Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 1
Marshall Weber
Overall, it was a pretty dismal weekend for the Big 12. With two (and almost three) teams losing to FCS teams, The Big 12 didn't make many powerful statements over Labor Day weekend. Despite its mundane start, there is however, plenty to be excited about for the 2013 season.
1. Oklahoma State
Preseason Rank: 1 (even)
Week One: W, Mississippi State
Why They're Here: Not a lot of argument here. While their 21-3 victory over Mississippi State might not have been the sexiest display of football, the Cowboys did two things: they won, and they won against a good team.
Why They Might Suck: As Gary Patterson and TCU learned Saturday night and Texas has learned the last two years, it's probably for the best that they stick with one quarterback. Gundy has named Walsh the starter and barring a massive, massive fuck up, he should stick with him.
2. Texas
Preseason Rank: 3 (+1)
Week One: W, New Mexico State
Why They're Here: Aside from the 80 thousand-ish that attended 60% of the game at DKR on Saturday Night and the bakers dozen who tuned into the Longhorn Network, I, like most of the country, didn't get to see any of this game. But from what I've read and heard, Texas' running game looks brilliant as promised and hybrid-receiver Daje Johnson demonstrated why he's going to be a very, very special player for Texas.
Why They Might Suck: It's hard to calibrate a win when it's New Mexico State, but I haven't heard many glowing reviews on Texas' defense. For a better look at the Manny Diaz arsenal, check out Nick's take. But from what I gather, the running defense was solid. But then again, it was New Mexico State...a team who hasn't been to a bowl game in fifty years.
Also, despite what the final score may indicate, it wasn't like that the whole game. Texas has always been a notoriously slow-starting team, but not jumping on New Mexico State earlier with the plethora talent they have, raises a lot of concerns with their efficiency.
Ash was effective both aerially and on the ground, but we will get a better look at just how good he and the rest of the offense are this weekend when they travel to Provo.
3. Texas Tech
Why They're Here: Is youth a good word? Despite a sloppy start against DFW's sixth favorite team, the Red Raiders finished off the Ponies (gross) in tremendous fashion.
Baker Mayfield. Baker Mayfield. Say it twenty times. Mayfield dazzled with 413 passing yards (43-60, 71.6%) and five total touchdowns (4 passing, one rushing). And oh yeah...no interceptions. Not bad for a freshman, eh? Does a 6-1, 200 pound-ish, freshman quarterback who was overlooked out of high school and playing for a Kliff Kingsbury offense ring any bells....Manziel?But let's not jump the gun (ha...Raider pun). Whether we love or hate Johnny Football, a college player like that doesn't come around very often, so it'd be very unfair to make that the bar for Mayfield. But damn if he's not going to be an exciting player to watch this year.
Why They Might Suck: Mayfield can be put here too. Even with an amazing start, it can be very tricky having to depend on a kid so young to take your team to the next level. Also, defense.
4. TCU
Last Week: L, LSU
Preseason Rank: 2 (-2)
Why They're Here: Despite giving up an uncharacteristic 35 points and some questionable offensive play-calling, there was plenty of good for the Horned Frogs to takeaway from the Cowboys Classic. BJ Catalon is the truth. The sophomore out of Houston stepped up huge last year when Waymon James went down against Kansas. Catalon broke open a 100-plus yard kickoff and ignited the flame within the Horned Frogs that kept them competitive throughout the game.
Why They Might Suck: When two good teams play each other, shootouts happen. The 35 points LSU scored on Saturday weren't at all indicative of the Frogs' defensive performance. I can go all day on this, but I won't. The only glaring weak spot on that side of the ball is their third down defense. Granted, they were Fields-less Saturday night.
But TCU's main problem is once again with the offensive line and quarterback. Pachall, is, and should remain the starter...but he proved himself to be very rusty Saturday night. Given the weakness of TCU's o-line, Boykin was the better fit Saturday night. However, lining them both up didn't do the Frogs any favors. Especially when Pachall lined up at receiver. TCU has a plethora of offensive weapons, but if they continue their questionable offensive play calling, mixed in with the o-line troubles...their 2013 campaign might not be as good as promised.
Also as a side note, as much as I liked them...burn the uniforms and put the Frogs back on the helmet.
