Big 12 Football Power Rankings 2018: Is Texas back after Week 7?

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AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 13: JaMycal Hasty #6 of the Baylor Bears runs the ball as Chris Platt #14 blocks Kris Boyd #2 of the Texas Longhorns in the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

I was all the way out on Kansas State last week, and for the most part, I still am. I think the difference between eight and seven is pretty massive, while the difference between eight and nine is minuscule, and nearly non-existent. However, their performance against Oklahoma State was impressive enough that I’ll give them a bump here above the team they beat, because that only feels right.

The best thing I can say about that game is that Kansas State looked exactly how Kansas State is supposed to look. They ran the ball extremely well, they played defense, they controlled the trenches, and they pretty much ignored the pass entirely. I don’t know if this serves as a spark for Kansas State for the rest of the season, but it was nice to see them put it all together at least once.

For what feels like the seventh time this season, Baylor moves in the rankings independently of what they actually did. Baylor was eighth last week, and seventh this week, not because they played Texas close, but more because Oklahoma State proved that they don’t belong ahead of Baylor.

Baylor’s game against Texas was pretty eye-opening though. I thought they looked solid all game long, and while they didn’t get the win, I was impressed with Charlie Brewer, and the way the defense played for a lot of the game. Baylor isn’t going to compete for the Big 12 this season, but they’re right on Matt Rhule’s schedule. They should make a bowl this year, and maybe next year they’ll be ready for the big time.

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