Once again, the Big 12 Conference continues to live up to its name as the most exciting conference in America.
That was on full display during the BYU-Utah Holy War showdown. The game went back and forth with several lead changes that ended with the Cougars kicking a game-winning 44-yard field goal to give BYU a thrilling 22-21 victory. The win gave the Cougars a two-game winning streak in the rivalry and also ended the 18-year losing streak at Rice-Eccles Stadium — which until this year — was one of the hardest places to play in college football. For the first time in forever, the Utes have now lost three consecutive games at home.
Another game that came down to the wire was Arizona State, which scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter to beat UCF (35-31), at home. The win kept the Sun Devils Big 12 title hopes alive and pushed them into a four-way tie for third place.
Technically, there are still a dozen teams left that have a shot at playing in the Big 12 title game in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 7. It all depends on who wins and who loses. Good luck figuring out all the possible scenarios right now. This week, the number of teams will get trimmed down as it will serve as an elimination game for Houston, Baylor and Cincinnati. Those programs must win-out and get a lot of help in the process to have a shot.
The Big 12 Conference got some great news on Tuesday as the college football playoff committee bumped BYU, Kansas State, and Colorado up three spots each. BYU is up to No. 6, with Kansas State and Colorado at 16 and 17.
As I wrote about it, the Big 12 still has a realistic shot to get two teams into the playoff. All hope seemed lost after Iowa State and Kansas State lost two weeks ago, but thanks to a number of unexpected upsets, that door is now open. It also helps that Colorado has a favorable schedule, a Heisman contender, and the national media loves them as well.
So, how does the Big 12 stack up in this week’s power rankings? Let’s take a look.
** As a reminder, rankings are based on what teams have done so far this season. This is NOT a prediction of where they will end up. **
| Big 12 Week 12 Power Rankings | Big 12 Football Preseason Poll (Media) |
| 1. BYU (9-0, 6-0) | 1. Utah |
| 2. Colorado (7-2, 5-1) | 2. Kansas State |
| 3. Kansas State (7-2, 4-2) | 3. Oklahoma State |
| 4. Iowa State (7-2, 4-2) | 4. Kansas |
| 5. Arizona State (7-2, 4-2) | 5. Arizona |
| 6. Cincinnati (5-4, 3-3) | 6. Iowa State |
| 7. Baylor (5-4, 3-3) | 7. West Virginia |
| 8. Texas Tech (6-4, 4-3) | 8. UCF |
| 9. West Virginia (5-4, 4-2) | 9. Texas Tech |
| 10. TCU (6-4, 4-3) | 10. TCU |
| 11. Houston (4-5, 3-3) | 11. Colorado |
| 12. Kansas (3-6, 2-4) | 12. Baylor |
| 13. UCF (4-6, 2-5) | 13. BYU |
| 14. Utah (4-5, 1-5) | 14. Cincinnati |
| 15. Arizona (3-6, 1-5) | 15. Houston |
| 16. Oklahoma State (3-7, 0-7) | 16. Arizona State |
No. 1 BYU (9-0, 6-0, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 1
Wins: Southern Illinois (41-13), SMU (18-15), Wyoming (34-14), No. 13 Kansas State (38-9), Baylor (34-28), Arizona (41-19), Oklahoma State (38-35), UCF (37-24), Utah 22-21)
Losses: None
For the second time in three weeks, the cardiac Cougs rallied for an incredible come-from-behind victory as BYU scored with less than 10 seconds to go in the game to beat rival Utah, 22-21 Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Last month, BYU beat Oklahoma State (38-35) thanks to a touchdown in the final 10 seconds of the game.
While unbeatens continue to fall — such as Miami’s loss to Georgia Tech — BYU is going to need some blowout victories if they want to keep moving up in the playoff rankings. The committee has shown that they value blowout wins, no matter the strength of schedule. Yes, we are looking at you Indiana which has one of the easiest schedules in all of college football. Yet, somehow, they are ahead of BYU despite no ranked wins and the Cougars having wins over two current Top 15 teams.
Next up: vs. Kansas (3-6, 2-4)
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No. 2 Colorado (7-2, 5-1, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 4
Wins: North Dakota State (31-26), Colorado State (28-9), Baylor (38-31), UCF (48-21), Arizona (34-7), Cincinnati (34-23), Texas Tech (41-27)
Losses: Nebraska (10-28), No. 18 Kansas State (28-31)
As I mentioned two weeks ago, Colorado looks poised to finish the regular season at 10-2. The Buffs have a very manageable schedule the rest of the way with games against the bottom dwellers in Utah, Kansas, and Oklahoma State. Colorado will be heavily favored in each of those games, especially with two of them being at home.
