Big 12 Football: Week 7 Power Rankings

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

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With Week 7 of the Big 12 Football calendar in the books, it’s time for another round of conference power rankings.

Some teams dominated, others showed improvement, many showed flashes of defense, and for one team, the exposure of an identity crisis just became a game changer.

But as the Big 12 conference shut down the possibility of expansion for 2017 on Monday, the urgency for teams to come out of their shells and turn the conference into a multi-dimensional power house has never been greater. As some are calling for a disband of the conference, television contracts through 2024 will save it for at least several more years, but by teams improving, prime TV spots and kickoff times could follow, thus increasing validity and profitability. With that said, if I’m a university president and athletics director, I’m doing whatever I can to make sure teams are positioned to be competitive now.

The following power rankings are based on observations for weeks 1-7, 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 from Week 6.

Oct 15, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Blake Lynch (2) is tackled by Kansas Jayhawks safety Greg Allen (22) and defensive end Isaiah Bean (19) during the second half at McLane Stadium. Baylor won 49-7. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

10. Kansas Jayhawks (Record: 1-5)

The Kansas Jayhawks had shown flashes of improvement early in the season, but in its 49-7 loss against Baylor, everything was wiped on account of several issues, and many fear there simply isn’t enough time to make corrections.

Jayhawks quarterback Ryan Willis threw zero touchdowns and three interceptions. Even with inconsistent defenses in the Big 12, that’s about as bad as it gets, regardless of whether Baylor is undefeated or not. In addition to falling flat in the air, Kansas’s running game was held to 48 carries for a total of 83 yards, with three rushers accounting for negative yardage. Against Oklahoma State, that could result in a blowout, and with a recruiting rebuild in the process, Kansas cannot afford to lose the interest of recruits.

ESPN’s matchup indicator is giving the Jayhawks a 5.1 percent shot at winning against Oklahoma State this week. And while trends say the Cowboys will win, it’ll be a victory if the Kansas defense can get to Cowboys’ quarterback Mason Rudolph and limit yards in the air.

Next Game:

Next: 9. Iowa State Cyclones

Oct 15, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Jordan Elliott (55) and defensive end Breckyn Hager (44) and linebacker Anthony Wheeler (45) tackle Iowa Stte Cyclones quarterback Joel Lanning (7) during the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns won 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

9.  Iowa State Cyclones (Record: 1-6)

Iowa State held a 6-3 lead over the Texas Longhorns, but were completely dominated in the second half.

The Cyclones registered zero sacks, and were unable to capitalize off the Longhorns’ two turnovers. Additionally, despite winning time of possession (31:16), Iowa State could only amass 280 total yards of offense, compared to 505 yards by Texas.

In order for Iowa State to become competitive it has to do a number of things, but at first glance, the Cyclones were just 6 of 19 on third down conversions, and converted on just 1 of 3, fourth down conversions. Winning in the Big 12 conference is a difference between whether a team can rack up points, and if you’re not converting, you’re not putting yourself into scoring situations. A major problem is that Iowa State is averaging just 2.3 yards-per-carry, and 5.4 yards-per-catch. That in itself is limiting the play-calling options, and something Kansas State will capitalize on in two weeks.

Next Game:

Next: 8. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Oct 15, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Justin Stockton (4) looks for running room against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

8. Texas Tech Red Raiders (Record: 3-3)

Every once in a while a team has a complete meltdown, and unfortunately against West Virginia, Texas Tech’s meltdown was on full display in front of a homecoming crowd.

Still recovering from a shoulder injury sustained against Kansas State, quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for just 305-yards, with a single touchdown. More concerning, was Mahomes’ negative 10 rushing yards throughout the game. Fans are eager to see Mahomes get back to full strength, but with Tech’s high octane offense suffering an identity crisis, major adjustments need to be made heading into Oklahoma, or it could get ugly really fast.

