Big 12, the Horned Frogs are positioned in the middle of the standings, but no team in the conference has been as unpredictable this season as TCU.
8. West Virginia
Record: 4-4
Next Opponent: Cincinnati
West Virginia had the opportunity to establish themselves as a contender for the Big 12 championship in their recent matchups against Iowa State and Kansas State. However, they were not competitive in either game. Although the Mountaineers have talent on their roster and have faced a tough schedule, this isn’t their year. Neal Brown’s main focus is on reaching a bowl game to secure his position as head coach.
9. Baylor
Record: 4-4
Next Opponent: TCU
Baylor has shown significant improvement with Sawyer Robertson at the helm. As mentioned in the past two weeks, it wouldn’t be unexpected for the Bears to embark on a winning streak. They have secured two straight victories and now have the opportunity to extend that to three against TCU. There’s a real possibility for Baylor to secure a spot in a bowl game.
10. Texas Tech
Record: 5-3
Next Opponent: TCU
Texas Tech’s good fortune has started to fade in recent weeks. While the Red Raiders’ performance has never fully matched their record, losses have begun to accumulate over the past few games. They now face the risk of suffering their third straight defeat against Iowa State this weekend.
11. Houston
Record: 3-5
Next Opponent: Kansas State
Houston may not be a strong football team, but they have secured two conference victories against TCU and Utah. These wins have positioned them in the top 11.
12. UCF
Record: 3-5
Next Opponent: Arizona
Within the Big 12, there are four teams currently sitting at 1-3, and UCF stands out as the most formidable among them. They demonstrated their strength in a recent road game against Iowa State. Although UCF boasts a strong rushing offense, they struggled to find success against BYU last week.
13. Arizona
Record: 3-5
Upcoming Opponent: UCF
Arizona appears to be declining with each passing week. They are currently in a tough situation.
14. Kansas
Record: 2-6
Next Opponent: Iowa State
Despite what their record suggests, Kansas is a stronger team than it appears. However, until they manage to secure a win in a close matchup, it’s hard to justify ranking them higher than 14th. They are likely to be eliminated from bowl contention after their upcoming game against Iowa State.
15. Utah
Utah’s offense could be among the weakest in the Power Four. Until they resolve their struggles on that front, winning any game will be a formidable task. They’ve recently suffered puzzling defeats to TCU and Houston.
Record: 4-4
Next Opponent: BYU
16. Oklahoma State
Record: 3-5
Upcoming Opponent: Baylor
Oklahoma State has the ability to compete with many teams in the conference, but they have struggled to find consistency. After showing improvement following a bye week against BYU, they fell back into familiar patterns when facing Baylor. Currently, the Cowboys remain winless in conference games with a record of 0-5.