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



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

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.

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 Big 12 Power rankings - Week 10

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Baylor Bears (4-0, 7-0)

Last Week - Bye

Again, the only thing to keep Baylor off the scoreboard is a bye week. The schedule for the Bears gets a lot tougher from this point on. Four of Baylor's next five opponents are in the top tier of the Big 12. The only relief they get is a week 13 match up with TCU. Baylor's first four Big 12 opponents are a combined 11-22, the next three Baylor opponents have a combined record of 21-4. We'll see if the Bears can keep pace with the rest of the top 5.

Up next:  Oklahoma

#2. Oklahoma Sooners (4-1, 7-1)

Last Week - Bye

Oklahoma needed a bye week and it couldn't have come at a better time. Every team needs a break mid season to heal nicks and bruises. The Sooners face their biggest challenge of the Big 12 season this coming Thursday in Waco and getting 10 days to prepare should help. Oklahoma should be well rested and better prepared to face the second consecutive spread offense and undefeated foe. Games in Waco used to be easy, not any more.

Up next: At Baylor

#3. Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-1, 7-1)

Last Week - Defeated Texas Tech 52-34

The Pokes appear to be peaking at the right time. The victory over Texas Tech was made more impressive because it was on the road in Lubbock. Clint Chelf suddenly looks like the dual threat QB everyone thought he was and the Cowboy running game finally looks like it has for the last several years in Stillwater. The defense continues to impress and if the Pokes can cut down on turnovers they will be a tough team to deal with as the season winds down.

Up Next: Kansas

#4. Texas Longhorns (5-0, 6-2)

Last Week - Defeated Kansas 35-13

Mack Brown said that they still had their sights set on a Big 12 Championship after falling to 1-2 early in the season. Those that laughed then are concerned now. It getting harder to ignore the Longhorns as they continue to win in the conference. However, they must finish against three of the top five teams in the Big 12. If they can get through that stretch unscathed Mack will look like a prophet and likely resurrect his job.

Up Next: At West Virginia

#5. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-2, 7-2)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma State 52-34

The Red Raiders have fallen back to reality in the last two weeks losing to OU and OSU in consecutive games. The Red Raiders are who we thought they were, good but not great. Things don't get easier for Tech as they face Baylor and Texas in two of the next three. The Red Raiders shouldn't hang their heads though, they are bowl eligible and have done far better than anyone predicted.

Up Next: Kansas State

#6. Kansas State Wildcats (2-3, 4-4)

Last Week - Beat Iowa State 41-7

Kansas State has rebounded from an 0-3 conference start to win their last two by an average score of 38-10. Sure, they were against West Virginia and Iowa State but they were wins. No one expected Bill Snyder to roll over and play dead and they might actually finish the season with a winning record. The Wildcats are still lacking an identity but at least they have figured out how to win again.

Up Next: At Texas Tech

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

Last Week - Beat TCU 30-27

West Virginia and TCU switch spots this week because...well, The Mountaineers beat the Horned Frogs. West Virginia continues its up and down season and is surely questioning its decision to enter the Big 12. Aside from the fluke win against the Cowboys, the only other Big 12 team they have beaten is the other team that is questioning joining the conference. Don't look for anything to change in the near future for the Mountaineers, barring a coaching change.

Up Next: Texas

#8. TCU Horned Frogs (1-5, 3-6)

Last Week - Lost to West Virginia

Gary Patterson probably wishes it was 2010. TCU finished the season  13-0, ranked #2 nationally and defeated #4 Wisconsin 21-19 in the Rose Bowl. Right now that season seems like a decade ago. Like West Virginia, the Big 12 has not been kind to TCU. The Horned Frogs will finish their second season in worse shape than their first. Gary Patterson and the TCU fans are not accustomed to losing. TCU was picked to finish atop the Big 12 this season, with any luck they won't finish last.

#9. Kansas Jayhawks (0-5, 2-6)

Last Week - Lost to Texas 35-13

I hardly seems fair to rank Kansas above Iowa State but they do have 2 overall wins. The fact of the matter is neither team is very good. If not for weak, lesser teams in the state of Louisiana, the Jayhawks would be 0-8. The end of the season can't come soon enough in Lawrence. The good news is, the Jayhawk players can go ahead and make plans for Christmas and New Years eve. One thing is for sure, they won't be playing football before, during or after the holidays.

