Week 6 Big 12 Power Rankings: BYU rockets to the top, Utah falls, and Colorado sneaks into contention

The Big 12 standings are on its head and the worst have become the best. With the likes of BYU, Iowa State, Colorado, and Texas Tech all standing as the proud owners of undefeated conference records, these teams that were viewed as bottom-dwellers in the early part of the season have suddenly become the early favorites to win the whole dang thing.

On the other side of this coin, however, less-than-joyous fanbases have begun to question their very sanity when faced with the reality that their football team may be more flawed than originally anticipated.

It was a wild week 5, and now we need to break down exactly where each team stands in this week's edition of the Big 12 power rankings.

1. BYU Cougars | 5-0 (2-0 Big 12)

Though they nearly let their 21-point first-half lead slip away last week, BYU has been the dominant force of this league, which will likely surprise many who haven't kept a close eye on the Big 12.

The Cougars are the only team in the nation with 3 wins against power opponents, and their resume continues to impress as former foes SMU and Kansas State have turned around and dominated since their meeting with BYU.

2. Iowa State Cyclones | 4-0 (1-0 Big 12)

Surprise, surprise, Matt Campbell has another well-coached football team on his sideline. Iowa State joins BYU as the only remaining undefeated teams in the conference and boasts a strong road win over Iowa on its resume. They just know how to turn games into a W.

3. Kansas State Wildcats | 4-1 (1-1 Big 12)

This is an excellent Kansas State squad, and even BYU fans would tell you as much after the Wildcats fell in Provo. Avery Johnson is a fantastic talent and he'll only get better as the season progresses, which should be horrifying for the rest of the league.

A dominant win over Oklahoma State last week cemented this team as a real contender, and they'll look to build on this most recent win moving forward. Watch out for the Wildcats.

4. Arizona Wildcats | 3-1 (1-0 Big 12)

Although this team suffered at the hands of Kansas State a few weeks ago, the Arizona Wildcats are undefeated in "official" conference play after asserting themselves on a Utah team that seemed poised to cruise to an undefeated regular season.

Noah Fifita and crew are a dangerous team when they're clicking, and they'll have another chance to take down a ranked opponent in the Beehive State two weeks from now when they meet up with BYU.

5. Utah Utes | 4-1 (0-1 Big 12)

Can anyone explain why Cam Rising is still standing on the sidelines despite all appearances indicating that he's ready to play? The Utes offense has struggled behind freshman QB, Isaac Wilson, who was forcefully given the starting job before he was fully prepared.

Though they lost by double-digits at home, the Utes season is far from over. If Whittingham can right the ship, Utah are still Big 12 contenders. They just need to get their starting QB back under center before more losses pile up.

6. Colorado Buffaloes | 4-1 (2-0 Big 12)

Here come the Buffs?? After a shaky start to the season, Travis Hunter's team has emerged as a sneaky conference contender. Of course, Colorado still has plenty of blemishes, and was incredibly fortunate to earn their first conference win over Baylor, but they continue to find ways to win.

Colorado's dominant win over UCF is a big deal, and could be an indication that the Buffaloes have more to offer this league than media coverage.

7. Texas Tech Red Raiders | 4-1 (2-0 Big 12)

Who could've seen this coming after a terrible non-conference showing from Tech? The Red Raiders are undefeated in conference play and will look to keep the party alive in the coming weeks.

Has their conference slate been easy up to this point? Yeah, probably. But don't underestimate this team. As long as they keep adding to the win column, there's not much you can say against this squad.

8. UCF Knights | 3-1 (1-1 Big 12)

UCF, you were supposed to be the dark horse Big 12 contender! After being on the receiving end of a Colorado beatdown, the Knights, led by college football veteran KJ Jefferson, are looking like pretenders.

Their 1-point conference win over TCU is not looking quite as impressive either, as the Horned Frogs continue to struggle.

9. Arizona State Sun Devils | 3-1 (0-1 Big 12)

After an impressive non-conference run that included a win over Mississippi State, the Sun Devils are suddenly looking very mortal since their loss at the hands of Texas Tech. Still, coming off a bye and looking ahead to this week's meeting with the destitute Jayhawks, Sparky isn't done yet.

10. West Virginia Mountaineers | 2-2 (1-0 Big 12)

Sure, they've lost to Pitt and Penn State, and they likely won't earn too many wins as their schedule turns up the heat, but for now, the Mountaineers are winning football games. What more could you ask for, right?

11. TCU Horned Frogs | 3-2 (1-1 Big 12)

Is TCU a very good team? I'm not so certain they are, but I have to give the Horned Frogs my respect for keeping up the time-honored tradition of beating Kansas on the gridiron.

12. Oklahoma State Cowboys | 3-2 (0-2 Big 12)

This isn't looking like the Cowboys' year, fellas. Sure, their only losses are to Utah and K-State, two certified title-contenders, but the cracks in the foundation lead me to believe this team could be even worse than currently advertised.

Bowman isn't a good quarterback this year, and Ollie Gordon II hasn't been able to get anything going. One more loss, and the Cowboys can likely kiss a shot at the Big 12 title goodbye. Time is running out, and the sun is setting on the Stillwater horizon.

13. Cincinnati Bearcats | 3-2 (1-1 Big 12)

Congratulations, Cincinnati! You aren't the worst team in the Big 12 this year, in fact, you've been fairly competitive! Watch out for the Bearcats' next two games against UCF and Arizona State, two teams that could be in danger of an upset if the Bearcats come to play.

14. Baylor Bears | 2-3 (0-2 Big 12)

BYU gave Baylor every chance to take the lead in the final moments of last week's clash, but the Bears refused to take advantage. The football team is in a rough state following losses to BYU and Colorado, and the fans in Waco have abandoned this squad.

BYU fans travel well, but to be seemingly outnumbered in your own stadium is embarrassing. Be better, Baylor.

15. Kansas Jayhawks | 1-3 (0-2 Big 12)

* Falling down the stairs noises *

16. Houston Cougars | 1-3 (0-2 Big 12)

Yes, the Houston Cougars are still fielding a football team, despite what the scoreboard may indicate. Getting shut out in two straight games is a travesty, yet this bunch from Houston have lost their last two games by a sum of 0-54.

No one would hold it against you if you just threw in the towel already.

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