Big 12 Power Rankings (Week 6): Deion Sanders' Colorado gains relevance after UCF takedown
Heading into Week 6, the Big 12 is something of a mess. The league is down to a pair of unbeaten teams and neither was a preseason favorite. Meanwhile, Coach Prime's Colorado Buffaloes continue to climb the league power rankings. Here's our rundown on the squads of the Big 12 heading into Week 6.
Big 12 Power Rankings ahead of Week 6
16. Houston (1-4, lost to Iowa State 20-0)
Houston was shut out on an awful offensive performance. The Cougars gained 243 total yards, but were 1 for 8 on 3rd downs and lost three turnovers. That'll keep them at the bottom of the Big 12.
15. Kansas (1-4, lost to TCU 38-27)
Kansas's defense was routinely torched for 38 points and 509 total yards. Jalon Daniels' passing game continues to come up short against solid competition.
14. Baylor (2-3, lost to BYU 34-28)
The Bears did a nice job fighting back into this game after falling behind 21-0 in the first quarter. The passing game was steady, but on the ground, Baylor had just 63 rushing yards. A one-dimensional attack won't work well in the Big 12.
13. West Virginia (2-2, off)
Not one of the league's better teams, which doesn't change in an off week.
12. Cincinnati (3-2, lost to Texas Tech 44-41)
With 555 yards, Cincy was able to get a late shot at a field goal to send the game to overtime. But the kick missed and here sit the Bearcats, having given up 251 yards passing, 231 yards rushing, and forcing just one total punt.
11. Arizona State (3-1, off)
Still hanging around the middle of the league pack even in a week off.
10. Texas Tech (4-1, beat Cincinnati 44-41)
Tech hit a nice balanced game to get a significant win. Tahj Brooks's 172 rushing yard day was impressive, and he's closing in on TTU's all-time career rushing record. The defense can get sharper, though.
9. Arizona (3-1, beat Utah 23-10)
Noah Fifita and the passing game were known qualities, but Arizona ran (169 yards) and defended their way to victory. Sure, Utah was limited without Cam Rising. But the Wildcats executed well in a significant win.
8. TCU (3-2, beat Kansas 38-27)
The Horned Frogs put together a very solid win. QB Josh Hoover is one of the season's under-the-radar stories. Hoover had 356 passing yards and three scores to lead to the win.
7. Oklahoma State (3-2, lost to Kansas State 42-20)
At 0-2 in the conference, OK State is on the verge of being out of the league title picture. OSU gained 499 yards, but absolutely could not stop Kansas State, who rushed for 300 yards in the win.
6. UCF (3-1, lost to Colorado 48-21)
UCF outgained Colorado by 43 yards, but lost four turnovers and shot themselves in the foot repeatedly. This was a bad loss for the Knights.
5. Utah (4-1, lost to Arizona 23-10)
The Utes had lived dangerously, particularly since Cam Rising's latest injury. But it bit them at last on Saturday. Utah's offense outgained Arizona's, but the Utes weren't efficient when it mattered and thus took the rough loss.
4. Colorado (4-1, beat UCF 48-21)
Coach Prime's squad was clicking on all cylinders. Shedeur Sanders passed for 290 yards and three scores and the defense help round up a +3 turnover margin. Colorado is increasingly becoming a factor in the league race.
3. Kansas State (4-1, beat Oklahoma State 42-20)
This week featured an impressive win for Avery Johnson's dual-threat skills. Johnson passed for three touchdowns and rushed for two more in jumping the Wildcats back to toward the top of the league.
2. BYU (5-0, beat Baylor 34-28)
The Big 12's first surprise, the Cougars, just keep winning games. In this one, they were outgained and only broke even on turnovers. But a 153-63 rushing advantage over Baylor was key to the win.
1.Iowa State (5-0, beat Houston 20-0)
Iowa State had another taking care of business win. With 240 rushing yards, Iowa State was four yards more for Jaylon Jackson away from boasting a pair of 100 yard rushers. Rocco Becht continues to be solid at QB.
Which Big 12 teams have impressed you heading into Week 6? Share your thoughts and predictions below!