This is a look at the Big 12 conference and where the Bears Truth staff and special contributor Jay Lockett feels they stack up. The contributors rank the Big 12 teams as individuals, and the average is used to rank the league 1-10.
Geno Smith took on what many consider the best Big 12 defense and threw four touchdown passes.
These opinions are developed off of each team's most recent football game and the games leading up to the most recent game. They are merely a reflection of how the staff at Bears Truth felt that each team played up until this point of the college football season.
A big win for WVU on the road catapults them above KSU as the Wildcats looked a little sluggish early against Kansas. Texas took a little drop to 5 as they couldn't protect their home turf which is a must in the Big 12. Tech came back down to earth after a poor overall performance against what has been a pretty average OU team.
Each voter's individual rankings are in parentheses.
1.2 WVU
Brian: (1) Went into Austin and soundly beat Texas despite turning the ball over twice leading to Texas scoring 10 points.
Ashley: (1) A nod to them for the big win in Austin.
Colt: (1) Possibly just played the toughest road game on their schedule and were up 10 in the closing minutes before Texas scored a late. They get KSU and OU at home. Newbies might be on their way to a Big 12 title.
Brenden: (1) 48 points and another win for WVU. Winning in Austin is a good win for their first Big 12 road game.
Jay: (2) Almost moved them to 1, but need to see a little more.
1.8 Kansas State
Brian: (2) Most overlooked team in America while being in the Top 10.
Ashley: (2) Winning at Iowa State could set up top 5 showdown @WVU if WVU wins in Lubbock.
Colt: (2) Hard to drop them below WVU, but they have struggled big time this season against teams that a top 10 team should not struggle against. Including Kansas.
Brenden: (2) The Wildcats are +11 in turnover margin which leads the conference.
Jay: (1) Ugly start. Solid finish.
3.4 Oklahoma
Oklahoma was impressive over a Texas Tech defense that ranked No. 1 in overall defense last week.
Brian: (4) Thrashing of Tech shows Sooners are still dangerous
Ashley: (3) Pretty impressive blowout win in Lubbock. Was TT fool’s gold or is OU back on track?
Colt: (3) OU could rebound nicely from their loss to KSU early if they beat Texas this weekend.
Brenden: (3) Tech was the popular choice to contend in this game, but it was all OU.
Jay: (4) Finally showed Tech what an offense with a pulse looks like.
4.2 Baylor
Brian: (3) This weekend will show if they deserve this ranking or not.
Ashley: (4) No shame in losing at WVU by 7; need to blow out TCU in Waco.
Colt: (4) Which future foes have a combination of a defense that will slow down Baylor and an offense that can keep them in the game? If Baylor can step up at any point of the season defensively they will be very dangerous.
Brenden: (5) After watching WVU drop 48 on UT, I think its apparent that WVU will score on anyone. Baylor gets their chance to climb back into the national rankings this weekend.
Jay: (5) I hate bye weeks.
4.4 Texas
Brian: (5) The once thought to be vaunted defense hasn’t performed up to the talent level.
Ashley: (5) Lost a tough one at home. 3rd place is on the line for OU vs Texas.
Colt: (5) Takeaway the defensive and late touchdown when WVU's defense was willing to melt the clock and Texas only scored 31 points. If not for a questionable win at OSU this Texas team could have been facing an 0-3 start in conference.
Brenden: (4) UT gets another shot this week to show its strength in the Shootout.
Jay: (3) I think Texas beats OU this weekend.
6.2 Oklahoma State
Brian: (6) Could this be a rebuilding job after losing talented piece after talented piece the past 5 years?
Ashley: (7) Should go 3-0 over next 3 game stretch- @KU; ISU; TCU. Then murderer’s row to finish season.
Colt: (6) If OSU's defense can begin collecting turnovers again they will be a top half team. Until then, they have to play the outscoring game like Baylor.
Brenden: (6) The Cowboys should come out angry this week vs KU after the blown call in Austin.
Jay: (6) They're here cause they're not down there.
7.2 Iowa State
Iowa State finding an offense will make them a dangerous team for the rest of the season.
Brian: (8) Showed some spark with a new QB while scoring 30 of the 37 against TCU.
Ashley: (6) Have to give them the nod over OSU for winning a road game in Fort Worth.
Colt: (8) Barnett might be the answer to Iowa State's offense. However, their defense did not look as solid against a pretty average TCU offense.
Brenden: (7) ISU took advantage of TCU's QB situation and Paul Rhoades has them believing they can make some noise.
Jay: (7) Good win on the road. Did what they had to.
7.6 Texas Tech
Brian: (7) They are who we thought they were, but they did beat ISU.
Ashley: (8) You have to compete at home; OU crushed them- could start a tailspin for Texas Tech.
Colt: (7) If you thought OU's offense was good, good luck against West Virginia.
Brenden: (8) Tech needs to regroup quick or another blowout could happen this weekend with WVU.
Jay: (8) Finally showed why they weren't getting the love they thought they deserved.
9. TCU
Brian: (9) Likely wishing this season would end already
Ashley: (9) No QB; overrated defense equals lots of losses down stretch.
Colt: (9) Let us see if Trevone Boykin is as good as TCU fans think he will be with a full week of preparation. Baylor better be ready for TCU's best shot.
Brenden: (9) TCU's Big 12 home opener didn't go as planned and now they head to Waco to take on the Bears high scoring offense.
Jay: (9) Could be here for a while.
10. Kansas
Brian: (10) Sooooooooo, about those 5 stars Bill Self is bringing in….
Ashley: (10) Good effort against KSU for 2 quarters; like watching a Steele era Baylor team.
Colt: (10) Glad we have these guys at home…
Brenden: (10) KU is on a 14 conference game losing streak and has won 2 of their last 25 Big 12 games.
Jay: (10) Are here for a while.
- Colt Barber
- Staff Writer - BearsTruth