Voters in the Big 12 football preseason media poll blew it putting Utah, Oklahoma State, Kansas and Arizona in the top five. Championship contenders? Each has already lost two of three conference games.
No one foresaw breakout seasons coming from Brigham Young and Arizona State, which went 5-7 and 3-9, respectively, in 2023. Now the Cougars are 6-0 with lopsided home wins against Kansas State and Arizona, and Arizona State’s 5-1 and beat Utah last week in a 16-vs.-1 matchup based on the preseason Big 12 poll.
BYU’s the new No. 1 in the Big 12 power rankings, the fourth team to hold the top spot this season.
1. Brigham Young (6-0, 3-0 in the Big 12)
Last week: 4
This week: Friday vs. Oklahoma State
What to know: With BYU at 3-0, we said a reality check was coming. Reality: The Cougars are better than anyone expected.
2. Kansas State (5-1, 2-1)
Last week: 1
This week: at West Virginia
What to know: Most underpublicized player in the Big 12? D.J. Giddens, with 2,012 rushing yards since start of last season.
More: Grading Kansas State football’s performance in Big 12 road win against Colorado
3. Iowa State (6-0, 3-0)
Last week: 2
This week: Central Florida
What to know: What’s more impressive, the Cyclones’ 6-0 start or their seven-game road win streak?
Related: Hines: Iowa State football remains perfect with statement victory at West Virginia
4. Texas Tech (5-1, 3-0)
Last week: 5
This week: Baylor
What to know: During the open week, Texas Tech unveiled uniforms with the Patrick Mahomes Gladiator logo and the man himself modeling them.
Related: Texas Tech football midseason report: MVPs, positive trends, challenges ahead
More: Ranking Texas Tech football’s top portal additions, transfers making impact elsewhere
5. Arizona State (5-1, 2-1)
Last week: 12
This week: at Cincinnati
What to know: Check in on the next big Sun Devils home game. See if…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/big-12-power-rankings-byu-194640319.html
Author : Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Publish date : 2024-10-13 19:46:40
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