The Big 12’s parity is once again playing against itself, as just two teams remain undefeated and three sit in the AP Top 25.
Through Week 8, every Big 12 team has seven games, including four conference matchups, in the books. Characteristic of one of college football’s most balanced leagues, just two teams are undefeated and only one remains without a conference win.
Undefeated Iowa State and BYU hold the No. 10 and No. 11 spots respectively in the top 25, but without a clear distinction between teams’ success below them, only 6-1 Kansas State is ranked with them, at No. 16.
With the Cyclones resting in Week 9, BYU is primed to jump them for the first time in the rankings if it wins at UCF. The Cougars will rest the following week as Iowa State hosts Texas Tech.
No other Big 12 teams received votes in this week’s top 25 poll, despite four 5-2 teams to pick from in the conference. In the standings, Cincinnati, who ranked 14th in the Big 12 Preseason Poll, holds fourth place after its upset over Arizona State this weekend.
Texas Tech, the only conference opponent to defeat Cincinnati so far, is tied with the Bearcats and Colorado at 3-1 in Big 12 play after falling to Baylor. The Bears’ win on Saturday was their first of conference play and third overall.
At the bottom of the Big 12 are last year’s conference championship finalists, the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Cowboys are 3-4 and are the only team without a conference win, with losses to Utah, Kansas State, West Virginia, and BYU.
Arizona State and Iowa State are the only teams that will rest in Week 9. The Sun Devils are 5-2 overall and 2-2 in-conference after the loss to Cincinnati. Arizona State did earn votes in the AP poll ahead of Week 8.
Week 9 of Big 12 football begins at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday with three simultaneous kickoffs. UCF will host BYU as Oklahoma State travels to Baylor and 4-3 TCU hosts Texas Tech.
WVU will take on formerly ranked Arizona on Saturday at 7 p.m. in Tucson.
Photo by Spenser Heaps, Associated Press
