The Big 12 provides some of the most entertaining and chaotic football on a weekly basis, and we have the distinct privilege to observe pure gridiron bliss every weekend. That said, week 5 was a bit of a chalk snooze-fest for the league despite some highly competitive matchups. Let me explain.
BYU, one of the league's top risers, barely escaped Colorado. Arizona State took down top 25 TCU by 3 at home, covering the spread by razor-thin margins. Houston needed overtime to overcome winless Oregon State and remain unbeaten. But beyond these battles, the Big 12 didn't offer much surprise, much intrigue, much of anything besides exactly what the average fan would have assumed to be the case.
But that doesn't mean our power rankings didn't see any shake-up. Here's how we view the distribution of power in the Big 12 Conference after week 5's slate.
Week 5 Big 12 Football Power Rankings
No, we have not forgotten what the Red Raiders did to Utah in Rice-Eccles Stadium last weekend, nor are we in the habit of punishing teams for having a bye week by sending them down the power rankings. Tech boasts the best win to this point in the year, especially considering how the Utes fared against WVU the following week.
Alright, I'm convinced. I'll admit that a subpar win over Arkansas State soured my opinion of the 'Clones for a week or two there, but a smoldering and vicious W over previously unbeaten Arizona has convinced me that Matt Campbell's squad is among the league's best until proven otherwise. This team committed violence on the football field and their conference adversaries were absolutely shaken. You've left no doubt, ISU.
The Cougars struggled out of the gate against an ebbing Colorado team, falling down 14-0 before I could even blink. But to get punched in the mouth like they did and finish the game on a 24-7 swing, this win was more controlling after the first quarter than the final score would suggest. BYU did what good teams do: they win. BYU won their second straight road game this past weekend, and get the honor of a hero's welcome when they host West Virginia next weekend.
Aside from losing a close road game against a better-than-advertised Mississippi State team, what has been the Sun Devils' crime? Sure, they have no Cam Skattebo -- he's off cracking skulls in the NFL -- and Sam Leavitt hasn't exactly been a Heisman contender, but a home win against a TCU team with a full head of steam is affirming for this year's edition.
Five weeks into the season and the Utes are still a complete mystery. The best team they've played, Texas Tech, walloped Utah down the stretch. Then they turn around and visit an overmatched West Virginia team and deliver a pounding of their own. Hurt teams hurt teams. Their 48-14 win in Morgantown is strong, of course, and the Utes rise in the power rankings thanks to that.
You had us scared for a moment, Coogs. Traveling to Pac-12 country and nearly losing to a winless Oregon State team certainly won't boost anyone's view of a perennially poor Houston program, but taking a look at the loss column may soothe some aching. Houston hasn't lost a single game to this point of the year, and that includes being undefeated in conference play. Until they lose, I cannot, in good conscience, drop them any lower than this.
The AP Poll may have forsaken you, Frogs, but you're still top 25 in my heart. Just no higher than this in the power rankings, of course, because momentum is the name of the game over here. A close loss to Arizona State in Tempe is nothing to be ashamed of, and if this team can recover, they'll be back in the pantheon in no time.
The surprise team of the week, Cincinnati walked into Lawrence as the underdogs and emerged the victors. Is Kansas fraudulent once again? Perhaps. But the Bearcats have had themselves an impressive year to this point, with their only slip-up coming against Nebraska by 3? Michigan only beat the Huskers by 3 this year, and that's good company. Welcome to the top 10.
It's become a tradition around these parts to stomp on Oklahoma State when they show up on the schedule. We don't fault Baylor for putting the Cowboys away in dominant fashion, nor do we overlook the team's better-than-you-think 3-2 record. I mean, their only losses are to Auburn and Arizona State? It could be worse.
Don't get used to it. You took down undefeated UCF, but we still can't be certain the Knights are any good at this point of the year. UCF are the big free-fallers this week, and I simply can't keep them above the the Wildcats and maintain my dignity. You're on probation, KSU.
11. UCF Knights
12. Arizona Wildcats
13. Colorado Buffaloes
14. Kansas Jayhawks
15. West Virginia Mountaineers
16. Oklahoma State Cowboys