Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 2
Marshall Weber
We got more of the same in the second week of the Big 12. There was one big surprise that shouldn't have been much of a surprise at all. There's do doubt the Big 12 is down, but it's definitely far from out.
1. Oklahoma State
Last Week: 1 (even).
Why They're Here: JW Walsh and Oklahoma State continue to roll as they walloped UT-San Antonio 56-35 Saturday. Walsh highlighted the offense as he completed nearly 90% of his 27 passes that accumulated in 326 yards and four touchdown passes.
Why They Might Suck:
2. Baylor
Last Week: 6 (+4)
Why They're Here: Usually a really good offense has either a running back or a quarterback that puts up insane stats week in and week out. Baylor has both. Baylor's offense is simply phenomenal as Bryce Petty racked up 338 yards through the air and Seastrunk got 150 on the ground. There's no telling where their ceiling is, and somehow watching the game on television Saturday, the dynamic duo were more dominant than their stats indicate.
Why They Might Suck: Level of talent. There's little denying the offensive brilliance of Seastrunk and Petty as well as the possibility that Bryce Hager is the best linebacker in the Big 12. But we're not really going to know how good Baylor is until late October.
3. TCU
Last Week: 4 (+1)
Why They're Here: Mainly because everyone below them (perhaps excluding Tech), has greatly under-performed. But with Devonte Fields only having one quarter left in his suspension, the Frogs should be able to find their groove once again. Not enough can be said about kicker Jaden Oberkrom. Oberkrom is the Big 12's best kicker and due to past omens there may nothing that makes Frog fans happier than a clutch kicker (cough Ross Evans).
Also once Trevone Boykin quits pretending he's a human helicopter...all will be right with Frogs' offense.
Why They Might Suck: Despite their talent, TCU's defense is off to a slow-ish that is actually pretty typical of them. But the questions on offense could force the Frogs' D to step up and carry all the weight. We saw how that worked out last year.
3. Texas Tech
Last Week: 3 (even)
Why They're Here: Baker Mayfield has already thrown nearly 800 yards (780) this season and there doesn't seem to be a whole lot slowing him down.
Why They Might Suck: Same as last week. Mayfield's great, but there's an interesting history of quaterbacks who start out really strong at the first of the season than fold like a flea market suit. I don't foresee Mayfield in this catagory, and while his stats are fantastic, Tech has beat an SMU team that almost lost to Montana State, and Stephen F. Austin. Not exactly powerhouses.
But the answer to this question will become more clear Thursday Night/Friday morning in whatever aftermath the TCU/Tech game brings us.
5. Oklahoma
Last Week: 5 (Even)
Why They're Here: Their defense? While they did indeed win against West Virginia, there was nothing overly impressive about the Sooners. Colvin is still one of the best d-backs in the country, but he alone won't be able to carry the Sooners to where their expectations usually are.
Why They Might Suck: The Sooners could be a real headache come season's end. I predicted a "down" year for them and most took it as complete blasphemy. Say what you will about the West Virginia defense improving, but it was much more of an indication of OU's offensive struggles. Trevor Knight will also be out for the next few weeks, so it will be interesting to see how Blake Bell does with the job everyone was so certain he'd win. The Red River Rivalry is going to be it's sloppiest in years.
6. Texas
Last Week: 2 (-4)
Why They're Here: I don't think we need to dwell on this too much. But there's little denying Texas' defense was horrendous Saturday night in Provo. Not to take anything away from BYU, but there's no way a team with that talent should be dominated in that fashion.
They They Might Suck: While their defense is an obvious cause for concern, their offense isn't looking so great either. Daje Johnson may be making big plays, but he's out this week against Ole Miss. Johnathan Gray is a great back, but hasn't reached nearly what he's capable of and has been overshadowed by other Big 12 backs like Lache Seastrunk and BJ Catalon. Also, Ash is greatly under-performing and thus stud wide-out Mike Davis isn't having near the impact he should
7. West Virginia
Last Week: 7 (+1)
Why They're Here: Paul Millard is actually doing a very admirable job as the Mountaineers' new guy. The freshman isn't dazzling like Baker Mayfield, but he's keeping West Virginia competetive. Also...defense? Very nice WV. This may not be the disaster some had planned.
They Might Suck: While things aren't going as bad as some thought they would, there's still a lot of room for improvement on both sides of the ball.
8. Kansas State
Last Week: 8 (even)
Why They're Here: Tremaine Thompson is a beast and may be the most dangerous kick off threat in the Big 12. Thompson gave the Wildcats a much needed momentum boost at the start of the second half. The Wildcats ended up cruising past Louisiana-Lafayette 48-27. Wide out Tyler Lockett and running John Hubert are also doing a brilliant job at powering the Cats' offense.
Why They Might Suck: The North Dakota State game is still ringing in fans' ears, but the Cats did a good job and taking a step in the right direction Saturday. But the cause for concern is still quarterback Jake Waters. He's obviously no Collin Klein, but if there's any one reason that Cats falter this year and miss a bowl...it will be because of him.
9. Kansas
Last Week: 10 (+1, :-)
Why They're Here: Yay. The Jayhawks pulled it off. Kansas is truly the little brother of the Big 12 and I think it's neat when the rest of the conference rallies in excitement when they beat an FCS team. Good on ya Kansas.
Why They Might Suck: Kansas may only have a few more shots at a win this season. They play a pretty good Rice team this Saturday and a Louisiana Lafayette the week after. Then they don't play Iowa State until Thanksgiving weekend. Hell. It's been basketball season there since May anyway.
Last Week: 9 (-1)
Why They're Here: They were off last week. They lost to an FCS team, Kansas (barely) won against one.
Why They Might Suck: ^ ^
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