Next Up: At Oklahoma State

#10. Iowa State Cyclones (0-5, 1-7)

Last Week - Lost to Kansas State 41-7

Based on the Cyclones loss to Kansas State Saturday, they are making plans for life after football. Iowa State was at least competitive up to this point in the season. The 41-7 loss at the hands of the Wildcats may signal that Paul Rhodes team has lost any motivation that they might of had coming in to the season. The Cyclones have not been much better under Rhodes but they have been in the games till the end. The upsets that have identified his teams have not materialized this season. Without the upsets, the Cyclones are just bad.

CMan's Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 8

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Baylor Bears (6-0, 3-0)

Last Week - Beat Iowa State 71-7

The Bears keep rolling along. They returned to the 70+ club again this week with a 71-7 clubbing of the Cyclones. They have also moved in to the top 10 nationally. Sure, a lot of big name and top ten teams lost last week but the Bears cant be ignored by the National media any longer. Baylor will get to meet Oklahoma in two weeks and then finally, Texas Tech on November 15th. If the bears win those two, look for them to finish the regular season undefeated and ranked in the top 5.

Up next: at Kansas

#2. Texas Tech Red Raiders (7-0, 4-0)

Last Week - Beat West Virginia 37-27

The Red Raiders struggled early against the Mountaineers down 27-23 going in to the 4th quarter. Tech needed two scores in the fourth to put the game away. But, like Baylor, The Red Raiders keep winning. They too have joined the elite coming in at #10 in the latest AP top 25. The National media can't ignore Kingsbury's bunch much longer either, unless they stumble in Norman on Saturday.

Up next: At Oklahoma

#3. Oklahoma Sooners (6-1, 3-1)

Last Week - Beat Kansas 34-19

I just can't rank Texas ahead of OU until I see the Longhorns play again. Despite the Sooners falling behind the KU basketball reserves 13-0 on Saturday, I still believe the OU Texas game was a fluke win for Texas. The Sooners defense looked like an open hole in the first half against the Jayhawks and the Blake Bell offense was better at three and out than almost anything else. The second half was a different story. The Offense got rolling and the defense gave up fewer yards to the Jayhawks than their first two offensive series of the game. However, KU has done that all season. The jury is still out on Oklahoma.

Up next: Texas Tech


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

Last Week - Defeated TCU 24-10

Oklahoma State defeated the Horned Frogs Saturday but not before turning on the quarterback carousel again. After two bad, early interceptions, Clint Chelf replaced much maligned JW Walsh and led the Cowboys to a 24-10 win in Stillwater. The irony for Oklahoma State is that the defense is the strength of their team. They are struggling offensively and in special teams, both trademarks of Mike Gundy's success as a head coach. If he could ever get all three working at the same time the Pokes could be dominant. Uh....just kidding.

Up next: at Iowa State

#5. Texas Longhorns (4-2, 3-0)

Last week - Bye week

The Texas Longhorns got to enjoy the Red River Rivalry victory for two weeks. Good for them. They still have games left though and they include match ups with Texas Tech and Baylor. Texas didn't just get good all the sudden and I don't think the reincarnation of Greg Robinson defensive tenure will change the Longhorns future anymore than it did his last trip through Austin. I could be wrong, I don't think I am. Teams don't often go from bad to good in the middle of a season.

Up next: At Texas Christian



#6. TCU Horned Frogs (3-4, 1-3)

Last Week - Lost at Oklahoma State 24-10

The Horned Frogs own the #6 spot because they look like they are more consistently competitive than West Virginia, at least on the road. Despite losing to OSU last week and being 1-3 in conference, the TCU defense is still pretty good. They just don't have an offense. Boykin is a fine runner at quarterback but he can't throw with any consistency. TCU joined the big 12 because they had beaten some good teams and thought they could hang with the big boys. It's one thing to beat OU or Texas prior to starting your conference season, its another thing when you to play them both and half a dozen other similar teams IN your conference.

