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Big 12 Power Rankings: Week 7

Three of the four Big 12 games this past weekend were decided by less than a touchdown, and the underdog won outright in two of those. Following those events, and some heated internal DVN discussion, we have a new No. 1 team.

10. Kansas (2-4, 0-3 Big 12)
Previous Ranking: 10
Result: Lost to WVU 38-22; Up Next: BYE

Kansas’ struggles continued, as the Jayhawks have yet to find their first conference win. There were some positives for their defense as KU still leads the nation in turnover margin with +13 after four takeaways in Morgantown.

9. Kansas State (2-4, 0-3 Big 12)
Previous Ranking: 8
Result: Lost to Baylor 37-34; Up Next: Oklahoma State

Kansas State now finds themselves tied for last in the conference after a heartbreaking loss to Baylor. The Wildcats were able to score more in this game, as their 34 points were the second highest this season. Several costly turnovers were too much to overcome, even with a 20-point fourth quarter showing. It took a last second field goal from Baylor, but KSU is off to its worst start since 2013.

8. Baylor (4-2, 2-1 Big 12)|
Previous Ranking: 9
Result: Win vs K-State 37-34, Up Next: @Texas

Baylor rebounded well from the blowout loss it suffered at the hands of OU last week. They were able to capitalize on several K-State turnovers and fought off a vicious fourth-quarter comeback attempt. It took a last second field goal to win, but the Bears now find themselves tied for second in the conference.

7. Oklahoma State (4-2, 1-2 Big 12)
Previous Ranking: 4
Result: Lost to ISU 48-42; Up Next: @Kansas State

After dominating Kansas last week, the Cowboys were eager to prove that their earlier loss to Texas Tech was just a fluke. While they put up 42 points, the defense was unable to stop a surging Cyclone offense. Big 12 leading rusher Justice Hill was held to just 66 yards on the ground and OSU dropped a second consecutive home game.

6. Texas Tech (3-2, 1-1 Big 12)
Previous Ranking: 6
Result: BYE; Up Next: @ TCU

After its loss to WVU, Tech had the week off to prepare for their upcoming Thursday night game against TCU.

5. Iowa State (2-3, 1-2 Big 12)
Previous Ranking: 7
Result: Win vs Ok State 48-42; Up Next: West Virginia

Despite it’s 1-3 record, the Cyclones found a way to defeat the Cowboys on the road. Led by freshman QB Brock Purdy, ISU was able to put together its best offensive performance of the season, despite missing leading rusher David Montgomery. The Cyclones will have a tough challenge next week as they welcome the Mountaineers.

4. TCU (3-2, 1-1 Big 12)
Previous Ranking: 5
Result: BYE; Up Next: Texas Tech

After escaping with a win over ISU last week, the Horned Frogs had a week off and will face Texas Tech on Thursday night.

3. Oklahoma (5-1, 2-1 Big 12)
Previous Ranking: 1
Result: Lost to Texas 48-45; Up Next: BYE

The Red River Rivalry is one of the best games of the season, and this year was no exception. The undefeated Sooners found themselves on the losing end of a shooting heading into the fourth quarter. Despite an impressive 21-point rally, the Longhorns were able to win with a late field goal. Another poor defensive performance led to the firing of Defensive Coordinator Mike Stoops. Even with an early conference loss, the Sooners are a dangerous team and will have their upcoming off-week to fix their mistakes.

2. Texas (5-1, 3-0 Big 12)
Previous Ranking: 3
Results: Win vs OU 48-45, Up Next: Baylor

The Longhorns posted their third win versus a ranked opponent in their most impressive game of the season. Despite leading for most of the game, they did allow the Sooners to tie it up in the fourth and had to rely on a last-minute field goal to come away with the win. The Longhorns are looking like one of the best teams in the Big 12 and are on their first 5-game winning streak since 2013.

1. West Virginia (5-0, 3-0 Big 12)
Previous Ranking: 2
Result: Win vs Kansas 38-22; Up Next: @ Iowa State

WVU has climbed its way to the top of our power rankings for the first time this season, but just barely. The Mountaineers are now the only undefeated team left in the Big 12 and one of only 11 remaining in FBS Football. The Mountaineers did have their struggles against Kansas, as Heisman contender Will Grier was picked off three times and lost a fumble. The offense struggled to capitalize on several drives. After a poor second half against TTU last week, as well as their offensive issues this week, the Mountaineers will need to improve if they want their winning streak to continue against a resurgent Iowa State team next week.