Big 12 Power Rankings: Texas is....?

Week 1 in the college football season saw the Big 12 get out to a 9-1 start, Jayhawks fans storm the field, and OU’s hospitality almost include giving Tulane a W in Norman.

We still don’t know who should be on top in this ranking, but there’s a new No. 1 now that the week 1 performances are in the books.

Let’s jump in.

10. Kansas Jayhawks (1-0) (Last Week: 10)

Result: def. South Dakota 17-14

Kansas almost kicked off the Lance Leipold with a loss to an FCS opponent, but thankfully they eeked out a win. Their reward? Fans rushing the field! I, for one, am here for it. Let the kids have their fun.

But, a three point win over South Dakota might be the only win Kansas gets this season.

9. West Virginia (0-1) (Last Week: 6)

Result: lost to Maryland 30-24

West Virginia was one of two Big 12 programs to play another Power 5 school this weekend, and they fell just short in a really fun game to watch against Maryland. Taulia Tagovailoa looked great, WVU’s defense looked shaky, and the Mountaineers offense missed too many opportunities to get the W.

8. Baylor (1-0) (Last Week: 8)

Result: def. Texas State 29-20

Baylor let Texas State score late to make this look closer than it was, but I expected the Bears to put more points on the board this week. Gerry Bohanon looked good, but we’ll see if that continues against elevated competition.

7. Texas Tech (1-0) (Last Week: 9)

Result: def. Houston 38-21

Texas Tech came back from a 3rd quarter deficit and ended up running past Houston. That being said, this game was much closer than the score indicates. Tech struggled offensively for a good portion of the game, and their defense clamped down in the second half to give the Raiders a chance at a comeback.

6. Oklahoma State (1-0) (Last Week: 5)

Result: def. Missouri State 23-16

Oklahoma State was without Spencer Sanders, so I don’t know that we should read too much into how close this game was. The Pokes’ defense looked good, the offense still produced a bit, and Oklahoma State got the W.

5. Kansas State (1-0) (Last Week: 7)

Result: def. Stanford 24-7

I expected Stanford to put up more of a fight, but the reality is Kansas State could have won this game by 30. Deuce Vaughn looked good, Kansas State’s defense was feisty, and Stanford was completely helpless.

4. #7 Iowa State (1-0) (Last Week: 2)

Result: def. Northern Iowa 16-10

Iowa State struggled against Northern Iowa, which, if you know anything about Iowa State is that they seem to always struggle with Northern Iowa. That being said, they fall in the rankings this week because other teams simply played better.

3. TCU (1-0) (Last Week: 3)

Result: def. Duquesne 45-3

TCU holds stead at 3 after doing what they needed to do against a very not good opponent. The starters were out at halftime, they won by a lot, and now they prepare for Cal.

2. #2 Oklahoma (1-0) (Last Week: 1)

Result: def. Tulane 40-35

Oklahoma almost watched their whole season dissolve in a big Green Wave. After all of the hospitality the Sooners showed the displaced Tulane team and fanbase, they almost gave away the ultimate gift. Spencer Rattler threw a couple of picks, the defense looked porous, and the wheels almost came all the way off the wagon.

1. #21 Texas Longhorns (1-0) (Last Week: 4)

Result: def. #23 Louisiana 38-18

Texas looked impressive in the only Big 12 win over a ranked opponent in Week 1. Hudson Card leaned heavily on Bijan Robinson, as he should, and Texas’ defense stifled a Ragin Cajun offense that returned every starter from their 10-1 season in 2020. Will Texas continue to stay atop the power rankings? Only time will tell.