Up next: Texas

#7. West Virginia Mountaineers (3-4, 1-3)

Last Week - Lost to Texas Tech 37-27

Dana Holgerson and Gary Patterson have to be wondering the same thing. What were they thinking joining the Big 12. Both programs are all but assured their first two seasons in the conference will be losing ones. Both programs came in winners and just have not gotten off the ground since joining. Holgerson came from the Big 12 so he knew what the season was like game after game. He has less of an excuse. The Mountaineers get off to good starts but can't seem to finish. The only positive for either team is the fact that KU and ISU are also in the conference.

Up next: At Kansas State

#8. Kansas State Wildcats (2-4, 0-3)

Last Week - Bye week

The Wildcats are coming off a bye week and the biggest news in the Little Apple is that they didn't lose. Bill Snyder is not used to being 0-3 in conference so the conventional wisdom say's he worked his tail, and the teams tails, off last week. If he can't get this team figured Kansas State will be lucky to beat the Cyclones and, gulp, the Jayhawks. Perhaps Snyder needs to reconsider retirement.

Up next: West Virginia

#9. Iowa State Cyclones (1-5, 0-3)

Last Week - Lost to Baylor 71-7

I know the Cyclones only have one win and the Jayhawks have 2. But Kansas doesn't get much credit for beating what amounts to Junior College teams. At least Iowa State beat Tulsa, in Tulsa. The Cyclones play hard as well. I know Baylor put 71 on them but they do that to almost everyone they play. This team should have beat Texas. Having said all that, they are only a little better than KU.

Up next: Oklahoma State

#10. Kansas Jayhawks (2-4, 0-3)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma 34-19

The Jayhawks followed a similar pattern last week. Take and early lead, fall behind and roll over. Its as if they want to play football but realize half way through the game that they suck. The sad fact is that KU is probably suffering from the same lack of conditioning that their head coach does. At least, that's the way they play. The Kansas Basketball team played an inter squad scrimmage on Saturday, once again, the Basketball team won, and the football team lost. There were likely more KU fans at the scrimmage than in the stands at memorial stadium. No surprise.

Up Next: Baylor (Ouch)

Buster and CMan's Top 25: Week 6

AP Top 25
1.Alabama (55)
2.Oregon (5)
3.Clemson
4.Ohio St.
5.Stanford
6.Florida St.
7.Georgia
8.Louisville
9.Texas A&M
10.LSU
11.UCLA
12.Oklahoma
13.Miami (FL)
14.South Carolina
15.Baylor
16.Washington
17.Florida
18.Michigan
19.Northwestern
20.Texas Tech
21.Fresno St.
22.Oklahoma St.
23.Northern Illinois
24.Virginia Tech
25.Missouri

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

CMan's Top 25

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

CMan's Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 6

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Oklahoma Sooners (5-0, 2-0)

Last Week - Beat TCU 20-17

The Sooners defeated TCU Saturday in a game that reminded fans of the Pre Big 12 Horned Frogs. The defense that was the Horned Frogs identity in the late half of the 2000's returned to Owen Field. However, The Sooners made enough plays, when they needed them, to win the game. The OU defense was stout all game but especially in the first half allowing only 16 yards to TCU including zero first downs and negative rushing yards. As for the offense, it sputtered most of the day under the TCU pressure and stingy secondary but Blake Bell proved again that he is a gamer using his feet to secure two first downs late and secure victory for OU.

Up next: Texas

#2. Baylor Bears (4-0, 1-0)

Last Week - Defeated WVU 73-42

Baylor is good. The Bears finally played a team that, on paper, should give them a game. West Virginia gave them a game of sorts scoring 42 points, but Baylor still scored 73 on them and gained over 850 total yards. Baylor's offense is scary good and scary fast. In the first quarter alone last night they had scoring drives of 32, 4 and 8 seconds. The bears had identical 28-7 scores in the first and second quarters to lead 56-14 at half. If that's not enough, Baylor has given up 65 total points in four games, albeit most of them yesterday. Giving up points matters little when you can score 70 per game.

Up next: At Kansas State

#3. Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-0, 2-0)

Last Week - Defeated Kansas 54-16

Reality looked as if it was going to rear its ugly head for the Red Raiders on Saturday. They were on the road in Lawrence and the Jayhawks had just ended the first quartet with a 10 - 0 lead. As it turns out, Texas Tech was just not awake yet. Kansas would not score again till late in the 4th and the Red Raiders would score 56 in between. Texas Tech may not be a premier team but they are a good team. They play good enough offense to score and their defense is much better than it was during the Leach era. The more I watch this team, the more convinced I am that their first challenge will come in three weeks when they face OU in Norman.

