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Big 12 Football power rankings: TCU pushing Oklahoma for top spot

By James Costanz

Sep 11, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; A view of the Big 12 and TCU logo on a touchdown pylon during the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the California Golden Bears at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; A view of the Big 12 and TCU logo on a touchdown pylon during the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the California Golden Bears at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears players greet fans along the sidelines after a victory over the Texas Southern Tigers at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2021; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears players greet fans along the sidelines after a victory over the Texas Southern Tigers at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /

team. 823. . 2-0. Previous: 7th. Wildcats . 8

Record in last 5 games: 2-3
Total offense conference rank: 6
Total defense conference rank: 2

A bittersweet victory for Wildcats for many reasons. The biggest being they lost starting quarterback Skylar Thompson in this game due to a right knee injury.

Kansas State was not able to runaway from Southern Illinois, and needed a Deuce Vaughn rushing touchdown with under two minutes to seal the victory.

This defense does seem to be a fierce unit, as they shut out Southern Illinois in the second half. Off the heels of a dominant effort against Stanford, the Wildcats have nine sacks and are allowing 2.2 yards per carry to start the season.

With the quarterback situation up in the air, Kansas State will need more strong defensive performances to stay afloat in the Big 12.

Next Game: vs. Nevada

Previous: 8th. Bears . 7. team. 860. . 2-0

Record in last 5 games: 3-2
Total offense conference rank: 1
Total defense conference rank: 3

This is a team that has a lot of potential to shoot up the rankings in the coming weeks. The Bears weak strength of schedule combined with the weak finish of last year has them in the bottom half for now.

But this running game is very strong and could carry the Bears to some upsets in conference play. Trestan Ebner and Abram Smith both rushed for 100-plus yards for the second week in a row.

Smith’s conversion from linebacker to leading the team in rushing touchdowns is an awesome story. Smith was a running back in high school before having to transition to defense due to a clogged backfield. Now that the running back room is less crowded, Smith is able to step up and contribute.

Watching the Baylor rushing attack match up against the strong Iowa State rush defense will be a fun showdown when they face off two weeks from now.

Next Game: at Kansas

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