Big 12 Power Rankings: Baylor, BYU, Rise — Kansas, ASU, WVU Fall (Week 3)

It was a mixed week for the Big 12 as the conference picked up some great wins in several marquee matchups this past weekend, as well as some unexpected losses from some notable programs.

After going 2-3 against P4 competition two weeks ago, the Big 12 went 3-3 against P4 schools which was an improvement, however, several conference members laid some eggs that put a stain on what would have been a terrific weekend for the Big 12.

No. 16 Iowa State took down rival Iowa, 16-13, for its second consecutive victory in the rivalry, as well as the first win in Ames since 2011. Baylor followed it up with a dramatic 48-45 come-from-behind victory in overtime against then-No. 17 SMU on the road. BYU then finished things off in the nightcap as the Cougars cruised to a 27-3 victory over Stanford.

However, it wasn't all roses this past weekend. Kansas choked against Missouri after being up two touchdowns on the road, West Virginia lost to Ohio, Kansas State lost to Army at home, Oklahoma State lost 69-3 to No. 6 Oregon and then-No. 12 Arizona State — the Big 12's highest ranked team — lost to Mississippi State — the SEC's worst team last year —after giving up a touchdown in the final minute of the game.

The conference now went from having four ranked teams, to only having three now, tying with the ACC for the third most among conferences. However, the gap continues to widen as the SEC now has 11 teams ranked, while the Big Ten has 6.

Last but not least, the Big 12 has two non-conference games to watch as West Virginia takes on Pittsburgh, and Texas Tech goes up against Oregon State. Several teams will also play their first Big 12 conference games of the season as Houston hosts Colorado, while Arizona hosts Kansas State.

Meanwhile, BYU, UCF, Kansas and Oklahoma State all have byes this week.

Important Note: Rankings are based on what teams have done on the field so far this season — not a prediction of where they'll finish. While current performance carries the most weight, last year’s performance is also factored in slightly. Teams that finished near the top in 2024 are given a slight edge and a bit more leeway in the early weeks.

No. 1 Iowa State (3-0, 1-0)

Wins: No. 17 Kansas State (24-21), South Dakota (55-7), Iowa (16-13)
Losses: None

Iowa State stays at No. 1 in this week's power rankings after a thrilling 16-13 win over rival Iowa in the battle of the Cy–Hawk Trophy. It was the second consecutive victory for the Cyclones, as well as the first win in Ames since 2011.

The cyclones are the only team in the conference with two P4 wins.

Next up: @ Arkansas State

No. 2 TCU (1-0)

Wins: North Carolina (48-14)
Losses: None

After a big opening win over North Carolina and Bill Belichick in primetime, the Horned Frogs got to celebrate with a bye last week. I have TCU at No. 2 based on a solid P4 win against a team that looks better than other P4 victories that other undefeated schools currently have (Utah over UCLA, BYU over Stanford.)

TCU will be back in action this week against Abilene Christian.

Next up: vs. Abilene Christian

No. 3 Baylor (1-1)

Wins: No. 17 SMU (48-45 2OT)
Losses: Auburn (38-24)

Baylor bounced back from it's home loss to Auburn and rallied for a thrilling 48-45 come-from-behind victory over No. 17 SMU on the road. If the Bears had beaten Auburn, they would be No. 1 in the power rankings.

While there are several other Big 12 programs that are undefeated, most have played FCS or low level P4 programs. The Bears have the best win in non-conference play so far, which is why they land at No. 3.

Next up: vs. Samford

No. 4 Utah (2-0)

Wins: UCLA (43-10), Cal Poly (63-9)
Losses: None

Utah's offense continues to be a juggernaut as the Utes are now averaging 53 points per game. We'll see if the Utes red-hot offense can continue once they play a decent opponent. UCLA, which appeared to be a great win two weeks ago, just lost to UNLV and is still winless on the year. Utah is still taking care of business which is great to see, but that win over UCLA doesn't look so good which is why I'm dropping the Utes down a spot.

Next up: @ Wyoming

No. 5 BYU (2-0)

Wins: Portland State (69-0), Stanford (27-3)
Losses: None

The Cougars took care of business against Stanford in a Big 12-ACC battle at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The score appeared closer than it really was as the Cougars were never threatened and had some touchdowns called back due to penalties, which resulted into field goals. Stanford only crossed midfield once through three quarters and averaged just 1.2 yards per play before halftime. While the game wasn't a massive blowout like fans hoped for, BYU still covered the spread and the defense has only given up 3 points all season. Lastly, as of now, ESPN has the Cougars favored in every game this year.

Next up: Bye Week

No. 6 Texas Tech (1-0)

Wins: Arkansas-Pine Bluff (67-7), Kent State (62-14)
Losses: None

It's hard to say just how good Texas Tech is since they haven't played anyone. For that reason, the Red Raiders land at No. 6. Thankfully, we'll get a better glimpse of how good the team can be as the Red Raiders host Oregon State. The Beavers are 0-2 on the year, however, the talent level is a step up from what the Red Raiders have been playing. Texas Tech is favored by 22 points, and they should easily cover.

