Big 12 Power Rankings after Week 9: Colorado scripts history with massive win over Cincinnati
The Big 12 race for the Playoff continues. Even if Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes remain unlikely, they've still got an outside shot. BYU and Iowa State both continue to surprise. Here's the overall rundown on the Big 12.
Big 12 Power Rankings after Week 9
16. Kansas (2-6)
The Jayhawks gave Kansas State a great game, but with Houston picking up a big win, the Jayhawks faded back. ESPN gives them just a 4.5% shot at winning out to achieve bowl eligibility.
15. Houston (3-5)
The Cougars rallied with 10 fourth quarter points to take down Utah and climb out of the league cellar. Much like Kansas, Houston remains a long shot to achieve bowl eligibility, but they did keep that dream alive for another week.
14. Arizona (3-5)
The Wildcats came up on the short end of a tough battle with West Virginia, and thus are going to remain near the bottom of the league.
13. Oklahoma State (3-5)
The Cowboys had another tough loss. OK State has been a more disappointing team than Arizona, as many thought they could contend for a league title. Instead, ESPN has them at just a 28% shot of winning six games and reaching bowl eligibility.
12. UCF (3-5)
The Golden Knights couldn't take down BYU. While they're the best of the 3-5 teams in the league, even UCF is becoming a longer shot to make a bowl.
11. Utah (4-4)
Another of the disappointing programs from the Big 12, Utah's latest loss to Houston might end up dropping the Utes out of the bowl picture. After the injury to QB Cam Rising, Utah's hopes have faded quickly. They're actually more likely than not to miss a bowl bid per ESPN's FPI.
10. West Virginia (4-4)
In a game that might end up saving coach Neal Brown's job, West Virginia outlasted Arizona to reach .500. ESPN gives the Mountaineers nearly 2-to-1 odds to make a bowl game, and they even have a 0.1% chance to still make the Playoff.
9. Baylor (4-4)
Baylor's midseason resurgrance continued with a win over Oklahoma State. The Bears look likely to make a bowl, with ESPN projecting them at just better than 3-to-1 odds in favor of reaching six wins.
8. Texas Tech (5-3)
That's two losses in a row for Tech, as they were edged out by TCU. They're still running around 5-to-1 in favor of reaching a bowl, but Tech had a shot at a run for the Big 12 crown and that's gone.
7. Cincinnati (5-3)
The Bearcats gave Colorado a good battle, but came up short in the end. They still retain an 0.8% chance to make the Playoff and are almost guaranteed a bowl bid. Still, Cincy's best chances fell away with the loss.
6. TCU (5-3)
The Horned Frogs pulled off a late run to best Texas Tech. It didn't jump the Horned Frogs into the CFP hunt, but it did jump them to almost a 95% shot at a bowl bid.
5. Arizona State (5-2)
ASU had the week off and they retain their spot at the top of the Big 12 teams without any realistic CFP path. The Sun Devils have had a nice season and have positioned themselves well to reach a solid bowl game.
4. Colorado (6-2)
Deion's win over Cincinnati gets the Buffs bowl eligible. What it can't do is jump Colorado into the CFP hunt. Their odds barely moved, as they've got just a 7% chance at a Playoff bid. Still, it's an impressive season and the Buffs might be the most-watchable non-Playoff team of 2024.
3. Kansas State (7-1)
The Wildcats picked up an ugly win over Kansas in a game that could have gutted their Playoff situation. Instead, they've got a 38.9% shot at the CFP and their regular season battle with Iowa State looks more and more like a Playoff elimination game.
2. Iowa State (7-0)
The Cyclones were off and dropped back a spot as their Playoff odds dropped below those of BYU. ESPN has ISU at just below a coin toss to reach the Playoff, and they could have a November to remember.
1. BYU (8-0)
The Cougars suddenly find themselves as the favorites to win the league and make the Playoff. With a 57.2% shot, BYU's path to the Playoff is clean. Can the Cougars remain as lucky as they've been so far?
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