Big 12 Football: Week 13 Power Rankings

8. Baylor Bears (Record: 6-5)

Despite some blowback by the Baylor contingent, I had the Bears preseason ranked at No. 6, and it’s safe to say that everything I cautioned against has come to fruition this season. Back in August I said, “I think Baylor has enough motivation to pull off some wins and maybe become bowl eligible. But there are teams in the conference that are more advanced, so it’s going to be an uphill battle.” I also cautioned throughout its initial six-game win streak that eventually the house would collapse, it was just a matter of when it would happen. With Baylor now on a five-game losing streak, a loss against West Virginia this weekend is certainly inevitable.

Against a Texas Tech team who was demoralized against a good Iowa State team two weeks ago, Baylor showed zero fight from the first whistle to the last, as Tech was able to impose at-will. That doesn’t speak very highly about a team that’s bowl eligible.

With short bursts of momentum, the lack of depth started rearing its ugly head, despite weapons such as Ishmael Zamora and KD Cannon. Texas Tech’s defense gave up 634 yards on Baylor, and 33 first downs, however, it was Tech’s ability to render a once soaring offense useless in the red zone, and capitalize off the Bears’ four turnovers.

Baylor was the favorite to win by four points, but the Red Raiders got the 54-35 victory to end its season on a high note at Baylor’s expense. With West Virginia this week, and a head coaching search underway, Baylor’s going to have to try and filter out distractions.

Next Game: