A chaotic Bedlam highlights the latest shake-up in the Big 12 power rankings.
The Big 12 delivered a pair of marquee games last weekend that nearly saw two ranked teams get upset. In Bedlam, Oklahoma survived an upset bid against rival Oklahoma State after the Pokes elected to go for the win and try a two-point conversion late but the Sooner defense held and got the win.
In the other marquee game, Texas outlasted Texas Tech with a touchdown in the final seconds to Lil’Jordan Humphrey that was awfully reminiscent of the one scored by Tech’s Michael Crabtree vs. Texas a decade earlier.
Outside of them, the two Kansas schools battled in Manhattan and Baylor and Iowa State saw a brawl break out in their game. How does all this affect this week’s Big 12 power rankings? Let’s check in on the fallout.
One week after Kansas announced head coach David Beaty’s eventual departure, they lost yet another game to a Big 12 team. This time at Kansas State, 21-17, to drop them to 3-7 and remain in the conference’s cellar. Outside of a down TCU team, Kansas has not defeated anyone of significance, even in this “improved” season. They offer little upside for the future, even with a new coach on the way, and sit miles behind even the middle-tier teams. The Jayhawks will finish 2018 against Texas and Oklahoma. Don’t expect a positive return on investment.
On the other side of the field, Kansas State picked up their fourth win. That’s not to glorify them, either, after a subpar 10 games, as they managed to narrowly defeat the Big 12’s lowest-performing team of the past few years. Over 150 yards rushing led the way for the Wildcats, who now sit two games away from bowl eligibility. Texas Tech and Iowa State are those final opponents and hardly winnable games for where head coach Bill Snyder’s group stands. Can they make the college football postseason? It’s an uphill climb for this 4-6 squad.