Buster and CMan's Final Regular season Top 25

 BCS Top 25:

1. Florida State
2. Auburn
3. Alabama
4. Michigan State
5. Stanford
6. Baylor
7. Ohio State
8. Missouri
9. South Carolina
10. Oregon
11. Oklahoma
12. Clemson
13. Oklahoma State
14. Arizona State
15. UCF
16. LSU
17. UCLA
18. Louisville
19. Wisconsin
20. Fresno State
21. Texas A&M
22. Georgia
23. Northern Illinois
24. Duke
25. USC

CMan's Top 25:

1. Florida State
2. Auburn
3. Michigan State
4. Alabama
5. Stanford
6. Ohio State
7. Missouri
8. Baylor
9. South Carolina
10. Oklahoma
11. Oregon
12. Clemson
13. Oklahoma State
14. Arizona State
15. UCF
16. Louisville
17. LSU
18. UCLA
19. Wisconsin
20. Fresno State
21. Duke
22. Northern Illinois
23. Georgia
24. USC
25. North Dakota State

Buster's Top 25:
1.Florida St.
2.Auburn
3.Alabama
4.Michigan St.
5.Stanford
6.Missouri
7.Ohio St.
8.Baylor
9.South Carolina
10.Oklahoma
11.Clemson
12.Oregon
13.Arizona St.
14.Oklahoma St.
15.UCF
16.Louisville
17.LSU
18.UCLA
19.Wisconsin
20.Duke
21.Fresno St.
22.Northern Illinois
23.Georgia
24.USC
25.Texas A&M

CMan's Big 12 Power Rankings: Final Regular Season

POWER RANKINGS

(This edition of the Power Rankings will only include the Top 4 teams)


#1. Baylor Bears (8-1, 11-1)

Last Week - Defeated Texas 30-10

The Bears redeemed their lone season loss to Oklahoma State by dispatching the Texas Longhorns and probably Mack Brown. The Bears picked up their first ever Big 12 Title winning the last game played in the aging Floyd Casey Stadium. The Bears move in to their new home next season. All told it was the greatest season in Baylor history. If Art Briles decides to stay on as Head Coach the future looks very bright for Baylor Football.

#2. Oklahoma Sooners (7-2, 10-2)

Last Week - Defeated Oklahoma State 33-24

Prior to last weeks game in Stillwater, the Sooners were contemplating and invitation to a pre new year dud bowl. After the win Saturday the Sooners will begin practice for a BCS Bowl. Big game Bob Stoops returned to prominence leading the underdog Sooners to an instant classic win against in state rival Oklahoma State. Stoops pulled out all the tricks starting with a fake field goal that produced a game tying touchdown. Sooner third string QB Blake Bell solidified his Bedlam legacy by leading his team to victory for the second year in a row. Starter Trevor Knight was injured on the last play of the first half and Kendall Thompson shared the second half with Bell. Bell proved once again to be a gamer, giving OU the best chance to win. Oklahoma wins its 10th game of the season for the 4th straight year. Sooner coach Bob Stoops is now 12-3 against OSU.

#3. Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-2, 10-2)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma 33-24

All Mike Gundy had to do this weekend was beat Oklahoma and his Pokes would secure the top BCS invitation for the Big 12, and share the conference title with either Texas or Baylor. Having beat both schools Oklahoma State would own any tiebreaker. What Gundy and the Pokes did was lose at home to instate rival Oklahoma despite being favored by as much as two touchdowns and playing the game on their home field. Gundy has built a strong program at Oklahoma State but is only 1-8 against OU. As a result of the loss, the Pokes will play former Big 12 rival Missouri in the Cotton Bowl as Oklahoma received the at large, Big 12 bid to the BCS Sugar bowl. At least Poke fans will only have to travel to Texas.

#4. Texas Longhorns (7-2, 8-4)

Last Week - Lost to Baylor 30-10

After the loss to Mississippi left the Longhorns at 1-2 Mack Brown proclaimed that the Longhorns still had their eye on a Big 12 Championship. It looked for awhile like they were going to pull it off as they reeled off six straight conference wins to boost their record to 7-2. then they faced Oklahoma State and the streak stopped. They had two games left, win both they could still share the title. Unfortunately the last game was against Baylor in Waco. The loss to Baylor cost them a title and a decent Bowl game. Mack Brown looked to have secured another season in Austin with the streak but that may have ended in Waco as well. In the end, Texas  finished the season where most thought they would. The only real bright spot was a victory over Bob Stoops and Oklahoma.




