Big 12 Rankings and Predictions

After the second full week of Big 12 action, here is how the teams rank (last week in parentheses):

1. Missouri (1) (5-0/1-0). Destroyed Nebraska last week, 41-6. Missouri dominated a poor Nebraska team, which is exactly what they should have done. Missouri plays at OU, so has an opportunity to put an exclamation point on the number one ranking. Missouri's weakness was defense, but perhaps they learned something last week to go along with their outstanding offense.

2. Kansas (4) (5-0/1-0). Kansas State isn't as good as I thought, but still, winning on the road in a hostile environment shows that Kansas is a tough, hard nosed football team. KU has a solid offense, and Aqib Talib does everything for them. They will be a handful for teams, and they have a very easy Big 12 schedule.

3. Oklahoma (3) (5-1/1-1). Demonstrated that they have the ability to bounce back last week in the Red River Rivalry. But, it was a close game, closer than most expected. Oklahoma with a victory over Missouri has a chance to make a run at the national championship.

4. Colorado (5) (4-2/2-0). CU went on the road and destroyed Baylor. Colorado is starting to find their offense to go along with their defense. The Buffaloes are finding themselves under Dan Hawkins.

5. Kansas State (2) (3-2/1-1). K-State is still riding the coattails of the win over Texas. However, KSU is a deeply flawed team and will find themselves in the middle of the Big 12 all year. The loss to Kansas exposed them for the fraud they are. Take away the special teams and the Kansas State offense is woeful.

6. Texas A&M (9) (5-1/2-0). Texas A&M is also a fraud that will be exposed and exposed soon. However, they get credit for winning a tough game versus Oklahoma State.

7. Texas Tech (7) (5-1/1-1). They beat Iowa State. So? Everyone beats Iowa State. It should have been worse. Texas Tech's defense is still suspect. Michael Crabtree is amazing though.

8. Texas (6) (4-2/0-2). Two losses in a row, but will get better versus Iowa State. Texas will start to find themselves and work their way back up the Big 12 standings. Texas has an outstanding offense that just isn't on track yet. When they get rolling, watch out!

9. Oklahoma State (10) (3-3/1-1). I give them some credit for battling at Texas A&M. They do have a good offense, but are suspect on defense. Oklahoma State is a disappointment this year.

10. Nebraska (8) (4-2/1-1). Nebraska is falling and falling fast. Against Missouri, they looked inept on offense and defense. It's almost sad to watch the Nebraska empire crumble before our eyes.

11. Baylor (11) (3-3/0-2). Baylor's new offense just cannot keep up with the stalwarts of the Big 12.

12. Iowa State (12) (1-5/0-2). Bad in every sense of the word.

Predictions (last week, 5-1 straight up, 3-3 ATS):

Texas at Iowa State (+16.5) I expect Texas to come out and take out some frustrations on the Cyclones. Iowa State has struggled against bad teams, much less good teams. Texas has far too many athletes for ISU to compete with. Texas win and covers easily.

Oklahoma State at Nebraska (-3.5) Nebraska cannot stop the run and cannot stop the pass. Missouri, Ball State, Iowa State, Southern California, it doesn't matter. Everyone moves the ball. I don't think that Nebraska can keep up with the OSU spread offense. OSU choked one up against Texas A&M last week, but Nebraska is no Texas A&M.

Baylor at Kansas (-27) Kansas will have trouble with Baylor's offensive scheme. Baylor will throw the ball. KU will win, but Baylor covers the number.

Missouri at Oklahoma (-12) Missouri and their spread offense will have all kinds of trouble with the OU defense. I think this game stays close for a while, but OU will wear down Mizzou and re-start their pursuit of a National Championship. OU covers.

Texas A&M at Texas Tech (-10) Texas A&M is a fraud. Texas Tech has an outstanding offense. Texas Tech throws the ball all over the field, Michael Crabtree catches 14 passes for a buck 60 and three TDs. Texas Tech covers.

Colorado at Kansas State (-5) Wrong team favored. CU wins outright.