5. Oklahoma
Preseason Rank: 6 (+1)
Week One: W, Louisiana-Monroe
Why They're Here: Is it too early to make Dark Knight puns? Either way, freshman Trevor Knight made had an exciting debut as the Sooner's quarterback Saturday. But somewhat surprising is that Knight dazzled with his feet and not through the air. In just thirteen attempts, Knight rushed for 103 yards, with the longest being a 24 yards. Granted, it was ULM, but Mike Stoops' defensive was very impressive Saturday.
Why They Might Suck: Much like Tech, it's going to be tricky for the Sooners to compete for the top spot with such a youngster at the helm. Also, Knight's passing is a cause for concern. He threw for a measly 86 yards with a completion percentage just south of 40. It's going to be a lot easier to tell where the Sooners are after next week's game against West
Virginia.
6. Baylor
Preseason Rank: 4 (-2)
Week One: W, Wofford
Why They're Here: Perhaps it won't be until November that Baylor will get the credit they deserve. But their early strength of schedule doesn't do them any favors. Despite this however, Bryce Petty and Lache Seastrunk were as great as advertised. Petty completed 19 of his 24 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns. Seastrunk was equally brilliant as he averaged just over ten yards per carry which accumulated in 111 rushing yards and a score.
Why They Might Suck: When you're playing Wofford, clearly your defense will look spectacular. Linebacker Bryce Hager can't do everything, and as Baylor approaches the Murder's Row of Oklahoma, Tech, OSU, TCU, and Texas. they better tune up their defense if they want to avoid losing five games in a row.
7. West Virginia
Preseason Rank: 8 (+1)
Last Week: W, William and Mary
Why They're Here: They're not at 8 because they (barely) scraped past William and Mary. So they get to be seven. For now. Quarterback Paul Millard was the bright spot of the offense, completing 76% of his passes for 237 yards, the longest of which being a 69 yard bomb. Millard seemed to get better as the game progressed, but his offensive line didn't do him any favors.
Why They Might Suck: I'll elaborate a bit more than just saying "Because they almost lost to an FCS" team. But if you look back at my Pre-Season power rankings...it's all there. Defense and an uncertainties on offense, especially the offensive line, are going to be the death of the Mountaineers this year. Ok, so maybe that wasn't that detailed.
8. Kansas State
Preseason Rank: 7 (-1)
Last Week: L, North Dakota State
Why They're Here: Well North Dakota State is the powerhouse of the FCS, but there should never be an excuse for a team like K-State losing to any FCS squad. The good news for K-State is that Snyder is a good enough of a coach to get them out of this early rut. They'll still likely make a bowl, but clearly won't have anywhere near the magic they did last year. Junior Jake Waters did an admirable job in his first start and finished 21-29 with 280 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions. Waters may need to improve a bit, but was definitely not the reason the Wildcats suffered the upset.
Why They Might Suck: Well, we kind of saw it Friday. The Wildcats' lack of running game and underwhelming defensive are going to have to step it up if the Cats want to play in a bowl game. Much like TCU, K-State also has improve on their third down defense....something that led to their respective demises.
9. Iowa State
Preseason Rank: 9 (Even)
Last Week: L, Northern Iowa
Why They're Here: Let's put it this way, Northern Iowa is not a great team. They aren't an FCS team. So when the Cyclones and Cats both lose to FCS teams over Labor Day weekend, it really doesn't bode well for the rest of the conference. However, with their respective fates being fairly ambiguous at this point, teams like K-State and West Virginia's bright spot has been a reliable quarterback. Iowa State's Sam Richardson is no exception.
Why They Might Suck: Again, they lost the Northern Iowa. The bottom line with Iowa State's struggles from Saturday, which may be their fatal flaw, was capitalizing when they needed it the most. On three out of their last four attempts to score, the Cyclones were forced to punt it away.
10. Kansas
Last Week: Off.
Preseason Rank: 10 (Even)
Why They're Here: Have a little faith in Jake? Charlie? Like I said in my Pre-Season preview, Jake Heaps could end up doing very well at Kansas. He had a strong start at BYU, but quickly fell off the map. But with a brilliant offensive mind like Weis', Heaps could find a really great niche with the blue and red and white and whatever other color Kansas has. The idea of bringing in a quarterback who "failed" at his former school didn't work so well with Dayne Crist...but just like me at Rainey Street on Saturday nights or hitting on the girl who makes my sandwiches at Thundercloud...if you try something long enough it's bound to work right? It could very well work for Kanas. But with less begging. I also love putting more personal stuff in the Kansas section because I know few read this far/read about Kansas. Thanks Jayhawks!
