Despite having a pair of games featuring Big 12 teams going head to head with Utah vs Baylor in Week 2 and Arizona vs Kansas State, the only true conference game didn’t disappoint this past week with a thriller ending between TCU and UCF. It must have something to do with schools going by their initials.
There were plenty of games to discuss starting on Thursday night when Arizona State survived a road scare against Texas State and both Kansas teams took the field on Friday night. It did not go well for the Jayhawks, who fell to a surging UNLV team 23-20. Kansas State took care of Arizona 31-7 after it appeared it might be a tight game following the early 7-7 score.
Ahead of Week 4 action, we preview the conference with our post-week 3 power rankings. How high is Kansas State after their win and can Houston do enough to climb higher than the bottom rung?
Check out our latest power rankings:
No. 1: Utah Utes (3-0)
Despite watching quarterback Cam Rising go down to injury once again, we have the Utes in the top spot. However, Utah expects to have the veteran quarterback back under center when they take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Next up: at Oklahoma State (3 p.m. CT on FOX)
No. 2: Kansas State Wildcats (3-0)
The Wildcats continue their conference slate this week after dismantling the Arizona Wildcats on Friday night. The defense completely shutdown Noah Fifita and Arizona allowing them to keep their perfect season intact. It was a complete team win with contributions from offense, defense, and special teams.
Next up: at BYU (9:30 p.m. CT on ESPN)
No. 3: Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0)
It was smooth sailing as the Pokes faced off with in-state foe Tulsa. By the time the Golden Hurricanes blinked it was 45-0 with 10:05 left in the game. They finally scored after the game was well in hand but Oklahoma State looks poised for another run at the Big 12 title. A major test awaits them in Week 4.
Next up: vs Utah (3 p.m. CT on FOX)
No. 4: Iowa State Cyclones (2-0)
The Cyclones enjoyed the off week after taking down top rival, Iowa the previous week to claim the Cy-Hawk Trophy. Head coach Matt Campbell and Iowa State will be back in action against a nonconference foe as they prepare for the Big 12 slate.
Next up: vs Arkansas State (1 p.m. CT on ESPN+)
No. 5: UCF Knights (3-0, 1-0)
The Knights are having another strong start to their season after beginning last season with an identical 3-0 record. It was Week 4 that started the downturn. UCF will have an open week as they prepare for the Big 12 home opener against the Colorado Buffaloes on Sept. 28 in Orlando.
Next up: Idle
No. 6: BYU Cougars (3-0)
Coming into the season, head coach Kalani Sitake needed a hot start to the season to quell the hot seat conversation. After finishing the nonconference part of the schedule unscathed, they face a major test in the Big 12 opener in Provo.
Next up: vs Kansas State (9:30 p.m. CT on ESPN)
No. 7: Arizona Wildcats (2-1)
It was rough sledding against the Kansas State Wildcats for Arizona, the offense never really got rolling. The team has some time to recuperate before jumping into the thick of Big 12 play on Sept. 28.
Next up: Idle
No. 8: TCU Horned Frogs (2-1, 0-1)
It was a roller coaster of emotions for TCU against UCF this past week. After building a 31-13 lead late in the third quarter, the Knights came roaring back to cut the lead to three before the Frogs extended the lead to six on a 24-yard field goal with under nine minutes to play. Kobe Hudson got the last laugh with the 20-yard touchdown with 0:36 remaining to secure the win. TCU can get right against SMU in the annual battle for the Iron Skillet.
Next up: at SMU (4 p.m. CT on the CW)
No. 9: Arizona State Sun Devils (3-0)
This past week the Sun Devils survived a road matchup against the Texas State Bobcats. They dip into Big 12 play with another trip to the Lone Star State as they look to bypass last year’s win total in just four games. They will need to stop an explosive offense to do so.
Next up: at Texas Tech (2:30 p.m. CT on FS1)
No. 10: Cincinnati Bearcats (2-1)
Surprisingly enough the Bearcats were just a missed field goal away from being 3-0. They can match last year’s win total with a victory on Saturday against a struggling Houston team.
Next up: vs Houston (11 a.m. CT on FS1)
No. 11: Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-1)
After two subpar defensive performances to start the season, Texas Tech exploded on Saturday against an overmatched North Texas team. The Red Raiders scored five touchdowns over six minutes to put the game away by halftime. A tougher test awaits the Red and Black at Jones AT&T Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It is a good opportunity to start the year 3-1 and 1-0 in conference play.
Next up: vs Arizona State (2:30 p.m. CT on FS1)
No. 12: Baylor Bears (2-1)
Baylor head coach Dave Aranda, much like BYU’s Kalani Sitake, came into the season hearing the noise surrounding the hot seat and needed a good start. Sitting at 2-1 with win over Tarleton State and Air Force won’t do much to help his case but a Big 12 win on the road certainly would. His defense will have an opportunity to get after the quarterback.
Next up: at Colorado (7 p.m. CT on FOX)
No. 13: Kansas Jayhawks (1-2)
The good news for Kansas is that the nonconference schedule is now behind them after back-to-back losses to Illinois and UNLV. They are on the road this week as they invade Morgantown to face off with a team that is also struggling.
Next up: at West Virginia (11 a.m. CT on ESPN2)
No. 14: West Virginia Mountaineers (1-2)
The Mountaineers are looking for their first win against a Power Four team this week after sandwiching losses to Penn State and Pitt around their lone win on the season. Somebody has to win and stop the bleeding as they welcome KU to Mountaineer Field. Was last year’s 9-4 team just a blip on the radar or is this just a slow start for Neal Brown?
Next up: vs Kansas (11 a.m. CT on ESPN2)
No. 15: Colorado Buffaloes (2-1)
The Buffs are back home this week after back-to-back games on the road going 1-1 against their two biggest rivals. Colorado opens Big 12 play against Baylor, who is also looking to make a statement in the conference opener. We will soon find out if Colorado is taking it “personal” for the third straight week.
Next up: vs Baylor (7 p.m. CT on FOX)
Check out Buffs Wire for more on Colorado
No. 16: Houston Cougars (1-2)
Someone had to be at the bottom and it was an easy call with Houston. The Cougars have struggled out of the gate but the offense showed up for them against cross-town foe Rice. The opener in Big 12 play is a tough road matchup in the Buckeye State. Can they build upon their huge win?
Next up: at Cincinnati (11 a.m. CT on FS1)