Up next: At Iowa State

#4. Oklahoma State Cowboys (4-1, 1-1)

Last Week - Defeated Kansas State 33-29

The Pokes are falling fast. The loss at West Virginia seemed to most, a fluke. Most were convinced that the Cowboys would bounce back big at home against the average Wildcats. The only bounces came in the form of KSU turnovers. The Pokes needed the 5 turnovers and the fourth quarter to put away the Wildcats in Stillwater. KSU was in position to win the game and effectively gave the game to OSU. The Cowboys played well enough defensively but the stout, quick strike offense that has been the standard at OSU for the last few years apparently graduated. Had this game been in Manhattan, the Pokes might be 0-2 in conference. The loss to West Virginia looks worse considering what Baylor did to the Mountaineers last night. TCU looms in two weeks. The Cowboys better get some things figured out in a hurry.

Up Next: Bye week

#5. TCU Horned Frogs (2-3, 0-2)

Last week - Lost to Oklahoma 20-17

TCU played about as well as anyone has in Norman Saturday. The old Horned Frog defense showed up again and Gary Patterson pulled a couple of trick plays on the Sooners that changed the flow of the game in the second half. Still, a loss is a loss. I doubt the Horned Frogs are celebrating any moral victories this morning. The good news is that, despite the 0-2 conference start, TCU will probably finish with a winning conference record. If the Horned Frogs can figure out how to play the first half with the same intensity as they do the second half, they will be hard to beat. However, as long as they play in the Big 12, the 12-1 seasons they used to enjoy aren't likely to return.

Up next: Kansas

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

Last Week - Defeated Iowa State 31-30

The Longhorns needed a hail Mary at the end of the first half and the referees in the fourth quarter to pull out a 1 point victory in Ames Iowa Thursday night. The Longhorns 2-0 conference record is built on the backs of two bottom tier Big 12 teams that, frankly, they were lucky to beat. Texas is an average football team at best and really lacks any identity or energy. Texas and Oklahoma enter the Red River Rivalry with wins. However, OU is not happy with the level of play in their win against TCU at home, Texas was just glad to get out of Iowa with a win. The Longhorns look like a .500 team. I'd be surprised if they didn't finish the season with a .500 record.

Up next: Oklahoma

#7. West Virginia Mountaineers (3-3, 1-2)

Last Week: Lost to Baylor 73-42

I don't know what is worse, the WVU loss to Baylor giving up 73 points or the fact that Maryland, who beat WVU 30-0,  lost to Florida State 63-0. Either way, the Mountaineers have got to be one of the most inconsistent teams in college football. The only positive that WVU can take out of the loss to Baylor is that they scored 42 points which will win most games, just not against Baylor. The Mountaineers are tough to figure out. They play good teams tough but falter against average teams. The good news for the Mountaineers is they don't have to play next week. West Virginia will likely end the season with a losing record, and without Dana Holgerson. They, like TCU, probably regret joining the Big 12.

Up next: Bye week

#8. Kansas State Wildcats (2-3, 0-2)

Last Week - Lost to Oklahoma State 33-29

The Wildcats are not a good team but they could easily be 2-0 in the conference. The losses to Texas and Oklahoma State, both on the road, were winnable. In fact, they led late in both games. unfortunately this probably says more about the state of Texas and OSU. The Wildcats will likely have problems against better teams. The game against Baylor will tell us a lot. This Wildcats squad is lacking the discipline and key skill players that they have had in the past. They likely belong in the lower half of the Big 12 and will probably spend the rest of the season there.

Up next: Baylor

#9. Iowa State Cyclones (1-3, 0-1)

Last Week - Lost to Texas 31-30

Iowa State played hard on Thursday night in Ames and, by all rights, deserved a victory over Texas. The Cyclones led late in the fourth and though they had stopped the Longhorns with a goal lie fumble. The only people that didn't see the fumble were the referees. The Cyclones have played hard during Paul Rhodes tenure and will win more than one game this year. This team has the ability and the energy to upset teams. They have done it the last few years and should again this year. This coming Saturday might be their chance.

