Big 12 Football: Week 11 Power Rankings

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Nov 12, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver KD Cannon (9) catches the ball and scores a touchdown during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Baylor Bears (Record: 6-3)

Baylor, Baylor, Baylor… where to begin?

I could not have stressed this enough at the beginning of the year: Baylor’s depth (or lack thereof) would inevitably catch up to them. At this point in the season, most teams across the nation have burned redshirts as needed for depth, but Baylor hasn’t really had that option.

Baylor quarterback Seth Russell played his heart out for the Bears all season, and was the beacon of leadership for a team that’s been lost since Art Briles was fired. Unfortunately for Russell and the remaining players who are trying to salvage whatever they have left, asinine statements from fans, and administrative interference and inaction has proved too dark a storm for the Bears to weather.

When Russell went down with a dislocated ankle, Oklahoma Sooners’ players immediately paid their respects, showing incredible sportsmanship. Backup quarterback Zach Smith came in and played well, throwing for 144 yards and a touchdown, but Baylor’s run game sputtered, and its defense just couldn’t contain the Sooners’ evenly distributed game plan.

With Kansas State, an offense similar to Oklahoma in Texas Tech, and a balanced West Virginia team, it’s hard to see any scenario where Baylor tacks on another win.

Next Game:

Sat, Nov 19

Baylor

vs.

Kansas State

Waco, Texas

11:00 a.m.

ESPN2

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