Big 12 Bowl Match ups:

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl Tempe, Ariz. – 10:15 p.m. ET, Dec. 28

KANSAS STATE

MICHIGAN

   








Alamo Bowl San Antonio, Texas – 6:45 p.m. ET, Dec. 30

OREGON



TEXAS

Holiday Bowl
San Diego, Calif. – 10:15 p.m. ET, Dec. 30



ARIZONA STATE

TEXAS TECH

  







Cotton Bowl
Arlington, Texas – 7:30 p.m. ET, Jan. 3

OKLAHOMA STATE

MISSOURI

 










Big 12 BCS Bowls:

Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, Ariz. – 8:30 p.m. ET, Jan. 1

BAYLOR

CENTRAL FLORIDA

 
 







Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, La. – 8:30 p.m. ET, Jan. 2


OKLAHOMA

ALABAMA



Buster and CMan's Top 25 - Week 14

BCS Top 25:

1. Florida State
2. Ohio State
3. Auburn
4. Alabama
5. Missouri
6. Oklahoma State
7. Stanford
8. South Carolina
9. Baylor
10. Michigan State
11. Arizona State
12. Oregon
13. Clemson
14. Northern Illinois
15. LSU
16. UCF
17. Oklahoma
18 UCLA
19. Louisville
20. Duke
21. Wisconsin
22. Georgia
23. Fresno State
24. Texas A&M
25. Texas

CMan's Top 25:

1. Florida State
2. Ohio State
3. Auburn
4. Missouri
5. Alabama
6. Oklahoma State
7. Stanford
8. Baylor
9. South Carolina
10. Michigan State
11. Clemson
12. Arizona State
13. Northern Illinois
14. Oregon
15. Oklahoma
16. UCF
17. Louisville
18. LSU
19. UCLA
20. Duke
21. Wisconsin
22. Fresno State
23. Georgia
24. Texas
25. North Dakota State

Buster's Top 25:
1.Florida St.
2.Auburn
3.Ohio St.
4.Missouri
5.Alabama
6.Oklahoma St.
7.Stanford
8.Baylor
9.South Carolina
10.Clemson
11.Michigan St.
12.Northern Illinois
13.Arizona St.
14.Oklahoma
15.Oregon
16.UCF
17.Louisville
18.UCLA
19.LSU
20.Duke
21.Wisconsin
22.Georgia
23.Texas
24.Fresno St.
25.Texas A&M

CMan's Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 14

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-1, 10-1)

Last Week - Bye

Oklahoma State enjoyed a week off after destroying Baylor and its hopes of competing for a National Title. The Pokes one slip up at West Virginia has already clouded any hopes of a title game for them. However, a win over the Sooners and they will likely be in the second best BCS bowl game.

Up Next: Oklahoma

#2. Baylor Bears (7-1, 10-1)

Last Week - Beat TCU 41-38

An interception prevented a two game slide and kept alive hopes that the Bears can at least share the Big 12 Title in 2013. The disappointment of the loss to Oklahoma State was evident as the Bears barely escaped Fort Worth with a victory. A share of the Big 12 title would salvage a disappointing end to the season, however, Baylor must still beat the Longhorns. A win against Texas and a loss by the Pokes to OU give the Bears the title outright.

Up Next: Texas

#3. Oklahoma Sooners (6-2, 9-2)

Last Week - Bye

The Sooners are in the uncharacteristic position of underdog going in to the Bedlam game. OU holds an 84-17-7 edge over the Pokes in the series but this season looks like it belongs to OSU. Two weeks is normally plenty of time to prepare for an opponent but the two teams do not match up well. If the game were played in Norman I still might give the edge to the Pokes. This match up is in Stillwater where it is becoming as difficult a place to win as Owen Field has been. Oklahoma is playing for bowl position and pride. It will take a mighty amount of Sooner magic to pull this one out.

Up Next: At Oklahoma State

#4. Texas Longhorns (7-1, 8-3)

Last Week - Beat Texas Tech 41-16

No one can say the Longhorns haven't improved. I expected them to lose 5-7 games this season. I don't think it was all Manny's fault and I still believe that Greg Robinson is an average coach. Emotion can carry a team a long way. Will it produce a win in Waco? I doubt it. But, I have been wrong about Texas all year. Oddly enough, Mack can still win the Big 12 outright if they beat Baylor and OU wins Bedllam. That's a tall order, even for Texas. But, Stranger things have happened.

Up Next: At Baylor

#5. Kansas State Wildcats (5-4, 7-5)

Last Week - Beat Kansas 31-10

Darned if Bill Snyder didn't go and do it again. The Wildcats finish with a winning record and are bowl eligible. Impressive for a team that started the season with a loss at home to and FCS school and started the conference season 0-3. Snyder is truly one of the best college football coaches to ever grace a sideline. The Wildcats finished the regular season with a dominant road victory over in state rival Kansas. KSU pulled ahead of Texas Tech in the standings with the win, a feat no one thought possible a month ago.

