1. (-) Kansas State (4-0): The Wildcats took over the top spot following their thrashing of Miami and now two weeks later following their victory in Norman, there's little doubt who should occupy the number one position. The Wildcats are who they are; nothing flashy but there isn't a team in the league who executes their plan better. KSU now gets a week off to savor their win over the Sooners. Up next: bye.
2. (-) Texas (3-0): The Longhorns had the week off to prepare for what will be their toughest test to date. The Longhorns have lost the last two meetings with the Cowboys but these are two entirely different teams than the ones that played in those matchups. There are still plenty of questions yet to be answered about Texas, but we will have a lot more answers over the next three weeks. Up next: at Oklahoma State.
3. (-) West Virginia (3-0): The Mountaineers didn't beat Maryland by the margin some expected, but the perfect record is still intact with Big 12 play set to get underway. Baylor comes in with statistically, at least, the worst defense in the Big 12 through the first quarter of the season. Expect points and a lot of them Saturday in Morgantown. Up next: Baylor.
4. (↑1) Iowa State (3-0): Well look who has slid into the number four spot? That's good news for the Cyclones. The bad news is there's still a whole lot of season yet to play. The Cyclones had the weekend off giving them an extra week to prepare for Texas Tech who they've had a hex over the past two seasons. Through three games, these teams look fairly even but we will find out on Saturday exactly how much separation there is. Up next: Texas Tech.
5. (↓1) Oklahoma (2-1): The Sooners are surely kicking themselves after falling to Kansas State in a game they felt they gave away. Whatever the case, there is still plenty of improvement to be made, namely in offensive consistency and stopping the run. They'll get an extra week to figure out how to get it done. Up next: bye.
6. (-) Texas Tech (3-0): There may not be a team in the Big 12 we know less about than the Red Raiders. The schedule to this point as has been dreadful, but nonetheless, the results have been impressive. Texas Tech has been outscored by the Cyclones 93-45 over the past two seasons, something they'll try to rectify Saturday night in Ames. Up next: @ Iowa State.
7. (↓1) TCU (3-0): The Horned Frogs picked up another win over the weekend beating Virginia. The offense sputtered at times and it appears the loss of Waymon James at running back is going to sting for a while. TCU gets another week of nonconference play to try and right what was supposed to be the strength of the team coming into the season. Up next: @ SMU.
8. (↑1) Oklahoma State (2-1): The status of quarterback Wes Lunt's injure most likely won't be known until game time on Saturday. For now, expect the Cowboys to prepare as if J.W. Walsh is the man which may in fact give the Cowboys an advantage against a fast Texas defense given his ability to break down a defense with his legs. Can Oklahoma State's defense slow down the upstart Texas offense? It Texas' offense really that dangerous? We will find out in t-minus six days. Up next: Texas.
9. (↓1) Baylor (3-0): It wasn't easy, but the Bears survived against Louisiana Monroe. Major questions still surround a defense that has yielded a Big 12 worst 492 yards a game against SMU, Sam Houston State, and UL-Monroe. Memo to Baylor: West Virginia is none of those three teams. Up next: @ West Virginia.
10. (-) Kansas (1-2): After blowing another fourth quarter lead, this time to Northern Illinois, an 11 loss season isn't out of the question. But hey, we're looking at the bright side here. Kansas has been competitive in all three games. Can they be competitive in the Big 12, however? The jury is still out. One thing that would help, better play from quarterback Dayne Crist. Up next: bye.