Also, the good news for the Big 12 is that Colorado continues to get a lot of love from the national media, so if they run the table, I would expect the Big 12 to get two teams in the playoff — assuming BYU’s only loss comes in the Big 12 title game to the Buffs.
Next up: vs. Utah (4-5, 1-5)
No. 3 Kansas State (7-2, 4-2, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 3
Wins: UT Martin (41-6), Tulane (34-27), No. 20 Arizona (31-7), No. 20 Oklahoma State (42-20), Colorado (31-28), West Virginia (45-18), Kansas (29-27)
Losses: BYU (9-38), Houston (19-24)
Last month, it seemed like a lock that whoever won the Farmageddon matchup between the Wildcats and the Cyclones next month would play BYU in the Big 12 title game. As Lee Corso would say, ‘not so fast my friend.’
With the unexpected loss to Houston, Kansas State does not control its own destiny and is going to need some help from BYU and Colorado if they want to make it back to the Big 12 title game.
Up next for Kansas State is the battle of 7-2 teams as the Wildcats host an Arizona State team that has won four of their last five games.
Next up: vs. Arizona State (7-2, 4-2)
No. 4 Iowa State (7-2, 4-2, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 2
Wins: North Dakota (21-3), No. 21 Iowa (20-19), Arkansas State (52-7), Houston (20-0), Baylor (43-21), West Virginia (28-16), UCF (38-35)
Losses: Texas Tech (22-23), Kansas (36-45)
The saying ‘November to remember’ has been anything but for Iowa State. The Cyclones are in a free fall with back-to-back losses for the fist time since the start of last season. Iowa State, which was well positioned to play in the Big 12 title game last month, now needs help just to make the title game.
The Cyclones still have a tough schedule as the face Cincinnati this week, as well as the Farmageddon rivalry matchup with Kansas State to end the regular season. With the way Iowa State has been playing, I don’t believe they can win out, and I’m not sure Colorado or BYU will lose to allow Iowa State to sneak back in either.
Next up: vs. Cincinnati (5-4, 3-3)
No. 5 Arizona State (7-2, 4-2, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 6
Wins: Wyoming (48-7), Mississippi State (30-23), Texas State (31-28), Kansas (35-31), Utah (27-19), Oklahoma State (42-21), UCF (35-31)
Losses: Texas Tech (22-30), Cincinnati (14-24)
Arizona State just keeps on winning.
Sam Leavitt threw three touchdown passes, two to Jordyn Tyson, and Arizona State held on to beat UCF, 35-31, on Saturday. In a game that featured five lead changes, the Sun Devils (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) took the lead with 4:55 to play on Leavitt’s 13-yard pass to Tyson.
The Sun Devils now turn their attention to their toughest test of the season so far as they travel to Manhattan to take on Kansas State. A win keep their Big 12 title hopes alive and a loss will more than likely end it.
Next up: @ Kansas State (7-2, 4-2)
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No. 6 Cincinnati (5-4, 3-3, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 5
Wins: Towson (38-20), Miami OH (27-16), Houston (34-0), UCF (19-13), Arizona State (24-14)
Losses: Pittsburgh (27-28), Texas Tech (41-44), Colorado (23-34), West Virginia (24-31)
After taking a 7-0 lead at home, the wheels came off for the Bearcats as West Virginia went on to score 24 unanswered points and hold on for a 31-24 victory.
Three turnovers by Cincinnati made the difference as the Bearcats were able to move the ball, just couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities. The Bearcats outgained the Mountaineers 436-248 in total yards, 157-92 in rushing yards and 24-9 in first downs. However, West Virginia’s defense managed 14 points off a pick-6 and a scoop and score.
Cincinnati doesn’t have time to feel sorry for themselves as the team looks to bounce back on the road against Iowa State.
Next up: @ Iowa State (7-2, 4-2)
No. 7 Baylor (5-4, 3-3, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 8
Wins: Tarleton State (45-3), Air Force (31-3), Texas Tech (59-35), Oklahoma State (38-28), TCU (37-34)
Losses: Utah (12-23), Colorado (31-38), BYU (28-34), Iowa State (21-43)
Bye week.
Next up: @ West Virginia (5-4, 4-2)
No. 8 Texas Tech (6-4, 4-3, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 7
Wins: Abilene Christian (52-51), North Texas (66-21), Arizona State (30-22), Cincinnati (44-41), Arizona (28-22), No. 11 Iowa State (23-22)
Losses: Washington State (16-37), Baylor (35-59), TCU (34-35), Colorado (27-41)
After jumping out to a 13-0 lead over Colorado in the opening quarter, the Red Raiders fell at home. The Buffs went on to outscore them 41-14 en route to a dominating 41-27 victory.
The Red Raiders have a bye this week and will look to regroup the following week against Oklahoma State.