Up Next: Bowl Game TBD

#6. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-5, 7-5)

Last Week - Lost to Texas 41-16

I stated a few weeks ago that I believed Tech had sewn up the #5 spot in the Power Rankings. I was wrong. I didn't see the Red Raiders finishing with 5 straight losses. I don't think anyone did. I really thought they would beat Texas. Again, I was wrong. The Red Raiders are still bowl eligible, perhaps they can still finish the season with a win. If not, it will be a long off season in Lubbock.

Up Next: Bowl Game TBD

#7. TCU Horned Frogs (2-7, 4-8)

Last Week - Lost to Baylor 41-38

Despite the season that TCU has endured they played their last game tough. If TCU quarterback Pachall completes his last pass and the Horned Frogs kick a field goal to send the Baylor game in to OT, who knows? As it was, the pass was intercepted and TCU lost. Gary Patterson now has a very long off season to figure out how to compete in the Big 12. If he doesn't, the Horned Frogs will quickly become a "remember when" team.

Up Next: Basketball

#8. Iowa State Cyclones (2-7, 3-9)

Last Week - Beat West Virginia 52-44 (3 OT)

How do you turn around an 0-7 conference start? You win your final two games in an inspiring fashion. Paul Rhodes and the Cyclones did just that. A shut out over Kansas and a thrilling, 3 overtime victory, on the road in West Virginia. A 3-9 record is never good, but finishing the season with two victories and turning the campus over to a nationally ranked Basketball team will make a cold winter in Ames a little bit warmer.

Next Up: Basketball

#9. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-7, 4-8)

Last Week - Lost to Iowa State 52-44

I have rarely seen a team spiral out of control worse that the Mountaineers. Their victory over Oklahoma State proved to be a fluke as they couldn't win much else at home or away. They never really never got on track or developed an identity. All fingers point to the complete failure of Head Coach Dana Holgerson to control any aspect of the program. They finished the season with a triple over time, home loss, to one win Iowa State. You couldn't write a worse ending. Now, the team is facing the prospect of a new coaching staff and, like TCU, trying to figure out how to win in the Big 12.

Up Next: A long, cold winter in Morgantown

#10. Kansas Jayhawks (1-6, 3-9)

Last Week - Lost to Kansas State 31-10

The lone bright spot this season for the Jayhawks was snapping a 27 game, conference losing streak. The win came against West Virginia making it less impressive and, the fact that they started another the following week,  makes it almost meaningless. To make matters worse, The Jayhawk basketball team suffered a rare, early season, loss last week as well. I wouldn't want to be in the KU athletic department offices in Lawrence right now.

Up Next: I'm sure there is a frat party somewhere on campus.

CMan's Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 13

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-1, 10-1)

Last Week - Beat Baylor 49-17

Well, either Baylor had an off week or OSU is really good. The Pokes dominated the Bears from the first snap and didn't let up until the final seconds ticked off the play clock. These Bears looked like the pre-Art Briles Bears. The Pokes looked solid in every aspect of the game and if they beat the Sooners in their last conference game, deserve to be undisputed Big 12 champs.

Up Next: Oklahoma

#2. Baylor Bears (6-1, 9-1)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma State 49-17

Baylor's perfect season came to a stunning stop in Stillwater Saturday. The bears were humbled by the Cowboys and were removed from any National championship scenario. The Bears do have a shot at a BCS game and with TCU and Texas left, should have suffered their only loss this season. Baylor should bounce back and finish 11-1. It would appear that OSU and Baylor are leaps and bounds above the rest of the Big 12.

Up Next: At TCU

#3. Oklahoma Sooners (6-2, 9-2)

Last Week - Beat Kansas State 41-31

Kansas State could have caused the Sooners problems in Manhattan but the revamped OU offense with Trevor Knight at the helm provided enough offense to overcome the Wildcats. The Knight led Sooners looked more fluid than they do with Bell and the running game that was so evident in the first few games has returned with a vengeance. The loss of several starters on defense is evident but Mike Stoops has the backups getting better each week. With the win, Bob Stoops became the all time wins leader at Oklahoma.

Up Next: At Oklahoma State

#4. Texas Longhorns (6-1, 7-3)

Texas probably would have liked to play last weekend so that they would at least have a chance to erase the Oklahoma State loss from their collective minds. With the loss came the realization that a Big 12 championship is out of their reach and Mack Brown will likely be gone at seasons end. The Longhorns finish with Texas Tech on Thanksgiving and then travel to Waco and Baylor in the finale. Texas should go 1-1 in these last two games but, if they don't get past OSU, they might lose both.