Next up: vs. Oregon State

No. 7 Arizona State (1-1)

Wins: Northern Arizona (38-19)
Losses: Mississippi State (20-24)

After getting down 17-0, I had no hope that the Sun Devils would make a comeback in Starkville. Not only did the make a comeback, they took the lead with a minute left in the game before an absolute choke job allowed Mississippi State to score the game-winning touchdown on a 60+ yard pass. Instead of going for it on the 1-yard line — like Arizona State did last year — having a decent kicker has changed the aggressive mentality which helped Arizona State go as far as it did last year.

The loss is brutal for the Big 12's perception as the reigning Big 12 champ just lost to the worst team in the SEC last year. Let's hope Mississippi State has a great season this year to make this a quality loss.

Next up: vs. Texas State

No. 8 Kansas (2-1)

Wins: Fresno State (31-7), Wagner (46-7)
Losses: Missouri (31-42)

Missouri rallied to beat Kansas 42-31 on Saturday in the first edition of the Border War in more than a decade. Kansas had the lead and the momentum multiple times, but it all unraveled in the fourth quarter as the Tigers came back to win at home.

Despite a 21-6 lead in the second quarter and even a 31-28 lead midway through the fourth quarter, the Jayhawks found a way to lose which is all too similar to what happened to the team last year.

Next up: Bye Week

No. 9 Houston (2-0)

Wins: Stephen F. Austin (27-0), Rice (35-9)
Losses: None

Conner Weigman, the transfer form Texas A&M continues to impress as he threw for 188 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another score as well to lead Houston to a blowout victory over crosstown rival Rice Saturday night. Like most Big 12 teams, Houston hasn't played a decent opponent yet with all the cupcakes on the schedule, but Saturday's showdown against Colorado will provide a great barometer of where this program is at.

Next up: vs. Colorado

No. 10 Colorado (1-1)

Wins: Delaware (31-7)
Losses: Georgia Tech (20-27)

First, the bad news. Colorado allowed 396 yards of total offense -- outgaining Delaware by only two yards. The good news... the Buffs played three quarterbacks on Saturday and "Coach Prime" says he's finally found his quarterback. This week will determine if he really believes that as Colorado will start Big 12 play on the road against a much improved Houston team. The Cougars are favored by nearly a touchdown.

Next up: @ Houston

No. 11 Arizona (2-0)

Wins: Hawaii (40-6), Weber State (48-3)
Losses: None

Arizona looks to be much improved from last year, but it could also be the competition they've been playing as Hawaii and Weber State aren't exactly juggernauts. Still they've outscored their opponents 88-9 in two games which is a great sign. They'll get their first real test as they host a Kansas State that will be desperate for a win a Friday.

Next up: vs. Kansas State

No. 12 West Virginia (1-1)

Wins: Robert Morris (45-3)
Losses: Ohio (10-17)

Last week was embarrassing for West Virginia and the Big 12 as the Mountaineers not only lost to Ohio (17-10), but they managed just 250 yards of total offense against a MAC team. Meanwhile, the Bobcats nearly doubled their total yards as Ohio finished with nearly 450 yards of total offense.

The Mountaineers will need to bounce back quickly, however, things don't get any easier as they take on Pittsburgh in the "backyard brawl."

Next up: vs. Pittsburgh

No. 13 Kansas State (1-2, 0-1)

Wins: North Dakota (38-35)
Losses: No. 22 Iowa State (21-24), Army (21-24)

Two weeks ago, Kansas State needed a come from behind victory against North Dakota at home. At that point, that's all I needed to know as the Wildcats look like they'll be one of the worst teams in the Big 12 this year after starting the preseason ranked (17th). Kansas State hasn't given Avery Johnson many opportunities to run the ball and if the Wildcats don't use his dual-threat ability, it will be a long season for Kansas State.

Next up: @Arizona

No. 14 UCF (2-0)

Wins: Jacksonville State (17-10), North Carolina A&T (68-7)
Losses: None

That's more like it. Saturday's thrashing of North Carolina A&T is exactly what fans and people were expecting against Jacksonville State in the season opener. The competition will start to heat up with a game against North Carolina in two weeks, followed by Big 12 play. The next few games will tell us if UCF has improved after last year's disappointing season.

Next up: vs. Bye Week

No. 15 Cincinnati (1-1)

Wins: Bowling Green (34-20)
Losses: Nebraska (17-20)

The Bearcats picked up their first win of the season in a 34-20 win over Bowling Green. However, despite winning by two touchdowns, Cincinnati had fewer first downs (21-18), had more penalties and turnovers, and lost the time of possession battle too (37 minutes to 23 minutes). That's not a great sign when you're playing a MAC team. Cincinnati has one more tune up game before Big 12 play starts and the Bearcats will need to work out the kinks if they want to go bowling this year.

Next up: vs. Northwestern State

No. 16 Oklahoma State (1-1)

Wins: UT Martin (27-7)
Losses: No. 6 Oregon (3-69)

I knew it would get ugly against Oregon, but it was worse than I thought as the Ducks cruised to a 69-3 victory -- the largest P4 margin of victory in program history. I'll be honest, it's only been two games, but it seems this Cowboy team is worse than last year's team, which went winless in Big 12 play. That's not good.

Next up: Bye Week

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