Week one is in the books and even though the sample size is small, at least we have something to go on when trying to figure out exactly how the Big 12 will shake out in 2012.
Everybody in the conference took care of business, as expected, with the Cyclones proving they shouldn't have been the underdog on their home field.
This will be a fluid list over the coming weeks until Big 12 play gets underway, but after one weekend at least, here's how things look in the Big 12.
1. (↑3) West Virginia: All things considered, the Mountaineers probably had the most impressive opening week performance so for the time being at least, they jump into the top spot in the power poll. Granted it was against Marshall, but they did just about everything you would expect in an opener and then some. Up next: bye.
2. (-) Texas: It wasn't necessarily dominating, but it was a good first step for the Longhorns. Ash played error free, the running game was solid and defense played like you would expect after the first quarter. Next up: New Mexico.
3. (-) Kansas State: Here's guessing the team you saw in the fourth quarter will be the team you see the rest of the way. The Wildcats only led 16-9 heading into the fourth quarter but poured it on Mo State with 35 straight points. We'll know a lot more about the Wildcats following the coming weekend. Up next: Miami.
4. (↓3) Oklahoma: People can sugarcoat it anyway they like, but it was a shaky opener for the Sooners. The good news is that if OU can get their O-line issues resolved, there's plenty of talent there to be a dominant team, and that goes for both sides of the ball. It's only one week, but for now, the Sooners still have plenty to prove if they hope to win Bob Stoops eighth Big 12 crown. Up next: Florida A&M.
5. (-) Oklahoma State: It's hard to garner much in an 84-0 win against a severely overmatched opponent, but hey, it beats the heck out of winning 10-3. Up next: @ Arizona.
6A. (↑1) Texas Tech: People want to know how much improvement was made during the offseason on defense and for one week at least, it looks like there could be a lot. They'll have plenty of tests ahead, but it was a solid start for a team looking to get back to the postseason. Up next: @ Texas State.
6B. (↑2) Baylor: The Bears reminded everyone on Sunday they are a team that people shouldn't forget about. They dominated a decent Conference USA team yielding only 10 points through three quarters. Nick Florence was on target all night and proved Baylor's still has plenty of weapons on offense to make some serious noise in the Big 12. Up next: bye.
8. (↓2) TCU: Nothing against TCU, but given the fact they've yet to take the field, they fall a few notches, although it's doubtful they'll stay down here for long. Up next: Grambling State.
9. (-) Iowa State: The fact Iowa State remains at number nine after a very solid win against Tulsa proves what we already knew: the Big 12 is deep and probably as good from top to bottom as any league in the country. Steele Jantz got off to an impressive start and that is great news for Cyclones fans who witnessed plenty of inconsistent QB play last season. Up next: @ Iowa.
10. (-) Kansas: The Charlie Weis era got off to a decent start although they are still looking up at the rest of the Big 12 and likely will be throughout 2012. The Jayhawk ground game was solid, as expected, but Dayne Crist will need to up his game if KU hopes to pull any upsets in Big 12 play. Up next: Rice.