In Monday’s press conference, Kingsbury said the team had to bring a “mental toughness” against a good OU team, but also mentioned disciplinary measures are in place for errors and penalties the team shouldn’t be making. Coach Kingsbury also stressed that Mahomes had been limited in practice last week, and perhaps that contributed to the problems the offense faced, however, Mahomes would be ready to go against Oklahoma.

Next Game:

Next: 7. Texas Longhorns

Oct 15, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D

7. Texas Longhorns (Record: 3-3)

Texas head coach Charlie Strong had a lot to prove going into this game since taking over defensive play calling from Vance Bedford, and the Longhorns certainly delivered.

In its 27-6 victory, the Longhorns defense registered eight sacks, and held the Cyclones to a second-half shutout. Its defense largely contributed to snapping its three game losing streak, but on the offensive side of the ball, D’onta Foreman accounted for 136 rushing yards and one touchdown, and freshmen Shane Buechele put up 296 yards, with two touchdowns, and an interception.

This win certainly took the heat off Coach Strong (for now), but against a balanced Kansas State team, the Longhorns will be tested without the comforts of a home game crowd. The Longhorns will also face a potent Kansas State defense that ranks No. 19 in the nation, allowing 334 yards-per-game, and just 21 points-per-game. I think we’ll have a better idea of how much the Longhorns have progressed under a new defensive strategy after Saturday, but on the flip side, Kansas State will face an offense that’s improving.

Next Game:

Next: 6. Kansas State Wildcats

Oct 15, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners safety Chanse Sylvie (28) attempts to tackle Kansas State Wildcats running back Justin Silmon (32) during the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

6. Kansas State Wildcats (Record: 3-3)

Kansas State went into Norman with the Big 12’s best defense, but against the Sooners, that defense was largely non-existent. As previously mentioned in the last slide, Kansas State ranks No. 19 in the nation in total defense, but after allowing 38 points and 510 total yards of offense by Oklahoma, many are questioning the defense’s legitimacy. The Wildcats were given a lot of credit to begin the season holding strong against Stanford, but with the Cardinal’s playoff hopes in serious decline, as is the excitement once brewing around Kansas State.

With zero sacks, zero passes batted down, and zero hurried passes, the Kansas State pass rush has a lot of work to do, especially with quarterback Jesse Ertz sustaining an injury in the first quarter. While offensive production wasn’t too rattled with Joe Hubener throwing for 157 yards and a touchdown, it’s been the defense that’s prevented larger point differentials in each of its three losses.

Next Game:

Next: 5. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oct 8, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive tackle DeQuinton Osborne (91) reacts after making a tackle against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Oklahoma State won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

5. Oklahoma State Cowboys (Record: 4-2)

Oklahoma State has been fairly consistent on offense and defense this season, while showing that its special teams play can also be particularly destructive, too.

That said, after narrowly defeating Iowa State two weeks ago, the Cowboys got a break last weekend to work on some fundamentals. Despite scoring one more rushing touchdown (15) than receiving (14) this season, the Cowboys are averaging just 3.4 yards-per-carry, so if it hopes to stay competitive with several good teams down the stretch, it must improve in that category.

While coming back from double-digit deficits to win makes for great television, it doesn’t do much in terms of improving your national standing. Coming off a bye to face Kansas, it shouldn’t be hard for the Cowboys to pad its stats. But with West Virginia, Kansas State, TCU, and Oklahoma coming up, Oklahoma State has to stay focused and healthy if it wants to get into a position to make a play at the conference title.

Next Game:

Next: 4. TCU Horned Frogs

Oct 8, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Kyle Hicks (21) escapes the reach of Kansas Jayhawks linebacker Mike Lee (11) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. TCU won the game 24-23. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

4. TCU Horned Frogs (Record: 4-2)

TCU was on a bye last weekend, and will go on the road to Morgantown to take on the undefeated No. 12 ranked West Virginia Mountaineers. Given the performance WVU had against Texas Tech coming off its bye, TCU is hoping to come out with that same ferocity.

