Big 12 power rankings, week two: Tech leaps over Texas

The first week of college football is in the books. How did Big 12 teams fare, and where did they move in the power rankings?

By Zach Mason@ZachMasonSports Sep 6, 2017, 12:00pm CDT

I can’t imagine a more exhilarating opening weekend of college football for Red Raider fans.

Not only did Texas Tech demolish a team that was supposed to give it problems, but conference rivals and in-state foes performed so poorly, there’s nothing to do but laugh maniacally.

Let’s take a look at the power rankings for week two.

1. Oklahoma State (-)

The Cowboys dominated, as expected, against a respectable Tulsa program. Mason Rudolph looked like a Heisman candidate and OK State has its eyes on the Big 12 title.

2. Oklahoma (-)

ESPN talking heads believe Baker Mayfield is an NFL quarterback, we’ll see if that’s the case after he plays Ohio State this week.

3. TCU (^1)

The Horned Frogs may be the fastest team in college football, and concerns about Gary Patterson’s defense may have been quelled after a 63-0 shutout of Jackson St.

4. Kansas State (^1)

Jesse Ertz threw for 333 yards on just 10 completions with four touchdowns, showing improvement in his ability to throw the ball downfield.

5. Texas Tech (^2)

Nic Shimonek lit up the Eastern Washington secondary, but everyone is talking about the defense in Lubbock.

6. West Virginia (-)

The Mountaineers lost to a very tough Virgina Tech team, but this was Will Grier’s first game in two years and by the time conference play begins, he’ll be rust-free.

7. Texas (-4)

The hype surrounding this program once again came prematurely as the Longhorns defense proved they are unable or unwilling to tackle opposing ball carriers in a devastating loss to Big 10 cellar-dweller Maryland.

8. Iowa State (^1)

The Cyclones played as expected in a win against the inferior Northern Iowa.

9. Kansas (^1)

Peyton Bender played well but the Jayhawks couldn’t run the football. Luckily, they were able to stop the run of their opponents, so all worked out.

10. Baylor (-2)

Every time we think this Baylor program has hit rock bottom, things somehow get worse. This time, it was the Bears losing to an FCS team in Waco. Have we it rock bottom now?