With wins and losses across the conference, we have teams moving up and down the rankings; most notably, the University of Arizona and University of Colorado, Boulder, dropped two ranks after intense games this past weekend.
- Utah
In their Big 12 debut, the University of Utah beat Baylor University 23-12. Utah’s defense is much better at home and they showed this Saturday by only allowing Baylor to score 12 points. Utah quarterback Cam Rising injured his hand after being pushed into a water cooler. The injury is not reported to be serious and Rising could be back as soon as next week. Rising’s experience will be needed, as Utah will play their first road game on Saturday at Utah State.
- Kansas State
Kansas State University slid by Tulane University last weekend, beating them 34-27. Running back DJ Giddens was the standout player for Kansas State, racking up 177 total yards and a touchdown. Kansas State heads back home to host Arizona on Friday night.
- Oklahoma State ↑ 1
Oklahoma State University had a hard fought win last Saturday against Southeastern Conference opponent University of Arkansas after being down 14 points early in the game. This win moves them up one spot in this week’s power rankings. Oklahoma State plays University of Tulsa in week three.
- Iowa State ↑ 1
Iowa State University had the most impressive win in week two, beating No. 21 ranked University of Iowa at Kinnick Stadium. After two impressive performances to start the season, the Cyclones have a strong argument for having the best defense in the Big 12. Iowa State will have a bye week in week three.
- Arizona ↓ 2
For the second week in a row, Arizona struggled against weaker competition which moved them down two spots in this week’s power rankings. After being down 4 points at halftime against NAU, Arizona managed to come back and win 22-10, not allowing any points in the second half to NAU. Arizona will have to play better next week when they head to Kansas State for the first road and ranked Big 12 matchup of the year.
- West Virginia ↑ 1
After a disappointing loss in week one, West Virginia University bounced back, beating University of Albany 49-14. Quarterback Garrett Greene had his best game of the season, throwing for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns. West Virginia will have a tough road matchup this Saturday at the University of Pittsburgh.
- TCU ↑ 1
As expected, TCU demolished Long Island University 45-0. TCU will host University of Central Florida on Saturday, which marks their first Big 12 game of the season.
- Colorado ↓ 2
The offensive line, Colorado’s weakness, was on full display Saturday when Colorado faced off against University of Nebraska, losing 28-10. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was sacked five times and if not for his ability to escape pressure, that number would have been higher. Colorado lacks the physicality needed to compete at a high level, which is why the team has dropped down two spots in this week’s rankings. Colorado will play in-state rival Colorado State University next Saturday.
- UCF ↑ 1
University of Central Florida beat Sam Houston State University 45-14, thanks to 4 touchdowns by running back RJ Harvey. They will play their first tough opponent on Saturday in their Big 12 season opener against TCU. The Horned Frogs are coming off a triumphant victory over Long Island University.
- Kansas ↓ 1
After leading 17-13 going into the 4th quarter, University of Kansas went scoreless in the last 15 minutes of the game and lost to the University of Illinois 23-17. This loss dropped them down one spot in this week’s rankings. Kansas will look to redeem themselves on Friday when they host the University of Las Vegas, Nevada.
- BYU
In a close competitive contest, BYU was able to beat Southern Methodist University 18-15. This was an impressive road win, but quarterback Jake Retzlaff has not shown enough to have them ranked ahead of a Jalon Daniels-led Kansas Jayhawks. BYU will play at the University of Wyoming on Saturday.
- Baylor
If not for a horrible offensive performance, Baylor could have had a chance to beat Utah on their home turf. Baylor lost 23-12, but only allowed 292 yards of total offense. Playing more consistent offense as the season goes on could help Baylor climb up the rankings. Baylor will host the United States Air Force Academy next Saturday.
- ASU ↑ 1
ASU was impressive in week two, beating SEC opponent Mississippi State University 30-23. ASU running back Cam Skattebo was the player of the game, rushing for a career high 262 yards on 33 carries. ASU will look to stay undefeated Thursday night against Texas State University.
- Texas Tech ↓ 1
Texas Tech University was blown out Saturday by Washington State University, losing 37-16. This loss drops them down one spot in this week’s rankings. Texas Tech will travel back home to play the University of North Texas on Saturday.
- Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati lost last Saturday against Pitt 28-27 after being favored by 2 points going into the game. They will look to bounce back Saturday against Miami University of Ohio.
- Houston ↓ 2
The University of Houston’s defense played against 16th ranked University of Oklahoma, only allowing 14 total points. Houston allowed a safety late in the fourth quarter which killed their chances to pull off the upset, eventually losing 16-12. Houston will look to pick up their first win of the season on Saturday against Rice University.
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