With Week 12 wrapped up, the Big 12 Championship race is heating up, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The latest Big 12 Power Rankings have been updated, reflecting the intense competition and shifting dynamics within the conference.
Big 12 Championship Race Intensifies
The number of teams with a legitimate shot at the Big 12 Championship is dwindling, making every game crucial as we head into the final stretch of the season. The spotlight now shines brightly on the upcoming matchup between Arizona State and BYU in Week 13. Will this game be the turning point for one of these teams?
Power Rankings Breakdown
The On3 Massey Ratings, which have been a staple in sports rankings since 1995 and were officially used during the BCS era, provide a clear picture of how teams stack up. These ratings analyze game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory to determine rankings.
So, how do the teams in the Big 12 currently rank? Let’s dive into the details.
BYU’s Upset and Future Prospects
The magical run for the BYU Cougars faced a significant setback as they suffered their first loss of the season against Kansas. The Jayhawks managed to hold the Cougars to just 13 points, with a mere three points scored in the second half. This defeat raises questions about BYU’s momentum heading into a critical game against Arizona State next week.
Despite the loss, BYU’s season is far from over. They still have a solid chance to reach the Big 12 Championship Game, and a victory there could propel them into the College Football Playoff. However, the pressure is on for the Cougars to rebound quickly.
Iowa State’s Resurgence
After a rough patch that saw them drop two consecutive games, Iowa State found their footing again with a convincing win over Cincinnati. This victory keeps the Cyclones in the mix for the Big 12 title, but they can’t afford any more slip-ups. Currently tied with Arizona State for third place, the Cyclones need to keep winning to maintain their position.
With both Iowa State and Arizona State not facing each other directly, tiebreakers could come into play if they both finish strong. However, they will need help from teams like Colorado or BYU to stumble, as both currently sit with only one conference loss.
Kansas State’s Struggles
In contrast, the Kansas State Wildcats appear to be slipping out of the Big 12 race after suffering their third conference loss against Arizona State. Trailing 21-0 at halftime, the Wildcats struggled to find their rhythm, hampered by three turnovers, including two interceptions from quarterback Avery Johnson.
Now, Kansas State must regroup and focus on finishing the season strong, starting with a home game against Cincinnati. Can they turn things around in time?
Colorado’s Path to Glory
On the other hand, the Colorado Buffaloes are in the driver’s seat. With the potential to make the Big 12 Championship Game by winning out, they are looking to capitalize on their impressive turnaround from last season. After winning just four games last year, Colorado is now a formidable force in the conference.
Led by potential first-round pick Shedeur Sanders at quarterback and Heisman Trophy favorite Travis Hunter as a two-way player, the Buffaloes are coming off a dominant victory against Utah. With upcoming games against Kansas and Oklahoma State, Colorado is favored to continue their winning streak.
Arizona State’s Rise
Arizona State has also emerged as a surprise contender. After starting the season with a losing record, the Sun Devils have turned things around and now sit at 8-2. With a crucial matchup against BYU on the horizon, a victory could create a three-way tie for second place in the conference standings, giving Arizona State the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage.
The Sun Devils are in a prime position to make a run at the conference championship. Will they seize the opportunity?
Baylor’s Mid-Season Turnaround
Meanwhile, Baylor has seen a remarkable mid-season turnaround under coach Dave Aranda, who has earned a vote of confidence for 2025 after leading the Bears to bowl eligibility by winning four straight games. Their recent win over West Virginia showcased a potent offense, with Baylor scoring 35 points in the first half.
Quarterback Sawyer Robertson has become a reliable option under center, and the Bears will look to keep the momentum going against Houston.
TCU’s Bid for a Strong Finish
The TCU Horned Frogs are also looking to finish strong after achieving bowl eligibility with a recent win against Oklahoma State. With a bye week to regroup, TCU is aiming to capitalize on their remaining schedule, starting with a home game against Arizona before heading to Cincinnati. Both games present winnable opportunities for the Frogs.
West Virginia’s Struggles
On the flip side, West Virginia’s momentum came to a halt against a resurgent Baylor team. After winning two games in a row, the Mountaineers faced a tough challenge and failed to secure bowl eligibility, giving up 49 points in the loss.
With two more chances to reach six wins, West Virginia will need to find their rhythm against UCF and Texas Tech in their final games.
Texas Tech’s Road Ahead
Once seen as a contender, Texas Tech has fallen out of realistic contention after losing three of their last four games. Coming off a bye week, the Red Raiders are eager to finish the season on a high note, starting with a road game against Oklahoma State, who remains winless in conference play.
Kansas’s Unexpected Upset
Finally, the Kansas Jayhawks, who started the season with high hopes, faced a dismal stretch but have recently pulled off surprising upsets against Iowa State and BYU. With their newfound momentum, Kansas could still contend for bowl eligibility if they can continue their winning ways.
As the Big 12 Championship race intensifies, every game will be pivotal. The excitement is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting the outcomes that will shape the future of the conference. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? The answers are just around the corner!
