College Football Big 12 power rankings entering Week 7
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It’s time to have a dialogue about college football‘s Big 12 conference scheduling. With 16 teams in the conference and everyone playing 9 conference games, each team will not play 6 conference opponents.
Yet, between the top 4 teams in the preseason (Texas Tech, BYU, Utah, and Kansas State), there is only 1 game played between those 4 teams (the permanent rivalry between BYU and Utah. Meanwhile, Houston and Oklahoma State play each other and at least two of the top four.
Is this random? Or is it intentionally set up to get the top teams to the Big 12 Championship with minimal losses? Let’s see how it plays out!
MORE: College Football biggest risers after Week 6
Ranks 10-7
10. Arizona State
A 30-12 late-night beatdown of Hawaii was just what the doctor ordered for Arizona State after the London game and the loss to Baylor. Cardae Mack was a revelation at running back, and may help this offense be more balanced as the season progresses.
9. Cincinnati
The Bearcats were off in Week 6, which was well-timed before the old Big East rivalry against West Virginia in Week 7. This is a game that the Bearcats need to get if they want to get to bowl-eligibility this season.
8. Kansas State
The Wildcats fought admirably, but couldn’t get the job done against Houston. It was not a great Avery Johnson performance. The good news is that the Wildcats will likely be favored in every remaining game this season (thanks to playing their better opponents at home).
7. Baylor
The Bears had a well-timed Bye in Week 6. With all of the injuries of the team, having an extra week of rest and recovery is going to be very helpful for the second-half push.
Ranks 6-4
6. Arizona
Throughout his career, Noah Fifita has thrown to some very good wide receivers. He’s had it good. But heading into Week 6, Arizona’s top three WRs were injured. It didn’t matter. Fifita has reached his final form where he can elevate average WR play, and he threw for 341 yards in a 52-31 win over West Virginia.
5. Houston
Conner Weigman is shouldering a lot right now. After three straight weeks of Weigman accounting for every TD for the offense, Makhi Hughes finally scored a rushing TD against Kansas State. But Weigman did throw for 4, all to Patrick Overmyer. This team will go as far as Weigman can carry them, which appears to be pretty far.
4. Oklahoma State
What the heck happened in Week 1 against Tulsa? Ever since that day, this Oklahoma State team has looked the part of a top-15 team in the country. In Week 6, it was a 42-28 victory over UCF where the offense was efficient, and the defense forced some timely turnovers.
MORE: College Football biggest fallers after Week 6
Top 3
3. Utah
If judging solely based on the on-the-field product this season, Utah has a rightful claim to be number one on this list. They’ve been dominant. But they haven’t done it against any quality competition. They’re going to have to beat someone good before they can claim the top spot.
2. Texas Tech
The Red Raiders had their Bye in Week 6. It was well-timed, as the offense needs an extra week to find their rhythm and identity. And who awaits in Week 7? Arizona State, the only Big 12 team that defeated the Red Raiders last season.
1. BYU
It was a ho-hum 24-10 victory over Iowa State for BYU. They also did it without star running back LJ Martin, who is going to be sidelined for a little while. That is not good timing, as the Cougars host Notre Dame this week.
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