Up next: at Texas Tech

#10. Kansas Jayhawks (2-2, 0-1)

Last Week - Lost to Texas Tech 56-16

The Jayhawks played real college football Saturday for about 1 quarter. Kansas jumped out to a 10-0 lead over Tech in the first quarter and then realized who they were. The subsequently gave up 56 points before they got back on the board by then, the game was over. On a positive note, the Jayhawks scheduled the game at 11:00 Am so that their fans could get some rest so they could attend the Kansas Jayhawks annual midnight start to the Basketball season. Kansas will play the remainder of the football schedule, very few will notice.

Up next: at TCU

Cman and Buster's Top 25: Week 5

AP Top 25

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



CMan's Top 25

1. Oregon
2. Alabama
3. Clemson
4. Ohio State
5. Stanford
6. Louisville
7. Georgia
8. Florida State
9. Texas A&M
10. Oklahoma
11. LSU
12. Washington
13. S. Carolina
14. UCLA
15. Baylor
16. Miami (FL)
17. Northwestern
18. Michigan
19. Florida
20. Texas Tech
21. Arizona State
22. Oklahoma State
23. Mississippi
24. Maryland
25. Fresno State

Buster's Top 25

1.Oregon
2.Alabama
3.Ohio St.
4.Clemson
5.Stanford
6.Georgia
7.Louisville
8.Florida St.
9.Oklahoma
10.Texas A&M
11.Washington
12.South Carolina
13.LSU
14.UCLA
15.Baylor
16.Miami
17.Northwestern
18.Michigan
19.Florida
20.Texas Tech
21.Mississippi
22.Arizona St.
23.Fresno St.
24.Maryland
25.Oklahoma St.

CMan's Big 12 Power Rankings - Week 5

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Oklahoma Sooners (4-0, 1-0)

Last week: Defeated Notre Dame 35-21

Oklahoma secured the top spot this week based, not only on the win in South Bend, but the way they won. The swagger that the Sooners have missed the last few seasons has returned and the Sooners look like a potentially dominant football team again. The defense set an early tone Saturday with two interceptions that resulted in a 14 point lead for OU inside the first three minutes of the game. On offense, it's safe to say that Blake Bell solidified his hold on the starting QB position. There are still a few areas that the Sooners can improve on the field, however, the OU mental game is as strong as it has been since Bob Stoops arrived in Norman. Up next, TCU.

#2. Baylor Bears (3-0, 0-0)

Last week: Bye

Baylor entered it's bye week as one of the most prolific scoring teams in college football this year. While it would appear that the Bears are firing on all cylinders they should be concerned about what happened to OSU in Morgantown. The Bears opponents have all been sub-par and all three victories have come in the comfortable confines of Waco. Baylor host the Mountaineers next Saturday and, while its not a road test,  it will be the first real competition the Bears have faced this year. We should know a lot more about Baylor after the game next Saturday. Up next, West Virginia.

#3. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0, 1-0)

Last Week: Bye

The Red Raiders enjoyed a well deserved bye week. After a 4-0 start, the rest came at a good time. The victory over then ranked TCU, remains Techs biggest win although the Horned frogs are not who we thought they were. The road ahead looks winnable for the Red Raiders as they sweep through the bottom of the big 12. Tech doesn't look to have a real hurdle until they take on OU in Norman on October 26th. Up next, at Kansas.

#4. Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-1, 0-1)

Last week: Lost to West Virginia 30-21

It has been said that you can't play a Kansas State non-conference schedule and be prepared for the Big 12. That caught up with the Pokes Saturday and should haunt Baylor, for at least a week. Losing to the Mountaineers on the road is bad enough but the Cowboys really beat themselves. Poor special teams play and a lack of the stout defense that has defined their early season. The Cowboys have three winnable games upcoming before they visit Texas Tech on the first weekend of November. we'll find out how they respond next week in Stillwater. Up next, Kansas State.

#5. Texas Longhorns (2-2, 1-0)

Last week: Bye

The best thing about the bye week for Texas is that they won their last game and Mack Brown didn't have to answer any really tough questions. There have been a slew of conversations out side of Texas about the future of the Longhorns coaching staff. Will Mack stay or ascend to the AD chair at the end of the season. time will tell. Oklahoma and the Red River Rivalry loom in two weeks so the answer could come quickly. A tune-up with the Cyclones in Austin comes first. Win, lose or draw the next couple of weeks, I still believe a new coach will be stalking the Texas sidelines in 2014. Up next, Iowa State.

