Big 12 Football: Week 7 Power Rankings

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Oct 15, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Cameron Batson (13) tries to spin out of a tackle by West Virginia Mountaineers defensive back David Long (11) at Jones AT&T Stadium. West Virginia defeated Texas Tech 48-17. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2. West Virginia Mountaineers (Record: 5-0)

West Virginia wide receiver Shelton Gibson said, “I believe our defense can hold them (Texas Tech) to 10 points. I see it everyday, and they’re good.” That was a statement that will haunt Red Raiders for a while, as the Mountaineers allowed just 17 points, stunning a Homecoming crowd in Lubbock, and ending a consecutive home streak with 50+ point games at nine games. That streak hadn’t been beaten since Yale’s eight-game run from Nov. 5, 1887-Nov. 17, 1888.

In the Mountaineers’ dominating 48-17 win, quarterback Skyler Howard threw for 318 yards, while the team tacked on an additional 332 rushing yards. In its most commanding performance this year, WVU jumped into the No. 12 spot in the AP Poll, and if it can hold strong, it is without a doubt presenting itself as a national title contender.

West Virginia faces a tough test this weekend against the TCU Horned Frogs, but home field advantage should provide enough excitement to pull off a win against a good team–if the Mountaineers can continue to improve this week.

Next Game:

Sat, Oct 22

West Virginia

vs.

TCU

Morgantown, W. Va.

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