Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 5

By foxsports
Published

Here's how the Big 12 sits after four weeks of games:

1. Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0 Big 12). Last week: 1. This week: Idle. Hello, Samaje Perine. Oklahoma's running back depth behind Keith Ford was on full display against West Virginia and the offensive line mauled West Virginia's front seven. Perine may not be behind Ford for long if he keeps running like that. He's impossible to tackle 1-on-1 and linebackers just bounce off of him. Even more impossible: Perine is a true freshman. 

2. Baylor (3-0). Last week; 2. This week: at Iowa State. The Bears may get injured receivers Antwan Goodley, Clay Fuller and Corey Coleman back for this week's game at Iowa State. Baylor rolled 71-7 against the Cyclones a year ago, but it's a safe bet this game won't be as easy.

4. Kansas State (2-1, 1-0). Last week: 3. This week: vs. UTEP. The Wildcats' resolve will be tested this week. It won't be easy to forget about the uncharacteristic mistakes that cost them a gigantic upset and a spot in the top 10-15, and a close game against UTEP would be an embarrassment. 

5. West Virginia (2-2, 0-1). Last week: 5. This week: Idle. The Mountaineers have nothing to be ashamed of after their loss to Oklahoma. OU's offensive line asserted itself, but as WVU's schedule softens a bit, Dana Holgorsen's team will rack up some wins. Some didn't think WVU would reach four wins this year. The Mountaineers may have four wins by the season's midpoint in two weeks. Kevin White has surpassed Tyler Lockett and Antwan Goodley as the Big 12's best receiver this season. 

6. TCU (2-0). Last week: 6. This week: at SMU. The Frogs are one of just three undefeated teams in the Big 12 and travel across I-30 for a rivalry game this week. I will be surprised if SMU scores. 

7. Texas (1-2). Last week: 7. This week: at Kansas. The Longhorns first true road game of the year comes at Kansas. Case McCoy replaced David Ash for a crazy escape two years ago, but UT can't mess around in Lawrence this time. They need this win before facing Baylor and OU in consecutive weeks. 

8. Iowa State (1-2, 0-1). Last week: 8. This week: vs. Baylor. The Cyclones will get the reigning Big 12 champs in prime time on FOX and will be hoping to regain a little of that canned magic they found against Oklahoma State in 2011. ISU will have to slow Baylor's running game if it has any hoping of making this interesting. 

9. Texas Tech (2-1). Last week: 9. This week: at Oklahoma State. It'll be interesting to see if two weeks of hearing about their failures against Arkansas and having to adjust to a new OC emboldens Tech's defense at all. The whole "us against the world thing" may be cliche, but it can be a powerful motivator at times. Tech's defense could just as likely fall apart, though. The Thursday night date against the Pokes will be fascinating. Meanwhile, Davis Webb and the offense still have to prove they've made any improvement from a year ago.