Up Next: Texas Tech

#5. Kansas State Wildcats (4-4, 6-5)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma 41-31

The Wildcats had a 4 game win streak snapped by Oklahoma Saturday in Manhattan. Its no surprise, Stoops is 8-2 against Snyder with the only losses coming on a neutral site (Arrowhead Stadium), and in Norman last season. Having said that, Snyder has again done a masterful coaching job. Kansas State looked dead 5 weeks ago and not likely to become bowl eligible. The Wildcats have Kansas left and should win that game comfortably giving them a winning record in the conference and overall.

Up Next: At Kansas

#6. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-4, 7-4)

Last Week - Bye

Texas Tech comes out of the bye week with an opportunity to right a season that was in a tailspin. Four straight conference losses knocked them out of the top 25 and left them in danger of finishing the season with a losing record in the conference. They finish at Texas on Thanksgiving and despite the game being played in Austin, its winnable. A win gives the Red Raiders respectability and an 8 win season. A loss and Tech losses any credibility they gained early in the season.

Up Next: At Texas

#7. TCU Horned Frogs (2-6, 4-7)

Last Week - Bye

The best part about last Saturday is that TCU did not lose. I would love to say that there is a bright spot remaining in the Horned Frogs season but I can't. TCU must host an angry Baylor squad this Saturday and the Bears will be out to prove that the loss to OSU was a fluke. Ouch, I wouldn't want to be a Horned Frog this week. The good news for TCU, they don't have to play again after Saturday.

Up Next: Baylor
 
#8. Iowa State Cyclones (1-7, 2-9)

Last Week - Beat Kansas 34-0

I said earlier this season that the Cyclones would not move up until they beat someone. Beat they did. Iowa State reminded Kansas that even a snapped losing streak can lead to another. In football you are often only as good as your last game. The Cyclones were good last week shutting out the same Jayhawks that scored 31 on West Virginia a week before, the same team that Iowa State faces this week. Can they win two in a row? I'd say the odds are in the Cyclones favor.

Up Next: At West Virginia

#9. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-6, 4-7)

Last Week - Bye

The win over Oklahoma State must seem like a decade ago to the Mountaineers. They didn't play last Saturday so they likely watched, as the rest of the country did, the Cowboys step closer to the Big 12 Title. The Mountaineers finish with a home game against the upstart Iowa State Cyclones. Which team will show up on Saturday, the team that beat OSU or the team that lost to Kansas. Either way, like TCU, West Virginia can hang the cleats up Sunday and start looking for a new coach.

Up Next: Iowa State

#10. Kansas Jayhawks (1-7, 3-8)

Last Week - Lost to Iowa State 34-0

The Jayhawks are like the kid in your 5th grade class the gets praised for a good grade on a test right before being punished for not doing his homework. How do you snap a 29 game conference losing streak and follow it up with a shutout loss to the only winless team in the conference the very next game. Head coach Charlie Weis probably survives the season but his coaching history says the Jayhawks will not be any better next season. The Jayhawks have one more game and then the team can focus the rest of the year on cheering a winner, the KU basketball team.

Up Next: Kansas State

Buster and CMan's Top 25 - Week 13

BCS Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Auburn
5. Missouri
6. Clemson
7. Oklahoma State
8. Stanford
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Michigan State
12. Arizona State
13. Oregon
14. Northern Illinois
15. Wisconsin
16. Fresno State
17. LSU
18. Oklahoma
19. UCF
20. Louisville
21. Texas A&M
22. UCLA
23. USC
24. Duke
25. Notre Dame

CMan's Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Auburn
5. Oklahoma State
6. Clemson
7. Missouri
8. Michigan State
9. Stanford
10. Fresno State
11. Baylor
12. South Carolina
13. Oregon
14. Arizona State
15. Wisconsin
16. Oklahoma
17. Northern Illinois
18. LSU
19. UCF
20. Louisville
21. Texas A&M
22. USC
23. UCLA
24. Notre Dame
25. Duke

Buster's Top 25:
1.Alabama
2.Florida St.
3.Ohio St.
4.Missouri
5.Auburn
6.Clemson
7.Michigan St.
8.Oklahoma St.
9.Fresno St.
10.Stanford
11.Baylor
12.South Carolina
13.Arizona St.
14.Wisconsin
15.Oregon
16.Northern Illinois
17.LSU
18.Oklahoma
19.UCF
20.Louisville
21.USC
22.UCLA
23.Notre Dame
24.Texas A&M
25.Duke

CMan's Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 12

POWER RANKINGS

#1 Baylor Bears (6-0, 9-0)

Last Week - Beat Texas Tech 63-34

The more I watch the Bears play, the more I believe they are for real. Tech had a 20-7 lead in the first quarter before Baylor quickly scored two touchdowns in the last three minutes of the quarter to take a 21-20 lead. The bears never looked back. They creep up on you and score in bunches. If they get past Oklahoma State on Saturday, they will finish the season undefeated. They may be a long shot to play Alabama but, if they get a chance, I'm not betting against them.

