Big 12 power rankings: Changes at the top after Nov. 8 games

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What was supposed to be the best Big 12 game of the season was really no game at all.

Texas Tech steamrolled previously unbeaten Brigham Young, 29-7, on Nov. 8, to regain the top spot in our latest Big 12 power ranking.

Among the other notables, Iowa State snapped a four-game losing streak and became bowl eligible. Arizona also earned a bowl berth, a nice reward after a 4-8 showing in 2024.

Six schools had byes.

So here is how the teams stack up as of Nov. 9:

1. Texas Tech (9-1, 6-1)

Last week: 2.

Defeated BYU 29-7: The Red Raiders left no doubt as to who is the best team in the Big 12. They dominated the previously undefeated Cougars from the opening kickoff. Cameron Dickey ran for 121 yards, and senior QB Behren Morton threw for 219 as the Red Raiders cruised.

Next: vs. Central Florida on Nov. 15.

2. BYU (8-1, 5-1)

Last week: 1.

Lost to Texas Tech 29-7: The expected slugfest between conference frontrunners never materialized as Texas Tech surged out to a 26-0 lead. The Cougars turned the ball over three times and went 3-for-14 on third down and 1-for-3 on fourth down. True freshman QB Bear Bachmeier threw for 188 yards (23-for-38).

Next: vs. TCU on Nov. 15.

3. Utah (7-2, 4-2)

Last week: 3.

Did not play: The Utes made a statement in their win over Cincinnati a week ago. Never count Utah and Kyle Whittingham out.

Next: at Baylor on Nov. 15.

4. Cincinnati (7-2, 5-1)

Last week: 4.

Did not play: The Bearcats had a bye to regroup from the thumping they took at the hands of Utah. Their last three opponents are all already bowl eligible.

Next: vs. Arizona on Nov. 15.

5. Houston (8-2, 5-2)

Last week: 5.

Defeated Central Florida 30-27: Ethan Sanchez kicked a 22-yard field goal with 2:31 left for the decisive points, helping the Cougars overcome four turnovers. Houston had 433 total yards to just 282 for the Knights, but the turnovers were the factor in the opponent staying in the game.

Next: vs. TCU on Nov. 22.

6. Arizona State (6-3, 4-2)

Last week: 6.

Did not play: The Sun Devils had perhaps the toughest schedule in the Big 12 to this point. It lightens up considerably now, but it might be too late as far as conference game title hopes. Several key players are still out injured, including QB Sam Leavitt and WR Jordyn Tyson.

Next: vs. West Virginia on Nov. 15.

7. Iowa State (6-4, 3-4)

Last week: 9.

Defeated TCU 20-17: Aiden Flora returned a kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown that gave the Cyclones an 18-17 lead. The two-point conversion with 6:32 left provided the final margin of victory as Iowa State won for the first time since Sept. 27.

Next: vs. Kansas on Nov 22.

8. TCU (6-3, 3-3)

Last week: 7.

Lost to Iowa State 20-17: The Horned Frogs had a 17-6 lead and had 432 yards of total offense, but three turnovers did them in against Iowa State. Josh Hoover threw for another 319 yards but was picked off twice. The going won't get easier as their last three opponents already have a combined 23 wins.

Next: at Brigham Young on Nov. 15.

9. Baylor (5-4, 3-3)

Last week: 8.

Did not play: The Bears were one of six teams on a bye. It's been a disappointing season thus far, but the Bears will have a shot at redemption next week against one of the conference's top contenders.

Next: vs. Utah on Nov. 15.

10. Arizona (6-3, 3-3)

Last week: 11.

Defeated Kansas 24-20: Quincy Craig scored his second touchdown of the game on a 24-yard run with 39 seconds left in regulation to propel the Wildcats to a win and bowl eligibility. Arizona tallied 323 yards of offense, which isn't great, but it was enough against a middle-tier opponent.

Next: at Cincinnati on Nov. 15.

11. Kansas State (4-5, 3-3)

Last week: 10.

Did not play: The Wildcats had a bye. They can get bowl eligible, though, because two of their last three games are against the two teams at the bottom of the conference standings.

Next: At Oklahoma State on Nov. 15.

12. Kansas (5-5, 3-4)

Last week: 12.

Lost to Arizona 24-20: Last season, the Jayhawks had a knack for losing close games. This is only the second this season that fits into that category, but giving up the winning score in the final 40 seconds makes it an excruciating loss.

Next: At Iowa State on Nov. 22.

13. West Virginia (4-6, 2-5)

Last week: 13

Defeated Colorado 29-22: The Mountaineers have gone from a five-game losing streak to a two-game win streak. The defense recorded seven sacks, and a blocked punt resulted in a safety, earning the first points of the contest. It marks the first time the team has won back-to-back games this season.

Next: At Arizona State on Nov. 15.

14. Central Florida (4-5, 1-5)

Last week: 14.

Lost to Houston 30-27: The Knights lost the "Space" game for the first time in six outings. The Knights were very much in the hunt, thanks to four Houston turnovers, but could not hold a 24-14 lead. They scored only three points in the second half.

Next: at Texas Tech on Nov. 15.

15. Colorado (3-7, 1-6)

Last week: 15.

Lost to West Virginia 29-22: This will be the fourth time in five seasons the Buffaloes won't be going bowling. The loss dropped third-year coach Deion Sanders to 16-19 at Colorado. It's three straight losses this season, and they have come in particularly ugly fashion.

Next: vs. Arizona State on Nov. 22.

16. Oklahoma State (1-8, 0-6)

Last week: 16.

Did not play: Can the Cowboys snap a 15-game Big 12 losing streak? Only one of their last three opponents has a winning record.

Next: vs. Kansas State on Nov. 15.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Texas Tech crushes BYU, moves back atop Big 12 football power ranking

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