Big 12 Post Week 10 Power Rankings
1. TCU
TCU started with a bang on the punt return by Derius Davis, but the offense was only able to get two field goals going into halftime. The offense had some trouble early in the third quarter but could finally figure it out late in the third quarter and extended their lead in the 4th for a 34-24 win. They had a chance to make it a 41-17 score but were stopped on 4th down late in the game. That would have significantly impacted the College Football Playoff, but they moved up in the CFP poll to the #4 ranking.
2. Texas
The Longhorns went to Manhattan and got a 34-27 win. This time they started fast and had a 21-pt lead at halftime and looked like they were going to let another multiple-score lead go away, but the defense was able to hold off a late game-tying Kansas St drive. Texas gave the ball to Bijan on 30 carries and 2 receptions which accounted for 243 yards and 1 touchdown.
3. Kansas State
The Wildcats went with Adrian Martinez as the starting quarterback over Will Howard, and it did not work out for them. He did throw for 329 yards and 2 scores while rushing for one himself. He would later fumble with under a minute while KSU was driving for the tying score. We will see if KSU sticks with Martinez or goes to Howard this week against Baylor.
4. Baylor
Baylor went to Norman and got a big road win that ties them for second place in the conference with Texas and Kansas St, who they still have to play, and back in the chase for the Big 12 Championship game. The defense forced three interceptions off of deflections, and the offense was led by Craig “Sqwirl” Williams with 192 yards and two scores. Sqwirl gives them another weapon and helps with the depth behind Richard Reese.
5. Oklahoma
The offense played well, but the three interceptions to go with a turnover on downs, all in the first half, put them behind, and they were unable to catch up, especially with their defense and the inability to get consistent stops. Baylor could convert all three fourth downs that they attempted extending drives.
6. Kansas
The Jayhawks are bowl eligible with their sixth win of the season for the first time since 2008. Devin Neal accounted for 334 yards and one score. That was an all-time performance from Neal and a grand way to get that long-awaited sixth win of the season.
7. Oklahoma State
Injuries have hit the Cowboys hard this season. Spencer Sanders didn’t play in the game against Kansas, and he may not play this week against Iowa St. Garrett Rangel looked promising against Kansas, but he is a true freshman playing in his first meaningful game on the road against a team that sees a chance to be bowl eligible. Rangel finished 27-40 for 309 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. He should be able to take the experience and play better against the Cyclones, especially at home.
8. Texas Tech
The Red Raiders played TCU tough for three-plus quarters, but they couldn’t do it for the whole game. Tech fell behind in the fourth quarter, and they started to press and force the issue by attempting several fourth-down conversions, which failed and gave TCU a short field converted for touchdowns and quickly extended the gap. Behren Morton also left the game in the first half and didn’t return, so his status for the game against Kansas is questionable.
9. Iowa State
The battle of the bottom of the conference went to Iowa State with a 31-14 win. ISU’s offense tallied 391 yards and 31 points, exceeding their season averages, and the defense continued their stalwart play. ISU has to win two of the three reaming games at Oklahoma St, vs. Texas Tech, and at TCU. The odds are not in their favor, but they may pull it off.
10. West Virginia
The time for Neal Brown has to be ticking until he is fired. They have 3 games left against Oklahoma, Kansas St, and at Oklahoma St with all of them being must-win to get to a bowl and probably the only saving grace for Brown in his tenure.