Next up: At Oklahoma State

#2. Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-1, 9-1)

Last Week - Beat Texas 38-13

Finally someone beat Texas. The Longhorns didn't stand a chance. Oklahoma State led 28-10 at the half in Austin and the defense carried them to the victory in the second half allowing Texas only a field goal. The Pokes offense is finally clicking, catching up to their defense which has played well all year. The Cowboys have not had a defense like this since....ever. They finish with Baylor and Oklahoma, both at home. If they win out, they are undisputed Big 12 Champions. Not bad for the Pokes.

Up next: Baylor

#3. Oklahoma Sooners (5-2, 8-2)

Last Week - Defeated Iowa State 48-10

The Sooners rebounded from a huge loss to Baylor by booting the Cyclones in Norman. The first quarter started like most of the season for Oklahoma, slow. The game was tied 10-10 at the half, but an injury to Blake Bell resulted in the insertion of Trevor knight at quarterback and the move reinvigorated  a stagnant offense. OU finished the game with 405 rushing yards and saw the defense shut the Cyclones out in the second half. The game was so well in hand in the fourth that Kendall Thompson even got a series in. He played well despite playing against a tired and depleted Cyclone defense. The jury is still out on who starts against KSU.

Up Next: At Kansas State

#4. Texas Longhorns (6-1, 7-3)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma State 38-13

I'm sorry, but I can't rank the Longhorns over OU. Call me a homer if you want, but Texas finishes with Baylor and Tech. They could easily lose both but will likely go 1-1. Either way, they will likely finish with a worse overall record than the Sooners. Mack Brown came close to revitalizing his career but two more losses and he will likely have coached his last season in Austin. In fact, a loss to Baylor alone will probably do it. look for a new head man in Austin next season.

Up next: Bye week

#5. Kansas State Wildcats (4-3, 6-4)

Last Week - Beat Texas Christian 33-31

TCU fans say the refs gave the Wildcats the victory over the Horned Frogs. The fact of the matter is Kansas State has ripped off 4 straight victories after starting 0-3 in conference play. Kansas State finishes with Oklahoma and Kansas and should go 1-1 in those games insuring Bill Snyder a winning record. The Wildcats have insured the fifth spot in the rankings and a win on Saturday might move them up to #3. There is no better college coach than Bill Snyder.

Up next: Oklahoma

#6. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-4, 7-4)

Last Week - Lost to Baylor 63-34

How far they have fallen. Texas Tech has suffered four straight Big 12 losses after starting the season 7-0. Tech led Baylor 20-7 early in the first half Saturday and it looked like the Bears had met their match, in reality, the Bears were just getting off to a slow start. After starting the season against the Big 12 bottom feeders, Texas Tech came face to face with reality as they have been summarily dispatched by the top three teams. Tech gets a bye before finishing with the Longhorns, the rest may serve them well. A win against Texas and the season will be salvaged.

Up next: Bye

#7. Kansas Jayhawks (1-6, 3-7)

Last Week - Beat West Virginia 31-19

Yes, the Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas beat West Virginia snapping a 27 game Big 12 conference losing streak. That's got to be worth something. Besides, they are the only bottom tier team to win last week. The Jayhawks finish with Iowa State and Kansas State so the odds that they could finish with 2 Big 12 victories is a real possibility. West Virginia might finish with 3 wins but they still lost to KU.

Up Next: At Iowa State

#8. TCU Horned Frogs (2-6, 4-7)

Last Week - Lost to Kansas State 33-31

The Horned Frogs didn't win last week but West Virginia lost to Kansas. That alone justifies the higher ranking. However, #8 and #9 are certainly interchangeable. the biggest difference between these two second year Big 12 teams  is that Gary Patterson will likely keep his job and Dana Holgerson will likely lose his. Either way, neither team will likely win enough in the future to make the top tier of this league. Both have a week off before hanging up the pads for the season.

Up Next: Bye

#9. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-6, 4-7)

Last Week - Lost to Kansas 31-19

See #8.

Up Next: Bye

#10. Iowa State Cyclones (0-7, 1-9)

Last Week: Lost to Oklahoma 48-10

This season can't end quick enough for Paul Rhodes and Iowa State. They hung with the Sooners for a half and then Oklahoma almost hung half a hundred on them. The Cyclones finish with KU and West Virginia so a win is not out of the question. The odds are good though, that Iowa State is tired and just wants the season to end. Who could blame them.

