Big 12 Football Power Rankings, Week 5: Huge shakeup at the top
877. . 2-2 (0-1). Previous: 8th. Mountaineers . 8. team
Record in last 5 games: 3-2
Total offense conference rank: 8th
Total defense conference rank: 4th
Best win: vs Virginia Tech
Through four weeks, West Virginia is sitting at a record that may not draw attention. But, their performance over the past two weeks is definitely worth a look. After upsetting No. 15 Virginia Tech last week, they were able to push No. 4 Oklahoma to the limit.
West Virginia is the first team since 2015 to hold Oklahoma to under 20 points. It was a fantastic effort by the defensive line, generating four sacks on Spencer Rattler.
Offensively, they kicked off the game with a fantastic drive that ate up nearly 10 minutes and got them ahead 7-0. They would go on to have two more drives that ate up five-plus minutes, which went a long way in limiting the Sooners’ offense.
Oklahoma escaped with a victory, but West Virginia now knows they can compete with the big dogs.
Next Game: vs. Texas Tech
3-1 (0-1). Previous: 4th. Wildcats . 7. team. 823.
Record in last 5 games: 3-2
Total offense conference rank: 9th
Total defense conference rank: 6th
Best win: vs. Stanford
Kansas State’s biggest opponent in 2021 may be finding a healthy quarterback to start and finish games. After losing Skylar Thompson to a knee injury, Will Howard found himself in the medical tent as well. This opened the door for Jaren Lewis to finish the second half of the Oklahoma State game.
The Wildcats’ defense played a great second half, after allowing 31 points in the first half. They gave Lewis and the offense an opportunity to steal this game.
Kansas State was unable to sustain drafts despite the momentum given by the defense. The Wildcats went three-and-out in five of their seven drives in the second half. They now face the task of having a banged-up quarterback room welcome in an Oklahoma defense that has played very well as of late.