Big 12 football power rankings: Small changes as conference play nears

Only four teams have movement
West Virginia beating Pitt was the conference's biggest upset
West Virginia beating Pitt was the conference's biggest upset | Ben Queen-Imagn Images

The Big 12 had a positive week, as every team that played a team in another conference won its game. That creates not much movement in the rankings.

16. Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-1) 

Last week's rank 16

Oklahoma State had a bye week last week. The Cowboys host Tulsa this weekend in a Friday night duel. OSU is expected to win.

15. Kansas State Wildcats (1-3, 0-1 Big 12)  

Last week's rank 15

Kansas State continues to disappoint as the team dropped a non-conference game against Arizona.  The Wildcats have an off week this week.

14. Colorado Buffaloes (1-2, 0-1 Big 12) 

Last week's rank 13

Colorado started sophomore Ryan Staub at quarterback last week in an attempt to get something going. The Buffaloes lost their first conference game of the year. They host Wyoming in a game they should win.

13. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-1) 

Last week’s rank 14

West Virginia upset Pitt in the latest edition of the Backyard Brawl. This is good enough to move the Mountaineers up one spot, as the loss to Ohio weighs them down. They will visit Kansas this week.

12. Arizona Wildcats (3-0) 

Last week’s rank 12

Arizona beat Kansas in a battle of the Wildcats non-conference game. The Wildcats are off this week before they start conference play.

11. Cincinnati Bearcats (2-1) 

Last week’s rank 11

Cincinnati throttled FCS Northwestern State as expected. The Bearcats are off this week before starting conference play.

10. UCF Knights (2-0) 

Last week’s rank 9

UCF had an off week last week. They return to action against North Carolina, which was destroyed by TCU in week one. The Knights are projected to win.

9. Houston Cougars (3-0, 1-0 Big 12)  

Last week’s rank 10

Houston moves up a spot in the rankings as they are undefeated on the season. The Cougars beat Colorado last week as expected. They have an off week this week.

8. Kansas Jayhawks (2-1)

Last week’s rank 8

Kansas had a bye week last week. The Jayhawks start conference play against West Virginia, which is coming off a huge win against Pitt. Kansas is projected to win.

7. Arizona State Sun Devils (2-1) 

Last week’s rank 7

Arizona State returned to the winner's column, beating Texas State last weekend. The Sun Devils head to Waco to face Baylor in what should be an intriguing conference matchup.

6. Baylor Bears (2-1)  

Last week’s rank 6

Baylor steamrolled FCS Samford last week as anticipated. The Bears get an interesting test as they host Arizona State. They are favored to win by 1.5.

5. Utah Utes (3-0) 

Last week’s rank 5

Utah dominated Wyoming last week as expected. This week, Utah hosts Texas Tech in what should be an interesting game. The Utes are favored to win by 3.5.

4. BYU Cougars (2-0) 

Last week’s rank 4

BYU had an off week last week. The Cougars travel to Greenville, North Carolina, to face East Carolina. BYU ought to win.

3. Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-0) 

Last week’s rank 3

Texas Tech demolished Oregon State last weekend as predicted. The Red Raiders travel to Salt Lake City in a game that should be close. 

2. Iowa State Cyclones (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) 

Last week’s rank 2

Iowa State edged out Arkansas State on the road last week. The Cyclones sit in a good position as they head into their first bye week of the season.

1. TCU Horned Frogs (2-0) 

Last week’s rank 1

TCU eased to victory over FCS Abilene Christian. The Horned Frogs host in-state rival SMU in the Battle for the Iron Skillet. The Fort Worth school, Texas Christian, is favored to beat the Dallas-based Southern Methodist.

There was not much movement to the power rankings, but with a trio of conference games that should be close, I expect there to be some changes next week.

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