Up Next: Kansas

Honorable Mention:

Destiny Christian Wildcats (11-1)

Last Week - Defeated OKC Patriots 74-40

The Wildcats of Destiny Christian School in Del City Oklahoma, led by seniors Craig Hofeld (QB), Colton Hamel (WR) and Boston Mims (RB) won their second straight State Championship Friday night with a dominant victory over the OKC Patriots, the same team they dispatched last season, 74-40. Destiny capped a dominant season where they led all state of Oklahoma districts in scoring and winning many of their games by halftime. In addition, Hofeld and Hamel each ended the season ranked third in the state in their respective positions (all districts) with both leading all in TD passes and receptions respectively.

Buster and CMan's Top 25 - Week 12

BCS Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Baylor 
5. Oregon
6. Auburn
7. Clemson
8. Missouri
9. Stanford
10. Oklahoma State
11. South Carolina
12. Texas A&M
13. Michigan State
14. UCLA
15. Fresno State
16. Northern Illinois
17. Arizona State
18. UCF
19. Wisconsin
20. Oklahoma
21. Louisville
22. LSU
23. USC
24. Mississippi
25. Minnesota

CMan's Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Baylor
5. Auburn
6. Oregon
7. Clemson
8. Missouri
9. Oklahoma State
10. Stanford
11. Michigan State
12. UCLA
13. South Carolina
14. Fresno State
15. Texas A&M
16. Northern Illinois
17. Arizona State
18. UCF
19. Wisconsin
20. Oklahoma
21. Louisville
22. LSU
23. Minnesota
24. Mississippi
25. USC

Buster's Top 25:
1.Alabama
2.Florida St.
3.Baylor
4.Ohio St.
5.Auburn
6.Clemson
7.Oregon
8.Missouri
9.Stanford
10.Oklahoma St.
11.Michigan St.
12.South Carolina
13.UCLA
14.Fresno St.
15.Texas A&M
16.Northern Illinois
17.Arizona St.
18.Wisconsin
19.Oklahoma
20.UCF
21.LSU
22.Louisville
23.Minnesota
24.Mississippi
25.USC

Buster & CMan's Top 25 - Week 11

BCS Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Stanford
5. Baylor
6. Oregon
7. Auburn
8. Clemson
9. Missouri
10. South Carolina
11. Texas A&M
12. Oklahoma State
13. UCLA
14. Fresno State
15. Northern Illinois
16. Michigan State
17. UCF
18. Oklahoma
19. Arizona State
20. Louisville
21. LSU
22. Wisconsin
23. Miami (FL)
24. Texas
25. Georgia

CMan's Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Ohio State
4. Baylor
5. Stanford
6. Auburn
7. Clemson
8. Oregon
9. Missouri
10. Texas A&M
11. Oklahoma State
12. South Carolina
13. UCLA
14.  Fresno State
15. Michigan State
16. UCF
17. Louisville
18. Northern Illinois
19. Wisconsin
20. Arizona State
21. Oklahoma
22. LSU
23. Texas
24. Miami (FL)
25. Georgia

Buster's Top 25:
1.Alabama
2.Florida St.
3.Baylor
4.Stanford
5.Ohio St.
6.Auburn
7.Clemson
8.Missouri
9.Oregon
10.Texas A&M
11.Oklahoma St.
12.UCLA
13.South Carolina
14.Michigan St.
15.Fresno St.
16.UCF
17.Louisville
18.Northern Illinois
19.Wisconsin
20.Arizona St.
21.LSU
22.Texas
23.Oklahoma
24.Georgia
25.Miami (FL)

CMan's Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 11

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Baylor Bears (5-0, 8-0)

Last Week - Defeated Oklahoma 41-12

This is certainly shaping up to be the Bears year. Baylor pummeled Oklahoma on Thursday night and looked dominant doing it. Either OU is not very good or Baylor is. I think its a little of both. Baylor has the other three top big 12 teams left in their schedule, barring a complete breakdown I can't see the Bears losing a conference game this year. The biggest challenge appears to be a road game at Oklahoma State in two weeks.

Up next: Texas Tech

#2. Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-1, 8-1)

Last Week - Defeated Kansas 42-6

The Pokes seem to be hitting stride at the right time. Despite the Longhorns unblemished conference record I still believe OSU is better. Lucky for us, we'll find out this weekend. The Pokes win against Kansas surprised no one. The road win last weekend against one loss Tech was impressive. Clint Chelf has survived the critics and proven that he is a capable starter. the Pokes defense is giving up more yards and points against better teams but they are still keeping that total under what the offense pouts on the board.

Up next: Texas

#3. Texas Longhorns (6-0, 7-2)

Last week - Defeated West Virginia 47-40 (OT)

I can no longer rank Texas behind Oklahoma. The Longhorns victory over the Mountaineers was shaky at best, but they won and remain undefeated in the big 12. I think that all changes nest weekend in Stillwater. Texas is playing better and has won six in a row but I am still not convinced they can beat the likes of Baylor or Oklahoma State.

