Big 12 Power Rankings: We are headed for a purple title game

5. Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-5, 4-4)

The Red Raiders went down into the muck against Iowa State and found a way to win. Head coach Joey McGuire has to be happy with a win like this one. It was ugly, and Iowa State stifled the Red Raiders’ offense, but they still found a way to win. Tech has a chance at seven wins against Oklahoma at home.

4. Texas Longhorns (7-4, 5-3)

When a football program is building, you look for signs of a culture shift. Texas often either loses this game against Kansas — they lost to Kansas after a loss to Iowa State last year — or the game is closer than it should be. The fact that the Longhorns went on the road and decimated a Kansas team that is better than last year the way they did shows a move in the right direction.

3. Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-4, 4-4)

Somehow the Cowboys outgained the Sooners on offense (484-434) and scored just 13 points. Four turnovers are one reason the ‘Pokes managed just 13 points. It seemed as if Oklahoma State either turned the ball over or went three and out most of the day. The Cowboys have an opportunity at eight wins against West Virginia this weekend.

2. #15 Kansas State Wildcats (7-3, 5-2)

If the Wildcats win this weekend against Kansas, they will be in the Big 12 Championship game. Hats off to head coach Chris Kleiman and his coaching staff have done this season. The Wildcats have the best defense in the conference and one of the most diverse offenses in the forum. You don’t prepare the same depending on if Will Howard or Adrian Martinez plays quarterback, an advantage no one else has. Who starts in the title game?

1. #4 TCU Horned Frogs (10-0, 7-0)

Survive and advance was the game’s name for the Horned Frogs this past Saturday against Baylor. A last-second field goal sealed the deal for the Frogs. TCU has to make sure they stay focused against Iowa State. They are already in the Big 12 title game but need to win against the Cyclones to keep their Playoff hopes alive.