#6. TCU Horned Frogs (2-2, 0-1)

Last week: Beat SMU 48-17

Despite the drubbing of SMU at home last week, I no longer believe TCU belongs in the top 5 of the Big 12. The Horned Frogs will have to earn their way back in. Two of their next three games are against the top tier of the conference....on the road. If they finish these next three at 1-2, my instincts will  be correct. TCU looks to be a decent football team, just in the wrong conference. The days of 10-1 seasons for TCU appear to be long gone. Up next, at Oklahoma.

#7. West Virginia Mountaineers (3-2, 1-1)

Last week: Beat Oklahoma State 30-21

After a big win Saturday against the Cowboys, the Mountaineers probably wish their bye week was this week not next week. The reality is they have to travel to Waco and take on the undefeated Bears next Saturday. However, coming in after a big win gives West Virginia renewed confidence and the Bears wins, all blowouts, have come against some very bad teams. The victory over OSU is not enough to be considered a turning point. A victory in Waco would. If the Mountaineers play a near perfect game they could win. If they don't, the victory over Oklahoma State will just be a high point in a very long season for West Virginia. Up next, at Baylor.

#8. Kansas State Wildcats (2-2, 0-1)

Last week: Bye

The bye week couldn't have come at a better time for the Wildcats. A loss to Texas punctuated what has been a disappointing season thus far for Bill Snyder. The Wildcats next two games come against top tier Big 12 competition and they cannot afford to fall to 0-3 in conference. If they do, it would appear that Snyder's magic is running out. The fans in Manhattan have become accustomed to winning. A bad season for KSU might not be enough to save one of the best coaches the college game has seen. Up next, at Oklahoma State.

#9. Iowa State Cyclones (1-2, 0-0)

Last week: Beat Tulsa 38-21

I said last week that a win would get the Cyclones out of the cellar. Beating the Hurricane in Tulsa was a big win for Iowa State. The first one always is. However, it was Tulsa. Reality now stares at the Cyclones as they start the Big 12 conference schedule. Their move up to #9 may be short lived but, then again, they are trying to stay ahead of the Kansas Jayhawks. Up next, Texas.

#10. Kansas Jayhawks (2-1, 0-0)

Last week: Bye

The Jayhawks come in at #10 because.....that's where they belong. Kansas had a bye week so that their fans could attend the Jayhawks first basketball practice. The good news for Kansas, they didn't lose last week. The bad news, there is more football to play. The Jayhawks will be hard pressed to win again until they host the Wildcats in week 14. By then the basketball season will be in full swing and no one in Lawrence will care what happens at memorial stadium. Up next, Texas Tech.

CMan's Big 12 Power rankings - Week 4

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0, 0-0)

The Cowboys bye week couldn't have come at a better time. The Sports Illustrated article posted its final installment on Monday (a day early) and gave OSU a almost two weeks to absorb any fallout. Now it's back to football and the SI article will fade like the first three Cowboy opponents did. The 'Pokes Take on the Mountaineers in Morgantown Saturday. Look for OSU to wake up next Sunday with a 4-0 record.

#2. Baylor Bears (3-0, 0-0)

Baylor beat Louisiana-Monroe 70-7 in Waco Saturday to become the first team since LSU in 1930 to score at least 60 points in 3 consecutive games. Baylor has only surrendered 23 points in its first three games, albeit against lesser competition and all in Waco. The trend should continue though, after a bye week the Bears host a West Virginia team that will likely be licking its wounds from the contest with OSU.

#3. Oklahoma Sooners (3-0, 1-0)

With the Mountaineers stunning shutout loss to Maryland and Louisiana-Monroe getting bombed at Baylor, the Sooners victories against the two do not look as impressive. However, no one knows what the outcome of either would have been had Blake Bell been the starting QB. At any rate, the Sooner defense played well in both. OU takes on Notre Dame in South Bend this week and the Fighting Irish have not looked good in a loss to Michigan two weeks ago and a weak home victories against Purdue and  Michigan State the last two weeks. If the Sooners can put it all together next Saturday, a victory on the road looks  very possible.