Why They Might Suck: Honestly, a three to four win season would be huge for the Jayhawks. Aside from opening with FCS South Dakota this coming Saturday, the Jayhawks have a pretty gnarly non-conference schedule. It may not be as bad as Texas, Oklahoma, TCU, etc. ...but it's not a cake walk either. Rice and Louisiana Tech are very decent squads and they may be the best shot for Kansas to get more than one win.
Overall, it was a pretty dismal weekend for the Big 12. With two (and almost three) teams losing to FCS teams, The Big 12 didn't make many powerful statements over Labor Day weekend. Despite its mundane start, there is however, plenty to be excited about for the 2013 season.
1. Oklahoma State
Preseason Rank: 1 (even)
Week One: W, Mississippi State
Why They're Here: Not a lot of argument here. While their 21-3 victory over Mississippi State might not have been the sexiest display of football, the Cowboys did two things: they won, and they won against a good team.
Why They Might Suck: As Gary Patterson and TCU learned Saturday night and Texas has learned the last two years, it's probably for the best that they stick with one quarterback. Gundy has named Walsh the starter and barring a massive, massive fuck up, he should stick with him.
2. Texas
Preseason Rank: 3 (+1)
Week One: W, New Mexico State
Why They're Here: Aside from the 80 thousand-ish that attended 60% of the game at DKR on Saturday Night and the bakers dozen who tuned into the Longhorn Network, I, like most of the country, didn't get to see any of this game. But from what I've read and heard, Texas' running game looks brilliant as promised and hybrid-receiver Daje Johnson demonstrated why he's going to be a very, very special player for Texas.
Why They Might Suck: It's hard to calibrate a win when it's New Mexico State, but I haven't heard many glowing reviews on Texas' defense. For a better look at the Manny Diaz arsenal, check out Nick's take. But from what I gather, the running defense was solid. But then again, it was New Mexico State...a team who hasn't been to a bowl game in fifty years.
Also, despite what the final score may indicate, it wasn't like that the whole game. Texas has always been a notoriously slow-starting team, but not jumping on New Mexico State earlier with the plethora talent they have, raises a lot of concerns with their efficiency.
Ash was effective both aerially and on the ground, but we will get a better look at just how good he and the rest of the offense are this weekend when they travel to Provo.
3. Texas Tech
Why They're Here: Is youth a good word? Despite a sloppy start against DFW's sixth favorite team, the Red Raiders finished off the Ponies (gross) in tremendous fashion.
Baker Mayfield. Baker Mayfield. Say it twenty times. Mayfield dazzled with 413 passing yards (43-60, 71.6%) and five total touchdowns (4 passing, one rushing). And oh yeah...no interceptions. Not bad for a freshman, eh? Does a 6-1, 200 pound-ish, freshman quarterback who was overlooked out of high school and playing for a Kliff Kingsbury offense ring any bells....Manziel?But let's not jump the gun (ha...Raider pun). Whether we love or hate Johnny Football, a college player like that doesn't come around very often, so it'd be very unfair to make that the bar for Mayfield. But damn if he's not going to be an exciting player to watch this year.
Why They Might Suck: Mayfield can be put here too. Even with an amazing start, it can be very tricky having to depend on a kid so young to take your team to the next level. Also, defense.
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| Pony ^. (I think I'm safe with my lack of SMU readership...and possibly lack of readership in general) |
4. TCU
Last Week: L, LSU
Preseason Rank: 2 (-2)
Why They're Here: Despite giving up an uncharacteristic 35 points and some questionable offensive play-calling, there was plenty of good for the Horned Frogs to takeaway from the Cowboys Classic. BJ Catalon is the truth. The sophomore out of Houston stepped up huge last year when Waymon James went down against Kansas. Catalon broke open a 100-plus yard kickoff and ignited the flame within the Horned Frogs that kept them competitive throughout the game.
Why They Might Suck: When two good teams play each other, shootouts happen. The 35 points LSU scored on Saturday weren't at all indicative of the Frogs' defensive performance. I can go all day on this, but I won't. The only glaring weak spot on that side of the ball is their third down defense. Granted, they were Fields-less Saturday night.
But TCU's main problem is once again with the offensive line and quarterback. Pachall, is, and should remain the starter...but he proved himself to be very rusty Saturday night. Given the weakness of TCU's o-line, Boykin was the better fit Saturday night. However, lining them both up didn't do the Frogs any favors. Especially when Pachall lined up at receiver. TCU has a plethora of offensive weapons, but if they continue their questionable offensive play calling, mixed in with the o-line troubles...their 2013 campaign might not be as good as promised.
