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Week 1 Big 12 Power Rankings: Oklahoma State fans rejoice, Baylor fans look away

The return to the Big 12 basement was rather sudden for Baylor, but it’s only week 2!

NCAA Football: Tulsa at Oklahoma State Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

The college football season is only a week old and the Big 12 is already in shambles.

After the Terps out-gunned the ‘Horns, and Baylor fell flat on its face to Liberty, the Big 12 isn’t looking too hot at the moment. Regardless of whether you feel Big 12 teams should root for each other, or if you believe Big 12 pride is dumb, you have to admit both of those losses were pretty funny, and most of you were probably rooting for UTEP to beat OU too.

Anyway, it’s never too early for overreactions, and our first Big 12 Power Rankings of the year may look a little different than you might expect. Except at No. 1. You already know who’s at No. 1.


No. 10

Baylor

True Baylor fans have stood by this program through thick and thin and will continue to love the Bears even if this move to the conference basement is permanent. The fans that joined during the RGIII era may have a decision to make, however.

Last week: Lost to Liberty, 48-45 in Waco, TX.

No. 9

Kansas

Wow Jayhawk fans, soak it in. This is the feeling of success. Just kidding, you’re still awful, but beat Central Michigan this week and we’ll talk about taking you seriously.

Last week: Win over Southeast Missouri State, 38-16 in Lawrence, KS.

No. 8

Texas

Now you could make a VERY strong claim that we mixed up No. 9 and No. 8. That’s just how the voting among our seven contributors worked out. Don’t let the fact CRFF ranked Texas ahead of Kansas distract you from. . . ah, forget it.

Last week: Lost to Maryland, 51-41 in Austin, TX.

No. 7

Iowa State

The Cyclones did not lose to Northern Iowa this year; have to give respect where respect is earned. If the Cyclones can beat Iowa at home this week, they might be a pesky team in the conference. Friendly reminder Oklahoma State travels to Ames on Nov. 11.

Last week: Win over Northern Iowa, 42-24, in Ames, Iowa.

No. 6

Texas Tech

A lot of teams were calling Texas Tech a dark horse to finish last in the Big 12. TTU looked good against Eastern Washington, but back-to-back weeks against Arizona State and Houston will show how good this team really is. Tech is bye this week before hosting Arizona State.

Last week: Win over Eastern Washington, 56-10 in Lubbock, TX.

No. 5

West Virginia

West Virginia actually looked solid in a tough defeat to Virginia Tech. They dropped out of the AP Top 25 poll, but with East Carolina, Deleware State, and Kansas coming up, expect the Mountaineers to be 3-1 and back in the top 25 soon.

Last week: Lost to Virginia Tech, 31-24 in Landover, MD.

No. 4

TCU

The Horned Frogs aren’t generating a whole lot of buzz in Fort Worth, but they did put up a big win against Jackson State. A crucial game at Arkansas should tell if TCU is a conference contender or pretender. TCU then hosts SMU before opening the Big 12 schedule at Oklahoma State.

Last week: Win over Jackson State, 63-0 in Fort Worth, TX.

No. 3

Kansas State

In my opinion, the biggest question mark surrounding this team is how long Bill Snyder can keep coaching. As long as the Hall-of-Fame coach is at the helms, Kansas State will consistently be a force in the Big 12. Beating Central Arkansas last week and Charlotte this week haven’t told us if the Wildcats are legit Big 12 contenders. However, with Snyder leading the way, my guess would be yes.

Last week: Win over Central Arkansas, 55-19 in Manhattan, KS.

No. 2

Oklahoma

Obviously Sooner fans won’t care about being ranked second in a Big 12 Power Rankings list made by an Oklahoma State blog. Or will they? The Sooners did get 2-of-7 first-place votes, so it could be interesting to see what a win over Ohio State does for them next week. I’m not saying I want OU to win this game, but I am saying it sure would be nice if Oklahoma is ranked No. 2 come Bedlam.

Last week: Win over UTEP, 56-7 in Norman, OK.

No. 1

Oklahoma State

Are you drunk on the orange Kool-Aid yet? I would hope not. You’re going to need a larger tolerance than that if you want to make it through this season. The Cowboys wallopped Tulsa and will likely do the same tomorrow against South Alabama. Traveling to South Alabama on a Friday night kinda sounds like you’re asking for trouble, but even on home turf, it doesn’t look good for the Jaguars. Let’s just hope for injury-free football, and the rest should take care of itself Friday night.

Last week: Win over Tulsa, 59-24 in Stillwater, OK.

Did you agree with our rankings? Give us your Big 12 Power Rankings in the comments below.