Texas Tech, BYU hold firm atop Big 12 power ranking while Arizona makes big jump
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Texas Tech and BYU continued their march toward a Big 12 title game showdown, with each beating its opponent decisively this week. Don't forget Utah, though.
The Utes were equally impressive in conference play this week. They're one of three teams sitting at two conference losses and hoping those in front of them falter.
The biggest jump in our power ranking this week came from Arizona, which moved up four spots after its upset of Cincinnati, which falls three as a result.
Here is how the teams stack up as of Nov. 16.
1. Texas Tech (10-1, 7-1)
Last week: 1.
Defeated Central Florida 48-9: The Red Raiders coasted against one of the conference cellar dwellers. That allowed the coaching staff to pull starting QB Behren Morton, who is playing through a leg injury. Texas Tech's average margin of victory is 33.8 points, and it has won every game by at least 20 points. The lone hiccup was a loss at Arizona State.
Next: at West Virginia on Nov. 29.
2. BYU (9-1, 6-1)
Last week: 2.
Beat TCU 44-13: True freshman Bear Bachmeier ignited the Cougars to a win over the Horned Frogs to snap a five-game losing streak to that opponent. He added 59 yards and another touchdown on the ground for his seventh game this season, with both a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown. He’s the first BYU player since Virgil Carter in 1966 to accomplish the feat in a single season.
Next: at Cincinnati on Nov. 22.
3. Utah (8-2, 5-2)
Last week: 3.
Defeated Baylor 55-28: The Utes racked up 483 yards of offense, with Byrd Ficklin running for 166 yards on six carries and Wayshawn Parker rushing for another 129 yards on 15 carries. Three touchdown runs were of 60 or more yards.
Next: vs. Kansas State on Nov. 22.
4. Houston (8-2, 5-2)
Last week: 5.
Did not play: The Cougars were one of four teams idle. It's already been a stunning turnaround as the Cougars have doubled their win total from a year ago.
Next: vs. TCU on Nov. 22.
5. Arizona State (7-3, 5-2)
Last week: 6.
Defeated West Virginia 25-23: It was yet another close win for the Sun Devils, who have five wins by a cumulative 17 points. In the last two seasons, they are 11-3 in games decided by eight points or fewer. ASU blew a lead, got a go-ahead field goal by Jesus Gomez, then hung on with a Keith Abney interception sealing it and keeping the slightest of conference title hopes alive.
Next: at Colorado on Nov. 22.
6. Arizona (7-3, 4-3)
Last week: 10.
Defeated Cincinnati 30-24: Noah Fifita passed for 294 yards and a touchdown to become the school's all-time leader in touchdown passes with 68. Fifita was 23-for-31 and passed the mark of Nick Foles and Willie Tuitama.
Next: vs. Baylor on Nov. 22.
7. Cincinnati (7-3, 5-2)
Last week: 4.
Lost to Arizona 30-24: Early in the season, the Bearcats were one of the best stories in the conference, but they have dropped two straight games. After going seven straight games without an interception, Cincinnati QB Brendan Sorsby has three in the past two games. Two tough games are ahead, too
Next: vs. Brigham Young on Nov. 22.
8. Iowa State (6-4, 3-4)
Last week: 7.
Did not play: The Cyclones were idle. The last two games are winnable. An eight-win season wouldn't be bad, given the injuries the team has had, particularly in the back end of the defense.
Next: vs. Kansas on Nov 22.
9. TCU (6-4, 3-4)
Last week: 8.
Lost to BYU 44-13: The Horned Frogs were no match in this one. They went just 1-for-10 on third down and 1-for-2 on fourth down. That led to a time of possession advantage for BYU of 36:05 to 23:55.
Next: at Houston on Nov. 22.
10. Baylor (5-5, 3-4)
Last week: 9.
Lost to Utah 55-28: Sawyer Robertson threw for 430 yards and three touchdowns, but that doesn't matter unless your defense can actually make a stop. Robertson threw two interceptions, which didn't help. Baylor gave up 830 rushing yards, which is a recipe for disaster.
Next: at Arizona on Nov. 22.
11. Kansas State (5-5, 4-3)
Last week: 11.
Defeated Oklahoma State 14-6: It has been a disappointing season for the Wildcats, who were picked by many to win the conference. They barely got by a team that has lost 16 straight conference games. That says it all. Kansas State had just 284 yards of total offense and 14 points despite forcing five turnovers,
Next: At Utah on Nov. 22.
12. Kansas (5-5, 3-4)
Last week: 12.
Did not play: The Jayhawks have two more shots at getting bowl eligible. Neither will be easy.
Next: At Iowa State on Nov. 22.
13. West Virginia (4-7, 2-6)
Last week: 13
Lost to Arizona State 25-23: The Mountaineers got two explosive touchdowns and were on the verge of a third straight win, only to have that bid squelched when a fourth-down Scotty Fox pass was intercepted with 1:30 to go.
Next: vs. Texas Tech on Nov. 29.
14. Central Florida (4-6, 1-6)
Last week: 14.
Lost to Texas Tech 48-9: The Knights have lost three straight games, with their last win coming on Oct, 18 against West Virginia. This one was never close, as expected. UCF was trailing 21-0 before getting its first first down. A winnable game looms, however.
Next: vs. Oklahoma State on Nov. 22.
15. Colorado (3-7, 1-6)
Last week: 15.
Did not play: The Buffaloes were on a much-needed week off. It has been a tough go with Colorado outscored in its last three games by a combined 134-46. The last win was a month ago.
Next: vs. Arizona State on Nov. 22.
16. Oklahoma State (1-9, 0-7)
Last week: 16.
Lost to Kansas State 14-6: The Cowboys came oh so close to snapping a nearly two-year Big 12 losing streak. They only trailed 7-6 heading into the fourth quarter. Kansas State added another touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and that was enough. The Cowboys were lucky to be close after turning the ball over five times.
Next: at Central Florida on Nov. 22.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Texas Tech, BYU hold firm atop Big 12 power ranking
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