Big 12 Power Rankings: Texas On The Rise

We’re through seven weeks of the 2015 college football season, and the Big 12 might be headed for a shakeup. TCU, Baylor, OSU and OU kept the pace this week, but Baylor took a huge blow at the quarterback position. Seth Russell will need neck surgery and will miss the remainder of the season, so things at the top just got a lot more uncertain.

For last week's rankings, click here

With that said, it’s time to unveil the latest batch of power rankings. Enjoy:

1. TCU (7-0, 4-0)

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The Frogs’ chances to win the Big 12 probably just increased a little now that Baylor has lost Russell for the year. TCU got to rest last week and hosts West Virginia this week. How dangerous are offenses in the Big 12? TCU is third in the conference in total offense, behind Baylor and Texas Tech, and fourth in the country.

2. Baylor (7-0, 4-0)

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Losing Russell for the season could be crippling. On the other hand, scouts are drooling over Russell’s replacement, freshman Jarrett Stidham. Stidham gets to play Kansas State before he’s tossed into the fire with consecutive games against OU, OSU and TCU. Don’t write off the Bears just yet; that Briles guy knows what he’s doing.

3. Oklahoma State (7-0, 4-0)

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OSU overcame incredible tragedy on Saturday in Stillwater. You know the story by now, and after the decision was made to play the game, the Cowboys locked in and easily beat Kansas. OSU is 7-0 for just the fourth time ever and the first time since that epic 2011 season, but now the real fun starts. The Cowboys travel for a tough road game at Texas Tech on Saturday before hosting TCU the week after.

4. Oklahoma (6-1, 3-1)

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OU crushed Texas Tech, 63-27, on Saturday in Norman. The Sooners have scored 118 points in back-to-back victories following that embarrassing loss to Texas, and might top both of those performances at Kansas this Saturday. With the Jayhawks and Iowa State coming up, OU is assured to be 8-1 going into the showdown at Baylor.

5. Texas (3-4, 2-2)

+3

How ‘bout them Longhorns? Just a couple of weeks ago, Texas fans wanted Charlie Strong gone after a collection of embarrassing losses. But back-to-back wins over Oklahoma and Kansas State have the Horns back in the bowl picture. Texas is likely to extend this streak to at least four with ISU and Kansas coming up next.

6. West Virginia (3-3, 0-3)

-1

WVU heads to TCU after a week of rest. The Mountaineers are on the final leg of their four-game death trap against OU,OSU, Baylor and now the Frogs.

7. Texas Tech (5-3, 2-3)

-1

Tech got smoked in Norman, further magnifying their defensive deficiencies. The Raiders are still in search of a signature win, and will get another shot this Saturday against OSU. Only need one more win for a bowl trip.

8. Kansas State (3-4, 0-4)

-1

Things are spiraling for Kansas State. KSU lost at Texas, 23-9, on Saturday and wasn’t even competitive. The Cats have lost four in a row and it’ll probably be five after their date with Baylor on Saturday.

9. Iowa State (2-5, 1-3)

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The Cyclones’ record isn’t good, but boy they’ve had it rough. Four of Iowa State’s five losses have come against Iowa, Toledo, TCU and Baylor. Those teams are a combined 28-0.

10. Kansas (0-forever)

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Kansas looked noncompetitive against Oklahoma State on Saturday. This team just can’t compete on this level.