Big 12 Football: Week 4 Power Rankings

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 24, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive back Patrick Levels (21) picks up a fumble in front of Oklahoma State Cowboys offensive lineman Larry Williams (56) during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

With Week Four of the Big 12 Football calendar in the books, it’s time for another round of conference power rankings.

The Texas Longhorns, Kansas Jayhawks, Oklahoma Sooners, and Texas Tech Red Raiders were all off on bye’s for Week 4. With a short list of games for the Big 12 conference, some teams used the airtime to their advantages to show separation, but all things considered, there weren’t any epic shakeups this week to match previous weeks.

Several teams will face a bumpy ride as the season progresses, but others will capitalize on mistakes and any other inevitable unforeseen circumstances. With conference play finally underway, it appears this season won’t be as easy to determine as many forecasted, but that means there will be plenty of opportunities for every team, and could make for an incredible home stretch.

Disclaimer:

The following power rankings are based on observations for weeks 1-4, while forecasting playoff implications; there are no additional factors, so expect these rankings to change a lot this season based off how powerfully these teams are performing.

For those keeping track, here are my Big 12 Power Rankings for Week Three.

Sep 17, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Tigers wide receiver John Williams (9) carries the ball against Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Derrick Neal (7) during the second half at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Memphis Tigers defeated Kansas Jayhawks 43-7. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

10. Kansas Jayhawks (Record: 1-2)

A bye is a win if you’re Kansas.

The Memphis Tigers are sitting at 2-0 with help from its 43-7 win over Kansas two weeks ago, and for the Jayhawks, the loss proves that David Beaty is nowhere near finding answers. As frustrating as the offensive performance was with its SIX turnovers, it was even more frustrating watching the defense crumble, allowing easy scores for Memphis.

The last time Kansas won a road game was in 2009, so heading into Lubbock to face a relentless Red Raider offense, don’t expect a miracle if you’re a Kansas fan this week, either.

Next Game:

Next: 9. Iowa State Cyclones

Sep 24, 2016; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones running back David Montgomery (32) carries the football against the San Jose State Spartans at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

9. Iowa State Cyclones (Record: 1-3)

Iowa State got head coach Matt Campbell his first win this season against San Jose State. And while that might not seem like a big accomplishment to most, from a developmental perspective, it was a huge win.

Not only were both Joel Lanning and Jacob Park executing well at quarterback, the Cyclones were just clicking on offense, defense, and special teams. San Jose State las lost 12 of its last games, so it was definitely an easy win. But going into the thick of conference play, it was the perfect momentum booster as the Cyclones host undefeated Baylor on Saturday.

Next Game:

Next: 8. Kansas State Wildcats

Sep 24, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Missouri State Bears safety Cameron Price (21) breaks up a pass intended for Kansas State Wildcats tight end Dayton Valentine (88) at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Kansas State wide receiver Byron Pringle (9) caught the tip for a Wildcats touchdown. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

8. Kansas State Wildcats (Record: 2-1)

Having two consecutive wins, including a 35-0 route against Missouri State, you’d think the Wildcats would be ranked higher than No. 8. However, as we all know, halftime adjustments have a tendency of changing outcomes of games, and this game was called at the half due to weather. That’s no fault of K-State, but the route of an FCS team isn’t exactly going to catapult rankings either.

Kansas State’s first test since its road loss at Stanford to open the season will be this weekend against an undefeated West Virginia team–on their turf.

Next Game:

Next: 7. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Sep 24, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears cornerback Ryan Reid (9) and safety Orion Stewart (28) combine to knock Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Jalen McCleskey (1) out of bounds during the second half at McLane Stadium. Baylor won 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

7. Oklahoma State Cowboys (Record: 2-2)

Oklahoma State had so many opportunities in its 35-24 loss against Baylor. From goal line fumbles, the inability to convert, and fundamental errors, it was a long night. Fumbling inside the five-yard line probably changed the outcome for the Cowboys, because it since that play, they seemed to have lost their excitement. Who really knows, but mental errors coupled with how the Cowboys lost against Central Michigan have to be frustrating, especially considering how many people had such high hopes for Oklahoma State this season.

