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Big 12 Football: Week 3 Power Rankings

By VF Castro

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Jerome Baker (17) and defensive end Jalyn Holmes (11) and defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis (59) during the game at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Jerome Baker (17) and defensive end Jalyn Holmes (11) and defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis (59) during the game at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive back Patrick Levels (21) and Baylor Bears defensive end K.J. Smith (56) combine on a sack of Rice Owls quarterback Tyler Stehling (10) during the fourth quarter at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive back Patrick Levels (21) and Baylor Bears defensive end K.J. Smith (56) combine on a sack of Rice Owls quarterback Tyler Stehling (10) during the fourth quarter at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Baylor Bears (Record: 3-0)

Baylor is a team that continues to frustrate both on and off the football field. Wins against Northwestern State, SMU, and Rice are underwhelming in the grander scheme, but a win is a win.

While we wait for the other shoe to drop on exactly what depth issues will arise in Big 12 play, we can already determine the margin of blowout victories Baylor has this season (if any) will be greatly reduced compared to last season simply based off productivity numbers now.

On paper, Baylor’s national statistics look good: T-3 in points against (10 ppg), No. 9 in rushing yards (282), and 33rd in passing yards at 275.3 yards-per-game. But quarterback Seth Russell is about average compared to the talent pool the Big 12 offers at quarterback. Despite lackluster defenses throughout the conference, this could be trouble for the Bears down the line.

Baylor will face its first true test against Oklahoma State who bounced back after that emotional loss to CMU two weeks ago. If No. 16 Baylor loses, not only do I project it fallout out of the Top 25, but expect the Big 12 title competition to be fair game.

Next Game:

 Sat, Sep 24 Baylor vs. Oklahoma State Waco, Texas 6:30 p.m.
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