Big 12 Power Rankings: Week Two

Big 12 Power Rankings

Week 2

Offensive Player of Week:

            Colt McCoy- Colt accounted for over 300 yards of total offense, including over 100 on the ground.  He accounted for 4 total touchdowns and most importantly he did not commit a turnover or get sacked.

Defensive Player of Week:

            Stryker Sulak, Missouri- The Tiger defense may have struggled against Illinois, but Sulak did not.  Sulak registered 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and 8 total tackles while creating havoc on what seemed like every play.

Power Rankings

1. Oklahoma

The Sooners did nothing to lose the number 1 spot this week.  They led 50-0 at halftime, while only allowing 10 yards to that point.  A delay because of weather probably kept this score with 70. 

      2. Missouri

Their defense needs to get better, but with a win over a BCS bowl team from a year ago keeps Missouri in the top two.  The Tigers got a scare when do everything player Jeremy Maclin went down, but all signs point to him being fine.  Chase Daniel was his usual self.  Look for Mizzou to get better each week.

       3. Texas

No changes in the top 3, and the way they all played suggests there won’t be any time soon.  Texas dominated a team that will most likely win their conference.  After a shaky first half in pass defense, the young secondary made the proper adjustments and shut down FAU in the second half. 

       4. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys were the only team to go on the road to start the season in the Big 12.  They dominated a Pac 10 team with defense and big plays.  The offense will come around behind Zac Robinson, if the defense and special teams play like they did this weekend, the Big 12 needs to watch out.

      5. Texas Tech

Same old, same old for Texas Tech.  The offense looked great; the defense looked the opposite of that.  There is no doubt Mike Leach’s offense will put up points, but can there defense give them a chance to win in big games?  After week one, I’m not sure even they know.

      6. Colorado

Colorado looked good in their opener against rival Colorado State.  The world got to see a glimpse of Darrell Scott, who is sure to be the best player to come out of Boulder in a long time.  The Buffaloes kept it in the family, as Scott’s uncle, and reason for him coming to Boulder, Josh Smith had over 180 yards of total offense, with a TD on a return.

       7. Kansas

Kansas looked good in their opener against a lowly Florida International team.  Todd Reasing was his normal self and the defense allowed less than 150 yards.  This team has a lot to replace in order to repeat last year’s run, but they look good so far.

      8. Kansas State

Josh Freeman is for real.  The quarterback accounted for five total touchdowns and no interceptions in K-State’s opening week win.  If he can bring his teammates up to his level, the Cats may be this year’s surprise team.

      9. Nebraska

Nebraskabeat an overmatched Western Michigansquad behind four touchdowns from quarterback Joe Ganz.  Nebraska must find their run game as Marlon Lucky had less than 50 yards on the day.  Coach Pellini will have the defense getting better throughout the season, but balance on offense will determine how successful his first season will be.

     10. Iowa State

Gene Chizik’s squad got 5 interceptions in route to beating South Dakota State.  The Cyclones played two quarterbacks, and both played well.  As the competition gets tougher it will be interesting to see if the defense can continue to make plays and if the young signal callers can stay poised.

11. Baylor

Baylor showed good signs under first year coach Art Briles.  The biggest of which was freshman quarterback Robert Griffen, who showed the talent to become a start in the future.  It will take time, and some growing pains, but Baylor finally is headed in the right direction.

     12. Texas A&M

Yes, this is what it feels like to be Baylor.  The Aggies may not be the worst team in the conference, they might though, but losing to home against Arkansas State in your first game under a new head coach should put any Big 12 team at the bottom of the pack.  This team will struggle to win more than 4 games.