It’s certainly not too late to tighten it up, but with Texas’ win over Notre Dame seeming less and less a “marquee win” this season, this weekend against the Longhorns is the perfect time for Oklahoma State to send its own message.

Next Game:

Next: 6. Oklahoma Sooners

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Mike Weber (25) runs the ball during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

6. Oklahoma Sooners (Record: 1-2)

The Sooners had a bye this weekend, but with double-digit losses against ranked teams, it’s hard to see how Oklahoma gets back into playoff discussion.

TCU is 3-1, and is coming off a win against SMU. While that’s not a win that really stands out, the Horned Frogs are riding the momentum off a win, and they have home field advantage on Saturday. With the Sooners rested up, this game could be a huge momentum swing for either team.

Next Game:

Next: 5. Texas Longhorns

Sep 17, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Chris Warren III (25) runs the ball against the Texas Longhorns in the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Cal won 50-43. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

5. Texas Longhorns (Record: 2-1)

The Longhorns also had a bye this week, but still made news with the DUI arrest of senior offensive lineman Kent Perkins. This is obviously disappointing because it’s become apparent how head coach Charlie Strong has a zero tolerance policy for off-the-field incidents. Should the Longhorns choose to discipline him internally has yet to be determined, but with the Longhorns in grey area right now, they need all the leadership possible.

As previously mentioned, Texas’ win against Notre Dame seems less and less like a marquee win on the season, as the Irish only fall further off the radar. And with Oklahoma State coming off a disappointing loss to Baylor last weekend, a loss in Stillwater could really derail the Longhorns’ hopes at a come back.

A lot rides on both teams this weekend.

Next Game:

Next: 4. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Sep 17, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Kliff Kingsbury before the game with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

4. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Record: 2-1)

Texas Tech had an early bye this weekend, too, but with a full week of practice and pre-conference play film study last week, a win over Kansas should be in the bag. An offensive onslaught is likely guaranteed, but with how Kansas has performed offensively this season, this could be one of those games where the Tech defense shows real improvements under second-year defensive coordinator, David Gibbs.

Next Game:

Next: 3. TCU Horned Frogs

Sep 23, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs players celebrate with the Iron Skillet after the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. TCU won 33-3. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

3. TCU Horned Frogs (Record: 3-1)

TCU beat SMU this weekend, 33-3, but the intensity and play-making so far won’t be enough for the Horned Frogs to maintain serious Big 12 title contention, as is. This season against Big 12 teams, SMU has started fast and physical, but has tended to get lethargic shortly after. With that said, the point differential was expected to be much higher.

Quarterback Kenny Hill has a cannon of an arm and threw for 452-yards against SMU, but TCU was just 5/16 on third down conversions, and all things considered, the defense wasn’t exactly hard pressed for coverages.

Adjustments must be made as TCU takes on Oklahoma on Saturday if TCU wants to pull off a win. Expect the Sooners to bring everything it has.

Next Game:

Next: 2. West Virginia Mountaineers

Sep 10, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Shelton Gibson (1) makes a catch for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Youngstown State Penguins at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

2. West Virginia Mountaineers (Record: 3-0)

West Virginia beat BYU 35-32 pull off a 3-0 start for two straight seasons. BYU might be 1-3 on the season, but when you look at the stat lines from this game, you would’t be able to guess which team was undefeated heading in.

BYU might have been the Mountaineers’ biggest test to-date, but with Kansas State dominating the past four meetings, a win for WVU this weekend is a must for title contention.

Next Game:

Next: 1. Baylor Bears

Sep 24, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Seth Russell (17) throws the ball on a 89-yard touchdown pass against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second half at McLane Stadium. Baylor won 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

1. Baylor Bears (Record: 4-0)

The biggest question mark people had for Baylor heading into this season, was how long the Bears could stay healthy given its depth chart. But for first-year head coach Jim Grobe’s team, everything seems to be clicking.

Quarterback Seth Russell was 18/28 for 384-yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Chris Platt and Ishmael Zamora each accounted for two touchdown catches, but not without controversy. Zamora was returning from a three game suspension after video surfaced of him beating his dog on Snapchat back in August.

KD Cannon suffered a muscle strain during the game and returned to the sideline in street clothes, but if injuries can stay limited, Baylor could be a very frustrating opponent for Big 12 teams this season.

Next Game:

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