It was a wild weekend in the Big 12. Just as it seemed BYU was solidifying its dominance in the conference standings, Iowa State faced its first defeat of the season against Texas Tech, and Kansas State suffered a shocking loss to Houston despite being heavy favorites in both matchups. Now, both teams might need some assistance to make it to the Big 12 championship game, while Colorado suddenly has its sights set on a playoff spot. Currently, eight teams, or half of the conference, are in the running for the league title this month. With that context, let’s assess the situation as we head into Week 11 with a fresh set of Big 12 Power Rankings.
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
- BYU (8-0, 5-0 Big 12)
It appears no one in the Big 12 is keen on stopping BYU from clinching the conference championship. The Cougars are off to a strong 5-0 start in league play and could potentially absorb one or even two losses in their final four games while still making it to Arlington, Texas, thanks to unpredictable outcomes elsewhere.
SORTING THROUGH THE CHAOS
2. Colorado (6-2, 4-1 Big 12)
Interestingly, national media attention on Colorado has waned since their recent successes. The spotlight that once shone on Deion Sanders, Shedeur Sanders, and Travis Hunter isn’t as bright now that the team has secured five wins out of their last six games. Colorado is proving to be a serious playoff contender.
- Iowa State (7-1, 4-1 Big 12)
Iowa State never seemed like a team built to handle the weight of an undefeated record. Perhaps after their close 23-22 loss to Texas Tech, they’ll play more freely moving forward—or maybe it was an early indicator of further challenges. - Baylor (5-4, 3-3 Big 12)
After a rough start to Big 12 play with consecutive losses to Colorado, BYU, and Iowa State, Dave Aranda’s job status seemed precarious. However, the Bears have since bounced back with victories over Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and TCU, and they could finish the season strong with an 8-4 record and a good bowl game invitation. - Kansas State (7-2, 4-2 Big 12)
Chris Klieman has a tendency to drop at least one surprising game each season, and it happened again as the Wildcats unexpectedly fell to Houston while limiting the Cougars to just 232 yards of offense. Klieman’s teams have lost seven times as favorites by more than a touchdown. - Texas Tech (6-3, 4-2 Big 12)
Texas Tech is one of the most unpredictable teams in the Big 12, often showing drastic fluctuations in performance. In the last three games, they’ve allowed 59 points to Baylor, squandered a significant lead against TCU, and then pulled off a stunning upset against Iowa State. They are back in the title race with a significant matchup against Colorado on the horizon.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THEM
7. Arizona State (6-2, 2-2 Big 12)
Cam Skattebo might just be the best player in the conference. The Arizona State running back has amassed 1,001 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season, along with 27 receptions for 404 yards and two scores. He had an impressive nearly 300 yards of offense in a comfortable win over Oklahoma State, though he is currently questionable due to injury.
- Cincinnati (5-3, 3-2 Big 12)
The Bearcats are still in the running for the conference championship with upcoming games against West Virginia, Iowa State, and Kansas State.
HOPING FOR A BOWL GAME
9. TCU (5-4, 3-3 Big 12)
Josh Hoover has been consistent this season, throwing for at least 233 yards in every game and exceeding 300 yards six times, making a case for being the second-best quarterback in the league behind Shedeur Sanders.
- Kansas (2-6, 1-4 Big 12)
The Jayhawks still have a shot at bowl eligibility if they can win their remaining four games, but that won’t be easy with their final slate against the top four teams in these rankings: Iowa State, BYU, Colorado, and Baylor. - Houston (4-5, 3-3 Big 12)
Willie Fritz deserves credit for leading the Cougars to four wins in his first year. No other Big 12 team has excelled at turning games into low-scoring affairs quite like Houston, winning despite managing just 289 yards against Utah and 232 against Kansas State. - West Virginia (4-4, 3-2 Big 12)
Backup quarterback Nicco Marchiol will likely continue to lead West Virginia’s offense with Garrett Greene sidelined due to injury. - UCF (4-5, 2-4 Big 12)
After desperately needing a morale-boosting victory, the Knights achieved just that with a dominant 56-12 win over Arizona. With this momentum, UCF might still work their way into a bowl game.
WORST OF THE WORST
14. Utah (4-4, 1-4 Big 12)
The Utes are enduring a tough season but are sure to give their best effort in hopes of spoiling BYU’s successful campaign this weekend.
- Oklahoma State (3-6, 0-6 Big 12)
Despite Mike Gundy’s recent emphatic response to fan criticism, Oklahoma State remains one of the weakest teams in the Big 12. - Arizona (3-6, 1-5 Big 12)
The Wildcats may be the most disappointing team in college football right now, struggling despite having talents like Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan. Coach Brent Brennan has hinted at significant changes ahead.
Leave a Reply