The Big 12 title race should gain some serious clarity after Saturday’s showdown between West Virginia and Oklahoma. The winner is alive and well in the title hunt, and the loser is very likely out of it altogether. Oklahoma State still controls their own destiny. With a Pokes win over TCU and an Oklahoma victory over West Virginia, Bedlam will be the Big 12 championship game.
(For what it’s worth, I consider there to be almost zero separation between No. 1 and No. 3, as well as between No. 4 and No. 6. Reasonable minds could go a lot of different ways with this.)
1. Oklahoma State [8-2]: W vs. Texas Tech (LW: 1)
The Pokes survived with a little bit of luck in Stillwater on Saturday. They shouldn’t take TCU lightly, as TCU likely feels rejuvenated after a rivalry win over Baylor two weeks ago and a bye this past weekend.
2. Oklahoma [8-2]: W vs. Baylor (LW: 2)
The Sooners beat a Baylor team that has struggled mightily of late, finally putting away a decent opponent convincingly rather than by a narrow margin like they did with Texas, Texas Tech, and Iowa State. Next up is their biggest test of conference play so far: West Virginia in Morgantown.
3. West Virginia [8-1]: W @ Texas (LW: 3)
An impressive road win against Texas gives the Mountaineers a chance to make quite the statement at home against the Sooners this weekend. Saturday’s game has major Big 12 title implications, likely serving as, essentially, an elimination game for both college football playoff and Big 12 title purposes for each team.
4. Texas [5-5]: L vs. West Virginia (LW: 4)
The Longhorns lost another tight game to another good opponent. They appear close to really turning a corner and competing for a Big 12 title soon, they’re just not quite there. Yet.
5. TCU [5-4]: BYE (LW: 5)
Coming off a huge win against Baylor and a bye week to rest up, Oklahoma State is officially on upset alert in Fort Worth this weekend.
6. Kansas State [5-4]: BYE (LW: 7)
With Baylor, Kansas, and TCU left on the schedule, the Wildcats are a near lock for bowl eligibility and could theoretically finish the season on quite the run if they win all three.
7. Texas Tech [4-6]: L @ Oklahoma State (LW: 8)
The Red Raiders lost their fourth conference game this season by a touchdown or less. They’re competitive with just about anybody, but their inability to break through when it counts is too much to overlook. A couple plays in each game is the difference between 4-6 and 8-2.
8. Baylor [6-3]: L @ Oklahoma (LW: 6)
Three straight losses and their starting quarterback done for the season have Baylor reeling and trying to find their footing. Their new quarterback won’t get much of a break against Kansas State, one of the best defenses in the conference this weekend. From a competitive standpoint, the Bears arguably have the most to prove down the home stretch.
9. Iowa State [2-8]: W @ Kansas (LW: 9)
With the win over Kansas, Iowa State has assured itself of avoiding the Big 12 cellar this year. They have another winnable game at home against Texas Tech this Saturday.
10. Kansas [1-9]: L vs. Iowa State (LW: 10)
With a loss to Iowa State, the Jayhawks’ best chance at another win this season is gone.
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