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Big 12 Football: Week 1 Power Rankings

By VF Castro

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns players lift up head coach Charlie Strong after the victory against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns players lift up head coach Charlie Strong after the victory against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 2, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Lynx Hawthorne (7) catches a pass for a first down as Northwestern State Demons cornerback Ralpheal Green (2) looks on during the second quarter at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Lynx Hawthorne (7) catches a pass for a first down as Northwestern State Demons cornerback Ralpheal Green (2) looks on during the second quarter at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 6 Baylor Bears

Baylor scheduled Northwestern State a few seasons ago, but even though the Bears absolutely dominated the Demons, it has no reason to be playing an FCS opponent at this stage in the game.

If Texas A&M or Texas make it to playoff conversation this winter, the committee will look at its wins against UCLA and Notre Dame as justification for slotting. But if Baylor makes it to the playoff conversation, a 55-7 win over an opponent in the Southland Conference won’t make the same argument.

A lot of the production concerns in the run game, on Seth Russell’s power, and on defense were calmed a bit against Northwestern State, but youth and mistakes resulted in penalties the Bears won’t be able to afford in Big 12 play.

Next Game: 

Sat, Sep 10 Baylor vs. SMU Waco, Texas 2:30 p.m.
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