Next up: Bye Week
No. 9 West Virginia (5-4, 4-2, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 9
Wins: UAlbany (49-14), Kansas (32-28), Oklahoma State (38-14), Arizona (31-26), Cincinnati (31-24)
Losses: No. 8 Penn State (12-34), Pittsburgh (34-38), No. 11 Iowa State (16-28), No. 17 Kansas State (18-45)
It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. The Mountaineers used two defensive touchdowns to hold on for a thrilling 31-24 victory over Cincinnati on the road.
Up next for West Virginia is a home showdown against a surging Baylor team that has won three consecutive games and is averaging more than 40 points per game during that time.
Both programs are 5-4 on the year.
Next up: vs. Baylor (5-4, 3-3)
No. 10 TCU (6-4, 4-3, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 10
Wins: Stanford (34-27), Long Island University (45-0), Kansas (38-27), Utah (13-7), Texas Tech (35-34), Oklahoma State (38-13)
Losses: UCF (34-35), SMU (42-66), Houston (19-30), Baylor (34-37)
After falling to rival Baylor two weeks ago, the Horned Frogs bounced back with a dominating 38-13 victory over Oklahoma State. Next up for TCU is a bye week before finishing the season against Arizona and then a road game at Cincinnati.
Next up: Bye Week
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No. 11 Houston (4-5, 3-3, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 11
Wins: Rice (33-7), TCU (30-19), Utah (17-14), No. 17 Kansas State (24-19)
Losses: UNLV (7-27), Oklahoma (12-16), Cincinnati (0-34), Iowa State (0-20), Kansas (14-42)
Bye Week.
Next up: @ Arizona (3-6, 1-5)
No. 12 Kansas (3-6, 2-4, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 13
Wins: Lindenwood (48-3), Houston (42-14), No. 17 Iowa State (45-36)
Losses: Illinois (17-23), UNLV (20-23), West Virginia (28-32), TCU (27-38), Arizona State (31-35), Kansas State (27-29)
After stunning No. 17 Iowa State in a 45-36 home victory, the Jayhawks face another tough task as they must go on the road and take on No. 6 and undefeated BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Kansas seems to have figured things out finally, but it’s a little too late. The Jayhawks have to win out just to go to a bowl and I don’t think they can do it. I expect the game against BYU to be close, but the Cougars will find a way to win like they always do.
Next up: @ BYU (9-0, 6-0)
No. 13 UCF (4-6, 2-5, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 12
Wins: New Hampshire (57-3), Sam Houston (45-0), TCU (35-34), Arizona (56-12)
Losses: Colorado (21-48), Florida (13-24), Cincinnati (13-19), No. 9 Iowa State (35-38), Arizona State (31-35)
After blowing out Arizona at home, UCF couldn’t get the the Grand Canyon State sweep as Arizona State rallied for a 35-31 win. The Knights are 5-11 against Big 12 opponents since joining the conference.
Next up: Bye Week
No. 14 Utah (4-5, 1-5, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 15
Wins: Southern Utah (49-0), Baylor (23-12), Utah State (38-21), No. 14 Oklahoma State (22-19)
Losses: Arizona (10-23), Arizona State (19-27), TCU (7-13), Houston (14-17), BYU (21-22)
Utah moves up after taking BYU down to the wire.
Unfortunately for Ute fans, the losing streak continues as they lost a heartbreaking game against rival BYU in the last seconds of the game. With the loss, Utah has now lost five consecutive games, including three straight at home. The Utes, picked by the preseason media poll to win the Big 12, are now at risk of missing the postseason all together unless they win two of their next three games. Based on their schedule, I don’t see that happening.
Next up: @ No. 17 Colorado (7-2, 5-1)
No. 15 Arizona (3-6, 1-5, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 14
Wins: New Mexico (61-39), Northern Arizona (22-10), Utah (23-10)
Losses: No. 14 Kansas Sate (7-31), Texas Tech (22-28), No. 14 BYU (19-41), Colorado (7-34), West Virginia (26-31), UCF (12-56)
Bye Week.
Next up: vs. Houston (4-5, 3-3)
No. 16 Oklahoma State (3-7, 0-7, Big 12)
Last Week Ranking: No. 16
Wins: South Dakota State (44-20), Arkansas (39-31, 2OT), Tulsa (45-10)
Losses: No. 10 Utah (19-22), No. 23 Kansas State (20-42), West Virginia (14-38), BYU (35-38), Baylor (28-38)
So long bowl streak!
The misery continues for Oklahoma State, which has now lost seven-consecutive games. The Cowboys’ streak of 18 seasons with a bowl appearance under longtime head coach Mike Gundy comes to an end.
Next up: vs. Bye Week