Also as a side note, as much as I liked them...burn the uniforms and put the Frogs back on the helmet.
5. Oklahoma
Preseason Rank: 6 (+1)
Week One: W, Louisiana-Monroe
Why They're Here: Is it too early to make Dark Knight puns? Either way, freshman Trevor Knight made had an exciting debut as the Sooner's quarterback Saturday. But somewhat surprising is that Knight dazzled with his feet and not through the air. In just thirteen attempts, Knight rushed for 103 yards, with the longest being a 24 yards. Granted, it was ULM, but Mike Stoops' defensive was very impressive Saturday.
Why They Might Suck: Much like Tech, it's going to be tricky for the Sooners to compete for the top spot with such a youngster at the helm. Also, Knight's passing is a cause for concern. He threw for a measly 86 yards with a completion percentage just south of 40. It's going to be a lot easier to tell where the Sooners are after next week's game against West
Virginia.
6. Baylor
Preseason Rank: 4 (-2)
Week One: W, Wofford
Why They're Here: Perhaps it won't be until November that Baylor will get the credit they deserve. But their early strength of schedule doesn't do them any favors. Despite this however, Bryce Petty and Lache Seastrunk were as great as advertised. Petty completed 19 of his 24 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns. Seastrunk was equally brilliant as he averaged just over ten yards per carry which accumulated in 111 rushing yards and a score.
Why They Might Suck: When you're playing Wofford, clearly your defense will look spectacular. Linebacker Bryce Hager can't do everything, and as Baylor approaches the Murder's Row of Oklahoma, Tech, OSU, TCU, and Texas. they better tune up their defense if they want to avoid losing five games in a row.
7. West Virginia
Preseason Rank: 8 (+1)
Last Week: W, William and Mary
Why They're Here: They're not at 8 because they (barely) scraped past William and Mary. So they get to be seven. For now. Quarterback Paul Millard was the bright spot of the offense, completing 76% of his passes for 237 yards, the longest of which being a 69 yard bomb. Millard seemed to get better as the game progressed, but his offensive line didn't do him any favors.
Why They Might Suck: I'll elaborate a bit more than just saying "Because they almost lost to an FCS" team. But if you look back at my Pre-Season power rankings...it's all there. Defense and an uncertainties on offense, especially the offensive line, are going to be the death of the Mountaineers this year. Ok, so maybe that wasn't that detailed.
8. Kansas State
Preseason Rank: 7 (-1)
Last Week: L, North Dakota State
Why They're Here: Well North Dakota State is the powerhouse of the FCS, but there should never be an excuse for a team like K-State losing to any FCS squad. The good news for K-State is that Snyder is a good enough of a coach to get them out of this early rut. They'll still likely make a bowl, but clearly won't have anywhere near the magic they did last year. Junior Jake Waters did an admirable job in his first start and finished 21-29 with 280 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions. Waters may need to improve a bit, but was definitely not the reason the Wildcats suffered the upset.
Why They Might Suck: Well, we kind of saw it Friday. The Wildcats' lack of running game and underwhelming defensive are going to have to step it up if the Cats want to play in a bowl game. Much like TCU, K-State also has improve on their third down defense....something that led to their respective demises.
9. Iowa State
Preseason Rank: 9 (Even)
Last Week: L, Northern Iowa
Why They're Here: Let's put it this way, Northern Iowa is not a great team. They aren't an FCS team. So when the Cyclones and Cats both lose to FCS teams over Labor Day weekend, it really doesn't bode well for the rest of the conference. However, with their respective fates being fairly ambiguous at this point, teams like K-State and West Virginia's bright spot has been a reliable quarterback. Iowa State's Sam Richardson is no exception.
Why They Might Suck: Again, they lost the Northern Iowa. The bottom line with Iowa State's struggles from Saturday, which may be their fatal flaw, was capitalizing when they needed it the most. On three out of their last four attempts to score, the Cyclones were forced to punt it away.
10. Kansas
Last Week: Off.
Preseason Rank: 10 (Even)
Why They Might Suck: Honestly, a three to four win season would be huge for the Jayhawks. Aside from opening with FCS South Dakota this coming Saturday, the Jayhawks have a pretty gnarly non-conference schedule. It may not be as bad as Texas, Oklahoma, TCU, etc. ...but it's not a cake walk either. Rice and Louisiana Tech are very decent squads and they may be the best shot for Kansas to get more than one win.
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