Big 12 power rankings: West Virginia falls, Texas sustains success

Without a game in Week 7, Oklahoma still moved up in the Big 12 rankings, due to West Virginia’s downfall against Iowa State. It was after a classic Red River Rivalry game that shook the conference and barely knocked this group off its pedestal. The Sooners fell in a 48-45 shootout, but it still showcased why this team is one of the best in the nation. With Kyler Murray as a Heisman Trophy candidate, the running work of Trey Sermon and the dynamic Maquire “Hollywood” Brown leading the wide receivers, they have a dynamic attack to remain in the conversation for the rest of the season. The next game will take Oklahoma to TCU on Saturday. Will they avoid a two-game losing streak on the road?

While Texas is in the top 10 and at 6-1, most of their games have not been blowouts. Tight wins over Kansas State, Tulsa, Oklahoma and, as of Week 7, Baylor, highlight this. Though, the Red River Rivalry game rewarded them with a surge up the Big 12 and the national polls. It’s behind a defense that has limited opponents to fewer than 20 points for most of the season. The Sooners briefly broke this, with the play of an All-American offense too overwhelming to stop. However, the development of Sam Ehlinger has also helped, along with a productive rushing game. The Longhorns have a weekend to off to get Ehlinger healthy as he recovers from a shoulder injury that opened the door for Shane Buechele to lead the team over Baylor, before an Oct. 27 game against Oklahoma State.