Big 12 Football Power Rankings, Week 4: Kansas State takes a big leap
. 3-0. Previous: 4th. Cowboys . 6. team. 856
Record in last 5 games: 5-0
Total offense conference rank: No. 9
Total defense conference rank: No. 8
Best win: at Boise State
Nothing has come easy for Oklahoma State in 2021. Despite not playing a team with a winning record thus far, the Cowboys have decided each game by seven points or less. Oklahoma State has played a style of “bend but don’t break” defense.
This past week’s effort against Boise State may have been their finest performance yet. They were on the road in a tough environment against a respectable offense. Boise State was shut out by the Cowboys’ defense and missed a late field goal that would have given them the lead.
Oklahoma State will need to step up things on the offensive side of the ball if they want to compete in this conference. Spencer Sanders completed just six passes for 82 yards in Boise and the Cowboys have just three passing touchdowns on the year.
LD Brown has been phased out for Jaylen Warren, who had a monster first start with the Cowboys. Warren finished with 218 yards and two touchdowns and will need to step up on a team that is dying for more playmakers.
Next Game: vs. No. 25 Kansas State
3-0. Previous: 5th. Red Raiders . 5. team. 874.
Record in last 5 games: 4-1
Total offense conference rank: No. 4
Total defense conference rank: No. 5
Best win: at Houston
Texas Tech has put out a strong defensive effort to start the season. As you can see, the Red Raiders’ defense ranks in the top five of the Big 12 through three weeks. The last time Texas Tech finished a season ranked in the top five in total defense was 2012.
Texas Tech’s secondary has led the way for the team with five interceptions and 15 passes defended thus far.
On the offensive side, Tyler Shough stepped up this past Saturday en route to his best game of the season. Shough finished with 399 yards and four touchdowns through the air.
This may not be the most talented Texas Tech team in recent memory, but it does have a case for the most complete team. The offense is sure to put out a lot of points and if this defense can continue to play strong, they will be a legitimate contender in the Big 12.
Next Game: at Texas