Big 12 power rankings: TCU looking like the favorite, Tech’s loss devastating

The Big 12 is as competitive as it’s ever been, with eight teams that could legitimately win the conference. Needless to say, losing hurts.

By Zach Mason@ZachMasonSports Oct 18, 2017, 8:00am CDT

NCAA Football: Texas Tech at West Virginia

1. TCU Horned Frogs (-)

Not only is TCU in prime position to win the Big 12 Conference, the Horned Frogs have a legitimate shot at making the College Football Playoff this season.

The Cowboys took care of business and smacked the heck out of Baylor on Saturday, but have a tough slate ahead against Texas in Austin, West Virginia in Morgantown, and then Bedlam at home. We’re about to see what the Pokes are really made of.

3. Oklahoma Sooners (+2)

The Sooners are certainly not without flaws, but the team looked solid in a gritty win against Texas.

4. West Virginia Mountaineers (+3)

After trailing significantly to Texas Tech, the Mountaineers, led by stud QB Will Grier, roared back to a 46-35 victory and established themselves as a top-25 team in the process.

5. Texas Longhorns (-1)

It looked like Texas was about to get blown out by Oklahoma, but the Longhorn defense stiffened up and Sam Ehlinger made it a game again. Despite the loss, Texas looks like its found its starting quarterback.

6. Iowa State Cyclones (-)

I have to give it up to Iowa State. Its only two losses are to Iowa in overtime and against Texas. This team is hotter than its been in many years after victories against No. 3 Oklahoma in Norman and Kansas in a 45-0 blowout. Tough matchup for Tech this week.

7. Texas Tech Red Raiders (-4)

This was a disappointing effort for the Red Raiders, who had no reason to lose this game after effectively dominating West Virginia for three quarters. If Tech loses to Iowa State, jobs are going to start getting called for again, like it or not.

8. Kansas State Wildcats (-)

This team was overrated from the very beginning, and will likely remain in this spot for the remainder of the year pending a Tech or Iowa State collapse.

9. Kansas Jayhawks (-)

Poor Kansas got slaughtered by Iowa State, and now have to go lose by 70 to TCU in Fort Worth.

10. Baylor Bears (-)

Baylor is 0-6. The Bears play West Virginia and Texas next. They’ll be 0-8 before they travel out to Lawrence for their only winnable game this year.