West Virginia gambled and beat Texas while Kyler Murray and Oklahoma avoided the upset by Texas Tech to shake-up this week’s Big 12 power rankings.
The week was highlighted by West Virginia’s narrow win over Texas, which arguably became one of the nation’s best games of the season. Iowa State also kept their spot behind the big three teams, knocking off the lowly Kansas Jayhawks.
What else transpired in the Big 12? Let’s see how it all affected the latest Big 12 power rankings.
Kansas arguably had its best win of head coach David Beaty’s two-plus years in Lawrence on Oct. 27, with a win over TCU, 27-26. Still, this unit’s play placed them near the end of the Big 12 consistently, and that became the case on Nov. 3.
The Jayhawks failed to capitalize on their momentum, losing 27-3 to Iowa State at home. This sunk them back down to earth and became the final straw for Beaty’s time as the head man; the team will let him go after the 2018 season, according to FOX Sports.
Maybe this group plays inspired football for Beaty, who will stay on for the final three games. If they somehow win out, it could get them a bowl appearance, but with Texas and Oklahoma among their final three opponents, that’s unlikely.
Kansas State is on its own downfall, losing three of its last four games, including Saturday’s matchup to TCU, It continued the lost 2018 season for head coach Bill Snyder’s squad, who may find itself on the outside looking in for a bowl game.
The Wildcats dropped to a tie for last place with Kansas at 1-5 in the Big 12. They can still finish in the middle of the pack due to the Jayhawks still left on their schedule, but there’s a shootout with Texas Tech and the thriving Iowa State Cyclones ahead.
Maybe this team finishes with five wins, but it won’t be enough to reach the postseason and end this season on a high note.