Up next: At Oklahoma State

#4. Oklahoma Sooners (4-2, 7-2)

Last Week - Lost to Baylor 41-12

The Sooners marquee wins this season came against ranked opponents Notre Dame and Texas Tech. Neither will be ranked this week and both now have worse overall records than the Sooners. Oklahoma has lost several top players to injury this season on both sides of the ball this season. But, top teams lose top players all the time and still win. The Sooners are missing two critical aspects of a top team, consistent front line talent and depth. The Sooners might also take a hard look at the offensive playbook.

Up next: Iowa State

#5. Kansas State Wildcats (3-3, 5-4)

Last Week - Defeated Texas Tech 49-26

Don't look now but Bill Snyder has the Wildcats playing football. Kansas State has three games remaining and three wins is a real possibility. Kansas State sent reeling Texas Tech to it's third consecutive loss in rather dominant, familiar fashion.  Like Oklahoma State, the Wildcats are peaking at the right time. With two of the last three in Manhattan and a road contest at Kansas to end the conference schedule, the Wildcats could finish in spectacular fashion and keep Snyder's legacy intact.

Up next: Texas Christian

#6. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-3, 7-3)

Last Week - Lost to Kansas State 49-26

After starting the season 7-0 the Red Raiders have lost their last three. Tech is now in danger of finishing their conference with a losing record as they finish the season against Texas and Baylor, both on the road. The Red Raiders will not likely drop any further in the Rankings but they will not likely see the top tier again this season either.

Up next: AT Baylor

#7. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-5, 4-6)

Last Week - Lost to Texas 47-40

West Virginia should have beaten Texas. They were in the game from the start and they were at home. But, they didn't. Dana Holgerson's squad is night and day. They have the potential to be good but can't seem to get over the hump. Unfortunately for Holgerson that's likely a sign of inconsistent coaching. Without a change at the top, I don't see the Mountaineers doing much different next season.

Up next: At Kansas

#8. TCU Horned Frogs (2-5, 4-6)

Last Week - Beat Iowa State 21-17

Sorry TCU fans, a win against woeful Iowa State is not enough to get you a bump over the Mountaineers. Besides, with games left against KSU and Baylor, the win against the Cyclones was likely your last of the season. The Horned Frogs are going to have to get better quick or they will become, like the Cyclones, a perennial doormat for Big 12 opponents.

Up next: At Kansas State

#9. Kansas Jayhawks (0-6, 2-7)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma State 42-6

I almost ranked the Jayhawks last based on the manner in which they celebrated their third quarter field goal at Oklahoma State Saturday, cutting the Pokes lead to 28-3. On the other hand, perhaps they thought it was a three point basket. I grew up a Jayhawk fan, basketball primarily,  but football as well. I was a Glen Mason supporter and a fan of Mark Mangino. Those days seem so long ago. It's difficult to believe that this program produced the likes of John Riggins and Gale Sayers.

Up next: West Virginia

#10. Iowa State Cyclones (0-6, 1-8)

Last Week - Lost to TCU 21-17

I wonder how different the Cyclones season would have gone had they beaten Texas. Would they have gone on to win more games? Perhaps. The Cyclones would have gained a lot of belief in themselves with a victory over the Longhorns. The opposite likely happened with the loss and, worse yet, they seem to have lost confidence in the programs direction under Paul Rhodes. Emotional upsets fueled this team the last few years. They have none this year, not even a "moral" victory. Players and fans can only take so much, before they quit. It looks like the Cyclones have reached that point.

Up next:  at Oklahoma

CMan's OU Pregame - Baylor

OKLAHOMA             vs                  BAYLOR   

     
        

4-1, 7-1

4-0, 7-0



           
         Oklahoma travels to Waco Texas this Thursday night to take on 5th ranked and undefeated Baylor. This game should be a barn burner as Baylor enters the game as the top ranked scoring offense in the Big 12 while Oklahoma has the number 2 ranked scoring defense. On the flip side, the Sooners bring the number 6 ranked scoring offense in the Big 12 to take on the top ranked scoring defense. The outcome could range from a defensive battle on both sides of the ball to a shoot out. A defensive battle will favor Oklahoma, Baylor likely wins a shoot out.

Since the inception of the Big 12 Oklahoma is 16-1 against Baylor, including an 8-1 record in Waco. Prior to the 2011 game, Baylor had not beaten OU in the modern era. The average margin of victory for the Sooners is 40-17. Oklahoma has only given up 30 or more 3 times to Baylor and the most points allowed was 45 in 2011. So, history favors the Sooners. But, will history matter on Thursday?

Baylor has scored 447 points in 7 games this season averaging 69.3 per game. No surprise there. In the three season leading up to 2013, Baylor averaged 40 points a game. However, defensively the Bears were giving up an average of 35 per game as well. This season Baylor is only giving up 16 points per game. That's right, the Bears have discovered defense. 70 points scored versus 16 points allowed is scary, in any league.

