Archive photo by Taylor Alderman
Linebacker Dakorey Johnson, wide receiver Stanton Weber and linebacker Trent Tanking piling on Iowa State running back DeVondrick Nealy at Jack Trice Stadium on Sept. 6, 2014. The Wildcats defeated the Cyclones 32-38.
No. 1 | Iowa State 6-0 (3-0)
Iowa State is led by a stifling defense, allowing just 12.3 points per game through three games so far. After winning in a tough environment in Morgantown against West Virginia, the Cyclones will return home for a matchup with UCF in a fight to remain undefeated.
No. 2 | BYU 6-0 (3-0)
Brigham Young continues to dominate in Big 12 play with a huge win at home over Arizona. BYU’s stout defense and big-play offense moves it to a Big 12 title front-runner. A late-night home game on Friday should have a ruckus crowd to help boost the Cougars to 7-0 against Oklahoma State.
No. 3 | Kansas State 5-1 (2-1)
Led by junior running back DJ Giddens, K-State is the only Big 12 team ranked preseason to remain in the Top 25. After an ugly loss to BYU, K-State bounced back well with wins over Oklahoma State and Colorado. Battered with injuries, getting healthy and a win over West Virginia on Saturday would go a long way in keeping the Wildcats’ Big 12 title hopes alive.
No. 4 | Texas Tech 5-1 (3-0)
The Red Raiders are another surprise team in the Big 12, standing at 3-0 in Big 12 play after taking three very close games. Outstanding running back Tahj Brooks has rushed for over 100 yards in each game this year. Coming off a bye week, Tech will look to fix some defensive issues before taking on Arizona.
No. 5 | Arizona State 5-1 (2-1)
With two big home wins, including upsetting then-No.16 Utah, Arizona State should have a lot of confidence moving forward. The Sun Devils are another team led by its running back, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week Cameron Skattebo. A tough road matchup at 11 a.m. in Cincinnati this week should give them a good test.
No. 6 | Colorado 4-2 (2-1)
Heisman-hopeful Travis Hunter was injured in the loss Saturday against K-State but looks to return on Saturday. The Buffaloes’ loss was their first in Big 12 play this year. Shedeur Sanders and his elite wide-receiver core will need to get healthy as they take on Arizona on Saturday.
No. 7 | West Virginia 3-3 (2-1)
Coming out of a tough game against Iowa State, West Virginia will be desperate for a win to keep its Big 12 title hopes alive. Led by Garrett Greene and his dual-threat ability, the Mountaineers are a tough team to stop. An evening game against a ranked K-State squad should attract a strong home turnout.
No. 8 | Cincinnati 4-2 (2-1)
Cincinnati has been sneaky good this year. With a strong win over UCF last week, it improved to 2-1 in the Big 12. A tough stretch of games approaches, providing a good test for its team starting with hosting Arizona State on Saturday.
No. 9 | Utah 4-2 (1-2)
With two consecutive losses in conference play, Utah will have to find its footing fast. Not to mention, the Utes will have to do it without seventh-year quarterback Cam Rising, who suffered a season-ending injury. The Utes return home this week for a late kickoff against TCU.
No. 10 | Arizona 3-3 (1-2)
Coming off two losses, including a bad one to BYU, Arizona needs to get back on track as well. Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan are one of the best QB-WR duos in the nation, but need more from their supporting cast offensively. Arizona faces Colorado this week in a battle between two teams coming off a loss and needing a win.
Remaining Teams
No. 11 | UCF 3-3 (1-2)
No. 12 | Oklahoma State 3-3 (0-3)
No. 13 | TCU 3-3 (1-2)
No. 14 | Baylor 2-4 (0-3)
No. 15 | Houston 2-4 (1-2)
No. 16 | Kansas 1-5 (0-3)