If I’m a TCU coach, I’m ripping apart game film from West Virginia’s win over Texas Tech and finding ways to contain the Mountaineers–who put on a clinic against the Red Raiders. This could be especially beneficial to co-offensive coordinator Sonny Combie who not only played, but coached in Texas Tech’s Air Raid system.

Next Game:

Next: 3. Oklahoma Sooners

Oct 15, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook (11) and Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) celebrate a touchdown against the Kansas State Wildcats during the third quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

3. Oklahoma Sooners (Record: 4-2)

Given how good Kansas State’s defense has been, the Sooners’ four-point lead head headed into the half was reason for the Oklahoma to be optimistic in the second-half of play. Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook have made for one of the most entertaining QB-WR combos in the conference. And in the Sooners 38-17 victory, Mayfield threw for 346 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Westbrook accounted for nine receptions for 184-yards, and three touchdowns, but the most impressive stat this season is that he’s averaging 16.9 yards-per-catch, making him incredibly illusive and hard to contain. This will be an issue for the Texas Tech secondary, which had a hard time tackling receivers against West Virginia.

On Monday morning, Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops announced running back Samaje Perine is out 2-3 weeks for a leg injury, leaving Abdul Adams and Joe Mixon as its only scholarship running backs to rely on.

Next Game:

Next: 2. West Virginia Mountaineers

Oct 15, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Cameron Batson (13) tries to spin out of a tackle by West Virginia Mountaineers defensive back David Long (11) at Jones AT&T Stadium. West Virginia defeated Texas Tech 48-17. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

2. West Virginia Mountaineers (Record: 5-0)

West Virginia wide receiver Shelton Gibson said, “I believe our defense can hold them (Texas Tech) to 10 points. I see it everyday, and they’re good.” That was a statement that will haunt Red Raiders for a while, as the Mountaineers allowed just 17 points, stunning a Homecoming crowd in Lubbock, and ending a consecutive home streak with 50+ point games at nine games. That streak hadn’t been beaten since Yale’s eight-game run from Nov. 5, 1887-Nov. 17, 1888.

In the Mountaineers’ dominating 48-17 win, quarterback Skyler Howard threw for 318 yards, while the team tacked on an additional 332 rushing yards. In its most commanding performance this year, WVU jumped into the No. 12 spot in the AP Poll, and if it can hold strong, it is without a doubt presenting itself as a national title contender.

West Virginia faces a tough test this weekend against the TCU Horned Frogs, but home field advantage should provide enough excitement to pull off a win against a good team–if the Mountaineers can continue to improve this week.

Next Game:

Next: 1. Baylor Bears

Oct 15, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor quarterback Seth Russell (17) during the playing of the fight song following the Bears 49-7 victory against the Kansas Jayhawks. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

1. Baylor Bears (Record: 6-0)

Baylor remains undefeated, and relatively healthy with two bye weeks. The Bears dominated the Kansas Jayhawks, allowing a touchdown against backups late in the fourth quarter.  Quarterback Seth Russell threw for 207 yards and two touchdowns, while the Bears rushed for 246 yards and four touchdowns. The Bears’ defense also registered five sacks, limiting Kansas to just 83 rushing yards, and holding the Jayhawks to an average of 1.7 yards-per-reception.

While the Bears remain No. 1, the easy scheduling tactic to command polls has teams growing restless. And with several opponents down the stretch that could easily end Baylor’s streak, consistency and dominating play will be “musts” if Baylor wants to remain in playoff conversation.

With a bye before facing Texas in Austin, I imagine the Bears will be watching how the Longhorns perform against Kansas State this weekend. Baylor might rank No. 15 in the nation in total defense, but some of Texas’ offensive packages have been hard to contain, especially with Shane Buechele’s ability to make big plays in the air, and Tyrone Swoopes’ “18 Wheeler” package.

Next Game:

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