There is the question of competition. Like Texas Tech, Baylor has feasted on lesser rivals, many at home. The Bears pounded the likes of Wofford, Buffalo and ULM prior to the conference season. In conference, Baylor has faced four of the bottom five Big 12 teams. The toughest game to date was a 35-25 win against Kansas State in Manhattan, a game the Wildcats led 25-21 going in to the 4th quarter. This will certainly be the toughest competition that Baylor has faced yet.

The Sooners have a proud, tradition rich program. Baylor is trying to become proud and has a long way to go to be tradition rich. But, they are having the best season they have ever had and a team that can score 70 on a bad team can surely score 30 on a good one. The biggest question is, can the Sooners score enough to beat the Bears offense. The Bears are already a 9 to 14 point favorite in this game. The over/under is 74. The odds makers expect a shoot out or a blowout. No one is expecting a shut out.

What about the Sooners. OU gave up 30 points and 388 passing yards to Texas Tech. OU held Tech to 10 points off their scoring average but only 20 yards below their passing average, in Norman. This will not beat Baylor. The Sooners scored 38, but against the 7th ranked scoring defense in the conference. They will likely have to score more to beat Baylor. Still wondering about History?

History may favor the Sooners in this series but common sense and statistics favor Baylor in this game. The fact that the game is being played on Thursday is an even stranger omen for OU. I hear Stoops hates Thursday games. If the game were played in Norman, I would give history a nod. But it is in Waco. In fact, Baylor is expecting such a large crowd that they are removing the cover that's has been over the end zone seats for centuries. everything I read and hear suggest that Baylor should win this game and win it comfortably.

Now, before the Sooner nation sets out to hunt me down, there is a bright spot to this commentary. Oklahoma is not often an underdog and they are rarely a double digit dog. Bob Stoops is as proud a coach as they come and he has been known to get his teams up big in games of this nature. Stoops will have his team prepared and they will play with emotion. Texas Tech was a good prep for this game. They play similar offense and decent defense. Stoops will correct any mistakes made in the Tech game in advance of Baylor. Stoops also recognizes that a win will mean OU has taken down two top 10, undefeated teams in succession. A loss will mean waving goodbye to a Big 12 championship and any possibility of a big time bowl game. History (again) says Stoops and the Sooners will be ready. Will it be enough? We will find out Thursday.

The game could turn on a couple of factors. If the Sooner defense can set an early tone like they did against Notre Dame and get an early lead, the flow will favor OU. And, more importantly, if Josh Heupel can put together a decent offensive game plan and the coaches let Blake Bell execute, the Sooners could have a good night. Bell seem to play up to his competition and he's dangerous when told he can't win.

OU will have to play almost perfect on both side of the ball to pull out a victory. The only time they did that this season was in South Bend and you know what happened there. We know the Sooners can play in and win big games, Stoops has a history of doing just that. There is a lot at stake Thursday night for Oklahoma and the Sooners are at their best when everyone bets against them.

CMan's Pick:      OU 41 - 38

Busters Pick:      Baylor 43-38

Buster & CMan's Top 25 - Week 10

BCS TOP 25:

1.Alabama
2.Florida St.
3.Oregon
4.Ohio St.
5.Stanford
6. Baylor
7.Clemson
8.Missouri
9.Auburn
10.Oklahoma
11.Miami (FL)
12.South Carolina
13.LSU
14.Oklahoma St.
15.Texas A&M
16.Fresno St.
17.Michigan St.
18.Northern Illinois
19.UCLA
20.Louisville
21.UCF
22.Arizona St.
23.Notre Dame
24. Wisconsin
25. Texas Tech

CMan's TOP 25:

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Oregon
4. Ohio State
5. Baylor
6. Stanford
7. Auburn
8. Clemson
9. Fresno State
10. Missouri
11. Texas A&M
12. Oklahoma 
13. Miami (FL)
14. LSU
15. Oklahoma State
16. South Carolina
17. UCF
18. UCLA
19. Northern Illinois
20. Louisville
21. Michigan State
22. Wisconsin
23. Arizona State
24. Notre Dame
25. Texas

Buster's TOP 25:

1.Alabama
2.Oregon
3.Florida St.
4.Baylor
5.Ohio St.
6.Stanford
7.Clemson
8.Missouri
9.Auburn
10.Fresno St.
11.Texas A&M
12.Oklahoma
13.Oklahoma St.
14.Miami (FL)
15.LSU
16.South Carolina
17.UCF
18.UCLA
19.Louisville
20.Northern Illinois
21.Michigan St.
22.Wisconsin
23.Arizona St.
24.Notre Dame
25.Texas Tech