Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Big 12 Football: Week 1 Power Rankings

By James Costanz

Sep 4, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; A view of the Big 12 conference logo during the second half of the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Duquesne Dukes at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; A view of the Big 12 conference logo during the second half of the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Duquesne Dukes at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Red Raiders . 6. team. 874. . 1-0. Previous:

Record in previous 5 games: 3-2

Total offense rank: 5th

Total defense rank: 4th

The Red Raiders dug themselves into an early hole against future conference-mate Houston, as they were down 21-7 after the first half.

Texas Tech stepped up and pitched a shutout in the second half of this game, allowing the offense to find its groove. Tyler Shough was efficient and did not make any mistakes that set the team back.

Erik Ezukanma and Tahj Brooks had a major impact on this game. Ezukanma had four catches that went for 30+ yards, while Brooks had 8.9 yards per carry with two touchdowns.

We know how good Texas Tech can be on the offensive side of the ball. With an experienced QB and explosive playmakers, the potential is there for this team to finally be a threat in the Big 12.

More defensive performances similar to the second half in Houston will turn that potential into reality.

Next Game: vs S.F. Austin

team. 856. . 1-0. Previous: . Cowboys . 5

Record in previous 5 games: 4-1

Total offense rank: 6th

Total defense rank: 7th

Some may look at the 23-16 score over an FCS opponent and wonder why the Cowboys made their way into the top 5. Context is key and in this situation, Oklahoma State was missing the following players:

  • QB Spencer Sanders
  • DE Trace Ford (out for the year)
  • RG Hunter Woodard
  • FB/TE Logan Carter

Losing key players at core positions can set back a team no matter who they play. This was a rough game for the Cowboys, as they nearly blew a 20-3 lead. Should they get Sanders and Woodard back, they will be in much better shape next week against Tulsa.

L.D. Brown has been a great power back to go alongside Chuba Hubbard during their time together at OSU.

Now, it is time for Brown to step up and be the main back. He got off to a rough start with just 23 yards on 14 carries. Brown averages 5.2 yards per carry for his career, so the math says he should straighten this out. We will find out soon if Brown can handle a full workload, or if he’s best as a change of pace back.

Next Game: vs Tulsa

Home/Big 12