The Big 12 got off to a rough start in the first full week of action. Though they finished with a 9-1 record on the weekend, the games were much closer than they should have been. With just two Power Five matchups on the slate, the Big 12 struggled against Group of Five and FCS teams throughout the weekend.
It was a similar start to the season as last year when the Big 12 saw several upsets at the hands of FCS schools. It created a perception that teams like Iowa State and Kansas State weren’t very good, but they bounced back in the following weeks to come up with big wins in the conference.
These teams will likely look better as the season progresses, but it was an unfortunate start for a conference trying to prove it belongs among the Power Five with realignment on the horizon.
*Ranking is based on the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll – last updated Aug. 10.