It was decent week for the Big 12, but particularly the schools of what was formerly known as the Big 12 South (and TCU too). With four Texas teams winning, we take advantage of the ultimate Texas musician in George Strait this week. For those who believe Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts are “country”, you are in for a major surprise. In fact, when Swift originally was a country singer she was the opening act for the “King of Country Music” and asked him for advice on performing live. He replied, “Just do it for about 25 years and it will feel real natural.” Perhaps that is the same advice Bill Snyder gives when asked the same question about coaching.
1.TCU Horned Frogs “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind?”
Record: 2-0 (0-0 in Big 12)
Previous Rank: 1
Last Week: W 70-7 vs. Stephen F. Austin
This week: vs. SMU, 7 p.m. Saturday
“You’re in someone else’s arms in Dallas. Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?”
Sure, the Horned Frogs are coming off a major plastering of an FCS team. However, they have a quality road win against a Big Ten team, yet they’ve slipped in the polls since the start of the season. Last year, the College Football Playoff committee made the decision to leave TCU out while enjoying a “vacation” in Grapevine, Texas. In fact, Grapevine is closer to Fort Worth than Dallas. Clearly, Fort Worth never crosses the minds of the elite.
2.Oklahoma Sooners “Check Yes or No”
Record: 2-0 (0-0 in Big 12)
Previous Rank: 2
Last Week: W 31-24 at Tennessee
This Week: vs. Tulsa, 11 a.m. Saturday
“It started way back in third grade.”
There are many George Strait songs that could be used to describe Baker Mayfield’s relationship with multiple Big 12 schools. The quarterback might as well have been “Emmy Lou Hayes. (Wearing a) pink dress. Matching bow and a pony tail” when he “kissed” the Sooners “on the school bus” as a child living in the Austin area. After his latest performance, it seems like Bob Stoops has checked “yes” on Baker Mayfield.
BONUS TRACK: “All My Exes Live In Texas”
After “hanging his hat up in Tennessee” for a weekend, Texas Tech fans cringe every time Mayfield has success. The Longhorns aren’t too far off in the distance as an “ex” either. Remember, Mayfield grew up in the greater Austin area. Being a Sooners fan, it’s uncertain if he had any friends growing up. It wouldn’t be surprising if his house was wrapped each year during the week of the Red River Shootout.
3.Kansas State Wildcats “The Fireman”
Record: 2-0 (0-0 in Big 12)
Previous Rank: 3
Last Week: W 30-3 at UTSA
This Week: vs. Louisiana Tech, 2 p.m. Saturday
“Well, everybody would like to have what I got. I can cool ‘em down when they’re smoldering hot. I’m the fireman. That’s my name.”
Everybody wants Bill Snyder’s resume. Taking Futility U to multiple Big 12 Conference Championships and BCS appearances is only the start of his amazing career at Kansas State. Kansas State is much lower in any other power rankings you see. However, these power rankings understand consistency. Has Kansas State been impressive this season? No. Name a team below them that has though. “The Fireman” will spray down any argument with his hose.
4.Oklahoma State Cowboys “Amarillo by Morning”
Record: 2-0 (0-0 in Big 12)
Previous Rank: 4
Last Week: W 32-8 vs. Central Arkansas
This Week: vs. UTSA
“I’ll be looking for eight when they pull that gate, and I hope that judge ain’t blind.”
Not an impressive showing against Central Arkansas, but Oklahoma State is growing as a team under the leadership of Mason Rudolph. The Cowboys have one more tune-up before the ride starts. Mason Rudolph is “everything I’ve got is just what I’ve got one” for this team.
5.Baylor Bears “The Cowboy Rides Away”
Record: 2-0 (0-0 in Big 12)
Previous Rank: 5
Last Week: W vs. Lamar 66-31
This Week: Bye
“Now I just found a game that I can’t play. This is where the cowboys rides away.”
Baylor is clearly a second half team. They’ve struggled against SMU and FCS school Lamar in eac of their first halves. Once the second half starts, Baylor “rides away”. Unfortunately if Baylor does lose one Big 12 Conference game, they’ll be singing “and my heart is setting like a sinking sun setting on the things I wish I’d done.”
6.West Virginia Mountaineers “Nobody in His Right Mind Would’ve Left Her”
Record: 2-0 (0-0 in Big 12)
Previous Rank: 6
Last Week: W 41-17 vs. Liberty
This Week: Bye
“She cried when I left her. Now I cry to forget her. Oh, how foolish I was to ever leave.”
Be optimistic Mountaineer fans. You are 2-0. You’re not fooling anyone though. Right now, Dana Holgorsen is on the hot seat and has not played anyone of true merit yet. You “had to be crazy to say goodbye” to Bill Stewart.
7.Texas Tech Red Raiders “Ocean Front Property”
Record: 2-0 (0-0 in Big 12)
Last Week: W 69-20 vs. UTEP
This Week: at Arkansas, 6 p.m. Saturday
“I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona. From my front porch, you can see the sea. I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona. If you’ll buy that, I’ll throw the Golden Gate in free.”
Texas Tech’s defense shut down UTEP for the most part. Aaron Jones still had a few nice touchdown runs, but the Red Raiders were clearly better this go-round than in 2014. Now they play an Arkansas team which dominated them in every aspect of the trenches. Arkansas literally stopped calling passing plays in the second half of this 2014 matchup. Sure, Toledo upset the hogs 16-12. A lot of people think Tech can go into Fayetteville all of a sudden and beat Arkansas. I’m not buying it. In fact, Texas Tech will still be lucky to get to a bowl game. This is the first opportunity to show me Texas Tech’s defense can actually stop a rushing attack.
8.Texas Longhorns “Give It Away”
Record: 1-1 (0-0 in Big 12)
Previous Rank: 8
Last Week: W 42-28
This Week: vs. Cal, 6:30 p.m. Saturday
“Oh, and we’re both tired of fightin’ anyway. So just give it away.”
Texas athletic director Steve Patterson filed his walking papers this week and the Texas football program is an absolute mess right now. It could be worse. Despite what some may think, Charlie Strong is a tremendous coach. Give him time.
9.Iowa State Cyclones “Blame It On Mexico”
Record: 1-1 (0-0 in Big 12)
Previous Rank: 9
Last Week: L 31-17 vs. Iowa
This Week: at Toledo 7 p.m. Saturday
“Blame it on Mexico. If you need a reason, say too much guitar music, tequila, salt and lies.”
So many George Strait break-up songs could go towards Iowa State right now. Paul Rhoads is a great coach and deserves to win way more games. Unfortunately, it does not seem like the Cyclones will make a bowl game this year and Rhoads will likely be fired. We can all hope for a miracle, but let’s face it. “I feel in love for my last time.”
10.Kansas Jayhawks “Blue Clear Sky”
Record: 0-2 (0-0 in Big 12)
Previous Rank: 10
Last Week: L 55-23 vs. Memphis
This Week: Bye
“Here she comes a walking, talking true love. Saying ‘I’ll be looking for new love’. Surprise! That new love has arrived out of the blue clear sky.”
This is a process. Kansas is not going to a bowl game this year. If any coach can turn this program around, it’s David Beaty. This guy is amazing. I’m stoked to see what he can do in the future years. Isn’t that what “love” is all about? The long term?
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