BYU to Big 12: Power Ranking the "New" Big 12 If BYU Joined

With Texas A&M leaving for the SEC next season, the Big-12 of course is looking for replacements to keep their conference afloat.

One of the teams that is rumored to possibly join the Big-12 is BYU.

Although the Cougars have said numerous times that they are happy being independent, let's assume they do end up joining the Big-12.

Here are the power rankings for the 'new' Big-12 with Texas A&M gone and BYU in.

 
Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]

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9. Kansas Jayhawks

Even if the Kansas football program was good they would always be overshadowed by their basketball program.

Kansas has won three bowl games since 2005 but they struggle to compete with the big boys of the Big-12 conference. 

As of right now their defense is ranked dead last in the country with 44 points per game given up. Even on their bye week they give up touchdowns.

8. Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State has only won 21 games in the last four years. In case you're wondering that is 4.2 wins a season. That is not going to get it done in the Big-12.

Even head coach Gene Chizik couldn't get this team on the right track for the two years he coached them.

They are off to a nice start this season but still have a long way to go before they climb out of the cellar.

7. Baylor Bears

I know Robert Griffin is loved by everybody in the country but this is ranking the teams in the conference, not the players.

The fact is Baylor hasn't won a bowl game since 1992 and have only participated in two since then.

Maybe the success they are having this season will help recruiting but until we see more W's this is where they stay.

6. Kansas State Wildcats

There was a time when Kansas State would always participate in a bowl game but lately that hasn't been the case.

It does look like though that head coach Bill Snyder has finally gotten this team back on track as they are 4-0 this season with wins over Miami and Baylor. 

Hopefully it continues for this program.

5. Missouri Tigers

Missouri is one of those teams that is decent every season and earns some big wins but can never seem to get over the hump for whatever reason.

They have been ranked the last six years in a row but never get mentioned as an elite.

I would like to see their program continue to grow and take that next step.

4. BYU Cougars

The BYU Cougars would be one of the top teams in the conference if they end up joining.

BYU has a strong fan base and have won four bowl games in the last five seasons. 

Head coach Bronco Mendenhall doesn't get enough credit for what he has done for this program. How about four double-digit winning seasons in the last five years?

4. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State is a lot like Missouri, good but never able to take that next step.

They win big football games and participate in bowl games but don't really do anything special.

It would be nice for them to take that talent and compete for a Big-12 title and make a BCS bowl. 

3. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech was already a solid program.

With the addition of head coach Tommy Tuberville it should help take them to the next level to where they are mentioned with Texas and Oklahoma.

This team can prove a lot this season with a brutal schedule coming up including games against five ranked Big-12 opponents.

2. Texas Longhorns

Sure, Texas had an off year last season but when was the last time you could say that?

That was the first time Texas didn't make a bowl game since 1997. It was also head coach Mack Browns first losing season since 1989.

Texas always recruits well and will be atop of the Big-12 for years to come.

1. Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma is the best team in the Big-12 and their results on the field prove it.

This team is constantly competing for a National Championship and have won four of the last five Big-12 championships.

With the recruiting classes this team has every season, they won't be going anywhere anytime soon.