Big 12 power rankings, Week 5: TCU gets big win over Oklahoma State
TCU Horned Frogs 4-0
Last week: Win at Oklahoma State, 44-31
Last rank: 3rd
TCU took a leap from No. 3 to No. 2, the biggest in stature, after Week 5. They knocked off Oklahoma State, 44-31, and looked like a top player in the Big 12. It was through the work of running back Darius Anderson’s 160 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Kenny Hill threw for 228 yards.
Most importantly, the Horned Frogs defense forced three Oklahoma State interceptions and recovered a fumble. It threw the Cowboys offense off, and provided an opening for Gary Patterson’s squad to take over early and throughout.
West Virginia will be TCU’s next test. If they win, the potential is there to move to the No. 1 spot in the Big 12 for Week 6.
Oklahoma Sooners 4-0
Last week: Win at Baylor, 49-41
Last rank: 1st
Oklahoma remains in the Big 12’s top spot for Week 5, barely. They struggled to put away Baylor on Saturday, with the Bears leading at multiple points in the game. A late surge from the offense kept the Sooners afloat and led to the win, 49-41.
A loss would have crushed Oklahoma’s chances at the Big 12 and the College Football Playoff. How would they get past a loss to the conference’s worst team, by record, with the Selection Committee?
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However, that doesn’t matter, as Lincoln Riley’s team remains at 4-0 and one of the top teams in the nation. They have a bye week to let this sink in, before a trip home to face Iowa State. After that, it’s the Red River Rivalry Game with Texas, so October should be an intriguing month for OU.