Utah sits atop Big 12 power rankings entering Week 11 in college football

Who would have thought that the Big 12 would be the easiest conference to rank this college football season? The top teams keep winning, and the worst teams keep losing. That makes it much simpler to create rankings. The dream of a 3-bid Big 12 is probably dead, but getting 2 appears quite likely with the way that Utah and Texas Tech are positioned.

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Top 10

10. UCF

Alonza Barnett returned as UCF’s starting QB in Week 10, and it was the perfect time. Barnett led a game-winning drive that started with 51 seconds on the game clock to defeat Kansas, 33-32. With 3 games remaining, all against teams not on this list, an 8-4 season is within reach for the Knights in Scott Frost’s second season.

9. Cincinnati

The Bearcats fought admirably, coming back to tie the game in the 4th quarter, but couldn’t close the deal in a 31-24 loss to Houston in Week 10. The RB duo of Cole Tabb and Gi’Bran Payne combined for 131 rushing yards, but the defense just couldn’t generate enough stops.

8. West Virginia

The Mountaineers gave Texas Tech everything they could handle in Week 10, taking a 41-34 lead into the fourth quarter. The rushing attack of QB Michael Hawkins Jr. and RB Cam Cook was having a ton of success. But, as we’ve seen with this West Virginia team, the defense just couldn’t get stops when they needed them most.

7. Baylor

DJ Lagway is experiencing a career renaissance. Ever since Dave Aranda was fired, Lagway has upped his game. This week, he added 119 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground to an already solid passing performance. It’s hard to believe this team fired their coach – they now sit at 6-3.

6. Arizona

The Wildcats scored 9 points in the game’s final 2 minutes to stun TCU with a 29-28 victory. Noah Fifita is closing out his seemingly endless college career in style, notching his 4th consecutive 300-yard passing game in the win.

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Top 5

5. Oklahoma State

The Pokes play my kind of Big 12 football. They scored 66, and allowed 28 to Kansas State’s 2nd and 3rd-string QBs. Any curiosity as to whether the North Texas transfers Drew Mestemaker and Caleb Hawkins would be good at the Big 12 level can be put to bed. They’re great. But for Oklahoma State to move up on this board, they’ve got to beat someone ahead of them.

4. BYU

It is completely inexplicable how BYU has managed to completely tank its season after beating Notre Dame. The loss to UCF was inexcusable. This week’s 28-20 loss to Utah was at least to a good opponent. But you’re not going to beat a good opponent with Bear Bachmeier turning the ball over 4 times, two of which were in the end zone.

3. Houston

It feels appropriate for the Cougars to sit right here at #3. Their only two losses are to the 2 teams right above them, and both games were competitive. They’ve also beaten all of the teams below them that were on their schedule. They will need some help to reach the CFP and/or the Big 12 Championship, but it has still been a great turnaround for Willie Fritz at Houston.

2. Texas Tech

The switch to Thomas Castellanos at quarterback has really revitalized this Texas Tech offense. They put up 53 points against West Virginia in Week 10. The offensive staff has also figured out who their best playmaker is, as J’Koby Williams had another monster game in the win.

1. Utah

It was a 28-20 statement win over BYU for Utah in Week 10. Not only was it a successful rivalry week, but it puts the Utes in prime position to make the Big 12 Championship and the CFP. If they continue winning, Devon Dampier should be in the conversation for the Heisman Trophy.

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