Kansas Football picked up a nailbiting and absolutely crucial victory in Week 6 at UCF. The ‘hawks improved to 4-2, 2-1 in Big 12 play and should have good momentum as they head to Lubbock to take on #9 Texas Tech. Let’s update the Big 12 Power Rankings as the season turns to the second half.
- Texas Tech (5-0, 2-0)
- Tech is unquestionably the #1 team in the conference to this point after another statement win, winning comfortably at previously unbeaten Houston last week, 35-11. The Red Raiders are first in the conference in total offense and total defense, and are viewed as heavy favorites Saturday at home against Kansas.
- Iowa State (5-1, 2-1)
- The lone blemish on Iowa State’s record this season came last week when they were edged by Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium, 38-30. ISU trailed 31-7 before a ferocious comeback gave them some semblance of a chance at the end. The Cyclones have still been impressive and they look to get right in Boulder on Saturday.
- BYU (5-0, 2-0)
- The Cougars disposed of a downtrodden West Virginia team last week, 38-24. Freshman QB Bear Bachmeier has handled the starting job swimmingly, as the dual-threat has five rushing touchdowns this season. BYU will be tested in a big way on Saturday night at Arizona.
- Arizona State (4-1, 2-0)
- After back-to-back nailbiting wins in conference play, ASU was idle in Week 6. The Sun Devils head to Utah for a huge battle with the Utes on Saturday night.
- Cincinnati (4-1, 2-0)
- The Bearcats continue to prove that they’re more than just star QB Brendan Sorsby – who has been fantastic all season. Their dynamic duo in the backfield of Evan Pryor and Tawee Walker combined for 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Iowa State last week – a statement win for the Cincinnati program. Cincy also boasts a strong offensive line and playmakers on the outside. They look to keep the good times rolling on Saturday when they play host to UCF.
- TCU (4-1, 1-1)
- TCU was stuck in a tight one against Colorado on Saturday but eventually pulled away with 21 fourth-quarter points. Quarterback Josh Hoover was back to his normal self, throwing for four touchdowns. The Frogs have had a strong season so far and head to the Little Apple on Saturday – a game the Wildcats will be desperate to win.
- Utah (4-1, 1-1)
- The Utes were idle after dominating West Virginia in Week 5. QB Devon Dampier threw for a career-high four touchdowns in that one. A much bigger test awaits on Saturday when Arizona State visits Salt Lake City – a game that could have massive implications down the line.
- Arizona (4-1, 1-1)
- After a bad-look 25-point loss in Week 5 in Ames, Arizona had a get-right opportunity last week when bottom-feeding Oklahoma State visited Tucson. Get right they did. Wildcats QB Noah Fifita torched the Pokes defense for 376 passing yards and five touchdowns.
- Kansas (4-2, 2-1)
- KU bounced back from a heartbreaking home loss to Cincinnati by toughing out a road win at UCF, 27-20. The Jayhawks had two huge fourth-quarter defensive stops, including denying the Knights’ offense on three consecutive plays when it was 2nd and goal at the KU 1. KU faces their toughest test to date when they head to Lubbock to battle unbeaten Texas Tech on Saturday night.
- Baylor (4-2, 2-1)
- Baylor appeared to have their season and Big 12 hopes washed when they trailed K-State by 14 going into the fourth quarter in Waco last week. Alas, K-State found a way to lose, and the Bears pulled it out late. Jacob Redding’s pick-six on Avery Johnson was vital, as was the game-winning 53-yard field goal by Bears’ redshirt freshman kicker Connor Hawkins. Bears QB Sawyer Robertson has been stellar as Baylor enjoys an idle Week 7.
- Houston (4-1, 1-1)
- The Cougars can’t be penalized too much for losing to Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders controlled them from start to finish in the H, 35-11. Houston’s QB Connor Weigman suffered an injury, but is listed as probable for Saturday’s bout in Stillwater. Let’s see if the Cougars can avoid disaster there.
- Kansas State (2-4, 1-2)
- The Wildcats were snakebitten the first half of the season, with their lone wins coming at home against FCS North Dakota and UCF. KSU had an opportunity for a huge road win in Waco last week, but a late Avery Johnson pick-six played a part in KSU being -15 on the scoreboard in the 4th quarter. Johnson & company host TCU this week.
- UCF (3-2, 0-2)
- Questions at quarterback remain for the Knights, who blew a two-touchdown lead at home against Kansas last week. Be it Tayven Jackson or Cam Fancher, UCF needs better quarterback play to keep up in the Big 12. A tough test at Cincinnati on Saturday is on deck.
- Colorado (2-4, 0-3)
- The Buffaloes hung with TCU in Fort Worth last week, only to give up 21 consecutive points and lose, 35-21. A disappointing season could perhaps get a spark if Colorado can hold serve at home on Saturday against Iowa State.
- West Virginia (2-4, 0-3)
- The season of disappointment continued for WVU on Friday night, though they did show some fight in Provo before ultimately falling to BYU, 38-24. The ‘eers tried out Khalil Wilkins at quarterback, and although his speed flashed (on 23 carries!), he was ineffective in throwing two interceptions. Don’t be surprised if it’s another new QB – namely Scotty Fox Jr. – getting the call under center after the Week 7 bye.
- Oklahoma State (1-4, 0-2)
- Another week and another blowout loss for the Cowboys, who fell in Tucson to Arizona, 41-13. All sorts of problems are at the forefront for OSU, who hopes to pick up an upset win at home on Saturday against Houston.
Sean Kellerman