Big 12 Football: Week 10 Power Rankings

5. Texas Longhorns (Record: 5-4)

Running back D’Onta Foreman is emerging as one of the nation’s top players, and his elusiveness is difficult to contain. Look no further than Baylor and Texas Tech as an example of this. In the last two weeks, freshman quarterback Shane Buechele has demonstrated poise, and a command of an offense many have given up on several times this season.

Foreman accounted for 341 yards on 33 carries in the Longhorns’ 43-37 victory over the Red Raiders in Lubbock. Buechele was 20-of-40 for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Tyrone Swoopes has been practicing at the running back position a lot in the last few weeks, but the “18 Wheeler” package was definitely a factor in short-yardage situations for the Longhorns. Comparing Buechele and Swoopes to Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the tandem have been more effective working in their specialty roles than Mahomes has been as a dual threat since his injury against Kansas State. If Swoopes and Buechele had a few more years together, that could be a terrifying package, but I’m sure the rest of the Big 12 is breathing a sigh of relief that isn’t the case.

Texas is now 5-4 on the season, and needs just one win to become bowl eligible. For now, it appears the heat has cooled off head coach Charlie Strong, and should be an interesting meeting between the Texas and No. 20 ranked West Virginia this weekend.

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