Big 12 Football Power Rankings, Week 4: Kansas State takes a big leap

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Sep 18, 2021; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson (5) celebrates his touchdown with fans against the Rice Owls during the second quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Gutierrez-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayhawks . 10. team. 821. . 1-2 (0-1). Previous: 10th

Record in last 5 games: 1-4
Total offense conference rank: No. 10
Total defense conference rank: No. 10
Notable wins: vs. South Dakota

Kansas got their first taste of Big 12 competition this past Saturday to the chagrin of Jayhawk fans. It has been downright nasty for Kansas going up against teams within the conference.

The Jayhawks have not had a win inside the conference since October of 2019. Since 2015, Kansas is 3-51 against the rest of the Big 12. That is simply a preposterous record for any team, nonetheless a Power Five school.

In addition to the game, Kansas also lost Velton Gardner to the transfer portal this past week. He was slowly getting phased out for the game plan for Devin Neal, who has emerged as a playmaker. The loss of Gardner can’t make this team any worse, but it at least opens opportunities for those who can’t get on the field.

Next Game: at Duke

team. 851. . 2-1. Previous: 6th. Longhorns . 9

Record in last 5 games: 4-1
Total offense conference rank: No. 5
Total defense conference rank: No. 9
Best win: vs. Louisiana (38-18)

Yes, we are getting Lornhorn fans riled up early in this week’s power rankings. This team won 45-0 this past week, how on earth could they have dropped 3 spots?

Well, it had more to do with the other teams either playing excellent or winning against top competition this past weekend. I do not believe that Texas will end up as the ninth-best team in the conference by the end of the season. But, after three weeks of play, this is where they end up.

Both of Texas’ wins this year have been outstanding. The Longhorns won both games by a combined score of 83-18. In both wins, Bijan Robinson has combined for 33 carries, 230 rushing yards, and five total touchdowns.

The loss was a huge letdown that looks better and better with Arkansas rising up the AP Top 25. The hope for Texas is that Arkansas finishes with 8-10 wins, and the Longhorns save their best football for conference play. This could put Texas right back into the mix as a Top 25 team.

Next Game: vs. Texas Tech

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