#4. Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0, 1-0)

The Red Raiders were not nearly as impressive in a 33-7 victory over Texas State this week only leading 13-0 at the half. Tech did pull away in the second half after Texas State pulled close at 13-7 to start the second half. The Red Raiders are 4-0 to start the season and they finally get a bye week. The face Kansas in Lawrence in week 5 and should pick up where they left off. The Red Raiders could easily be 7-0 when they roll in to Norman to face OU in week 7.

#5. TCU Horned Frogs (1-2, 0-1)

TCU enjoyed a much needed bye week and hopefully made some adjustments. Gary Patterson may be rethinking the decision to join the Big 12. But, they are here and must play the schedule. The Horned Frogs are not used to being a sub .500 team and despite playing a weak SMU team next Saturday, they roll in to back to back road games at OU and OSU. The odds don't favor a winning record for TCU anytime soon. TCU will likely be 2-4 when Texas comes to visit in late October.

#6. Texas Longhorns (2-2, 1-0)

Texas moves up two spots this week based on their win over KSU and, despite my earlier prediction, I don't think West Virginia can beat them. The real question is are the Longhorns good or are the Wildcats really bad. I'm going with the latter at this point. I am not sold on Texas or new (old) defensive coordinator Greg Robinson. The "Mildcats" looked horrible in this game and Texas did not look much better. Texas gets a bye week this week and then travel to Iowa State next week. They have lost in Ames but should win this one.

#7. Kansas State Wildcats (2-2, 0-1)

The loss to Texas was bad enough, how they lost was worse. The Wildcats could not tackle to save their lives. They looked as bad as they did during the Ron Prince years. KSU could not stop the Texas offense whether it was led by Ash or Case McCoy. Not the kind of defense the Wildcats are used to. KSU gets a bye week breather this week but they probably wish it was longer than a week. They face OSU in Stillwater in two weeks followed by a home date with Baylor.

#8. Kansas Jayhawks (2-1, 0-0)

The Jayhawks are only #8 because they won last week and West Virginia lost. They won ugly though beating Louisiana Tech 13-10, in Lawrence,  on a last second field goal. The game winning drive only happened because La Tech, who led most of the game, fumbled deep in Kansas territory late in the game. Kansas looks like Kansas. Bad. However, It's fall in Lawrence and that can only mean one thing. Bill Self is dusting off his whistle.

#9. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-2, 0-1)

The Mountaineers loss Saturday to Maryland is no shock. The game was played in Baltimore and the Terp's came in to the game 3-0. The shocker was that West Virginia could only muster 175 yards on offense and were shutout for the first time since 2001. It gets worse, the Mountaineers have to travel to Stillwater and Waco in the next two weeks. I said last week that it could be a long winter for Dana Holgerson, if this keeps up it could be his last winter in Morgantown.

#10. Iowa State Cyclones (0-2, 0-0)

Despite the poor performances of the rest of the bottom four, Iowa State will remain #10 until they win. the Cyclones have enjoyed two bye weeks in the first four weeks of the season which is good for them otherwise, they might be 0-4. The Cyclones face Tulsa on the road next week and then host Texas the following week. They will likely be 0-4 anyway.

C'Mans Big 12 power rankings - Week 3

POWER RANKINGS

#1. Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0, 0-0)

The Cowboys finally played a game in the comfortable confines of Stillwater after spending the first two weeks of the season in Texas. Oklahoma State took on a decent Lamar squad and dominated the game on both sides of the ball winning big 59-3. The Cowboys look as strong as ever on offense but their defense is the story thus far in 2013. I'm going to have to see the 'Pokes beaten, or at least challenged, before they lose their hold on the top spot. Oklahoma State will enjoy a bye week before heading to West Virginia in two weeks.

#2. Baylor Bears (2-0, 0-0)

A bye week has proven to be the only thing that can stop the Bears offense this year. Baylor remains #2 despite not playing this week. Baylor takes on Lamar next week and then enjoys a second bye week in three weeks. We won't get a real glimpse of the Bears ability until they face West Virginia at home in week six.

