Big 12 Football Power Rankings, Week 3: Oklahoma makes early statement

The Texas Longhorns posted the highest points total by a Big 12 team over the weekend, as they beat UTEP 59-3. Longhorn quarterback Sam Ehlinger completed 25-of-33 passes for 426 yards and five scores. Up 45-3 at the half, Tom Herman still had Ehlinger under center to open the third quarter — and they were passing the ball. They ultimately punted and that was the last we saw of the four-year starter in the opener.

Seven different Longhorns caught touchdown passes, though, something you rarely see in college football (or, football anywhere). However, the Texas defense only forced one turnover and recorded two sacks. Against such an inferior opponent like UTEP, you would’ve expected a little more. They did only surrender three points, though, which was second-best in the Big 12.

Mike Gundy and the Oklahoma State Cowboys were forced to postpone their matchup with Tulsa on Sept. 12 to the following weekend due to positive COVID-19 tests on the Golden Hurricanes. Not playing doesn’t affect their standing in this week’s power rankings, though.

The Cowboys have the most experienced talent in the conference with the return of running back Chuba Hubbard and wide receiver Tylan Wallace. Those two players would start on any team in the country, but Gundy — an offensive genius — has both. If this season goes as planned, the Cowboys will be playing in the Big 12 title game with a College Football Playoff berth on the line.

Any surprise here? Lincoln Riley continues to cement his place in college football as the greatest thing to happen to a quarterback. After coaching three different quarterbacks into the Heisman Trophy race in back-to-back-to-back seasons, it’s time to mold a young one. Spencer Rattler is the beneficiary.

The freshman only attempted 17 passes, but completed 14 of them for 290 yards and four scores. Quite the debut, huh? The ground game wasn’t needed against an out-classed Missouri State squad, especially with the Sooner defense pitching a shutout.

A 48-0 victory is the perfect way to open the season for a team with CFP hopes. But we all know it’s about the big games for the Sooners, as they always seem to take care of the smaller programs. This is one of the best teams in college football, and we got a glimpse of that in their opener.