Big 12 Football – Power Rankings Week 6

The first week of full schedule Big 12 play is complete and the Texas Longhorns remain at the top of this week’s Big 12 Power Rankings.  We moved the Nebraska Cornhuskers to #2 last week and they played like they belong at that spot.

There are three big games on the docket this weekend, led by Texas and Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout.  We think the Longhorns are ripe for an upset against a Sooner team that has nothing to lose.   Texas Tech and Nebraska will be an interesting match up, but we give the edge to the Huskers with their top defense and home field advantage.  Missouri travels to Stillwater in a game they need to keep their hopes alive in the Big 12 North, we think Mizzou will fall to 0-2 with Gabbert’s health in question.

Big 12 Football – Power Rankings (Week Six)

Colt McCoy and his Texas Longhorns face an Oklahoma team with nothing to lose this Saturday

1. Texas Longhorns – Overall (5-0) Big 12 (2-0) – National Ranking 3
Last week: (2) Texas 38 Colorado 14
The Longhorns struggled against the Buffaloes and actually trailed at halftime 14-10.  Texas found a way to win this game (blocked punt for TD, punt return for TD and interception return for TD)
Up next: Red River Shootout – (20) Oklahoma vs (3)Texas

2. Nebraska Cornhuskers – Overall (4-1) Big 12 (1-0) – National Ranking 15
Last week: (21) Nebraska 27 (24) Missouri 12
Nebraska’s defense makes them the favorite to win the Big 12 North.  The Blackshirts will get tested this week when the potent Red Raider offense comes to town.
Up next: Texas Tech @ (15) Nebraska

3. Kansas Jayhawks – Overall (5-0) Big 12 (1-0) – National Ranking 17
Last week:  (16) Kansas 41 Iowa State 36
Todd Reesing, Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe put up huge numbers against Iowa State, but the defense giving up 500 yards and 36 points is cause for concern.
Up next: (17) Kansas @ Colorado

4. Oklahoma Sooners – Overall (3-2) Big 12 (1-0) – National Ranking 20
Last week: (19) Oklahoma 33 Baylor 7
Sam Bradford was good in his tune up for the big match up, however, Oklahoma will need touchdowns instead of field goals to beat Texas
Up next: Red River Shootout – (20) Oklahoma vs (3) Texas

5. Oklahoma State Cowboys – Overall (4-1) Big 12 (1-0) – National Ranking 16
Last week: (15) Oklahoma State 36 Texas A&M 31
It was close, but the Cowboys beat the Aggies without two of their best offensive players (Dez Bryant and Kendall Hunter).
Up next: Missouri @ (16) Oklahoma State

6. Missouri Tigers – Overall (4-1) Big 12 (0-1)
Last week: (21) Nebraska 27 (24) Missouri 12
The Tigers were the best team for three quarters against Nebraska, but the Cornhuskers put up 27 fourth quarter points.  On the road at Okie State with a beat up Gabbert will be difficult this week.
Up next: Missouri @ (16) Oklahoma State

7. Texas Tech Red Raiders – Overall (4-2) Big 12 (1-1)
Last week: Texas Tech 66 Kansas State 14
The Red Raiders put up 739 yards of offense against K-State with their back up quarterback.  Strength vs Strength this week at Nebraska.
Up next: Texas Tech @ (15) Nebraska

8. Texas A&M Aggies – Overall (3-2) Big 12 (0-1)
Last week: (15) Oklahoma State 36 Texas A&M 31
Decent showing at home against the Cowboys, but Sherman needs to win these games to keep his job very long.
Up next: Texas A&M @ Kansas State

9. Kansas State Wildcats – Overall (3-3) Big 12 (1-1)
Last week: Texas Tech 66 Kansas State 14
A Wildcat defense that seemed to be getting better got absolutely demolished by Texas Tech.  Kansas State has a chance to rebound against a beatable Aggie team this week
Up next: Texas A&M @ Kansas State

10. Iowa State Cyclones – Overall (3-3) Big 12 (0-2)
Last week:  (16) Kansas 41 Iowa State 36
The Cyclones are getting better each week, but they need to get wins to prove it.  Iowa State has an excellent chance for a victory this week when Baylor comes in for Homecoming weekend.
Up next: Baylor @ Iowa State

11.  Baylor Bears – Overall (3-2) Big 12 (0-1)
Last week: (19) Oklahoma 33 Baylor 7
It is always tough to go in to Norman, it is even tougher when you have to do it with your #3 quarterback.  Baylor gave up a lot of yards, but did a decent job of keeping OU out of the end zone.
Up next: Baylor @ Iowa State

12. Colorado Buffaloes – Overall (1-4) Big 12 (0-1)
Last week: (2) Texas 38 Colorado 14
Colorado played Texas tough for a while, but you will never win when you have more yards in penalties (140) then total yards offense (127).
Up next: (17) Kansas @ Colorado