#3. Oklahoma Sooners (3-0, 1-0)

Oklahoma moves up this week based on the performance of quarterback Blake Bell. In his first ever start, Bell threw for a record 413 yards and 4 touchdowns. Bell's on field performance surpassed that of both Sam Bradford and Landry Jones in their respective first starts. The question is, how different would the first two games have been with Bell calling the signals. The Sooners dispatched in-state foe Tulsa 51-20 playing well on both sides of the ball. The Sooner defense missed Aaron Colvin in the secondary and Gabe Lynn was injured during the game, but OU defended well until the fourth quarter as they subbed most of the starters out. If they both return for Notre Dame we should have a good game in South Bend in two weeks.

#4. Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-0, 1-0)

The Red Raiders beat TCU 20-10 in Lubbock Saturday but needed back-up quarterback David Webb to seal the deal. TCU is reeling and probably did not deserve the preseason pub they received. However, Texas Tech and first year head coach Kliff Kingsbury are undefeated and have a quality conference win. Texas Techs next three opponents are Texas State, Kansas and Iowa State with a bye week included, All game Tech should win. The first real test comes in week 8 when they travel to Morgantown and take on West Virginia. A win against the Mountaineers and they likely come in to Norman 7-0.

#5. Kansas State Wildcats (2-1, 0-0)

The Wildcats have recovered from their opening day loss to NDSU by beating two "lesser" opponents. After beating Louisiana-Lafayette two weeks ago they downed UMass 37-7 Saturday in Manhattan. Kansas State travels to Austin next weekend to face Texas, where winning is not what it used to be. KSU has won the last 5 against the Longhorns and should win Saturday. We may have to wait until week 7, when Baylor pays a visit to Manhattan, to find out how "real" the Wildcats are.

#6. TCU Horned Frogs (1-2, 0-1)

I am not ready to write off the Horned Frogs season despite two losses in their first three games. An opening week loss to #6 LSU and a week three loss to Texas Tech, who should be ranked this week, sting but TCU has been in bigger holes. Having said that, TCU looked confused on offense at Tech and they need to get the wrinkles ironed out with a bye week and a game at home against SMU coming up. After that they face tough road games at OU and OSU with a home date against Kansas in the middle. If they don't,  they could find themselves in a huge hole going in to the second half of the season.

#7. West Virginia Mountaineers (2-1, 0-1)

The Mountaineers have had a tough season and its only week 3. A weak win at home against William and Mary, a devastating early conference loss at OU and a blowout win against a ho-hum Georgia State team. The Mountaineers are a tough group to figure out. They face an undefeated Maryland squad next week on the road and then return to Morgantown to host OSU. We could be looking at a 2-3 West Virginia team when the roll in to Baylor in week 6. If they start 0-3 in the Big 12, it will be a long winter for Dana Holgerson.

#8. Texas Longhorns (1-2, 0-0)

Wow. How quickly  things have fallen apart in Austin Texas. The Longhorns lose in consecutive weeks on the road at BYU and at home against  Mississippi. The Longhorns gave up 40 to BYU and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz was shown the door in favor of Greg Robinson. Texas then gives up 43 to Mississippi at home. Different coordinator, same old Texas defense. The Longhorn offense might be worse than the defense. They look as rattled and confused and are playing with zero confidence. Texas host KSU and travels to ISU before the Red River Rivalry. Perhaps it's time for Mack Brown to start planning his retirement.

#9. Kansas Jayhawks (1-1, 0-0)

After a solid 31-14 victory over South Dakota in their opener, the Jayhawks fall this week, 23-14, to Rice. It's difficult to follow up that first sentence without mentioning Bill Self and the Jayhawk basketball team. The Jayhawk fans would trade almost anything (except Bill Self) for Mark Mangino. Say what you will about Mangino, he could coach football. Kansas may never have another winning season in football, and certainly not if it takes away from basketball. Mangino did both. Charlie Weiss will do neither.

#10. Iowa State Cyclones (0-2, 0-0) 

Someone has to be last, might as well be Iowa State. After an opening week loss to Northern Iowa and a bye week to lick their wounds, the Cyclones welcomed in-state rival Iowa and promptly lost 27-21 to the team that lost to Northern Illinois in week 1. The good news for Iowa State, they get another bye week. The bad news, they have to travel to Oklahoma in two weeks and play a decent Tulsa team. Cyclones head coach Paul Rhodes has done some good things in Ames. Unfortunately he's done some really bad things too. The Iowa State Cyclones will win this year, although they might have to wait for basketball season to do it.