Big 12 Power Rankings: Arizona and Colorado must be taken seriously after upset wins

If you saw the Big 12 football schedule playing out like this, take a bow and then buy a lottery ticket

You are good at predicting the future.

As the calendar turns to October there are only two undefeated teams left in the conference — BYU and Iowa State.

Perhaps even more surprising, only six teams remain undefeated in league play. And that group includes up-and-coming teams like Colorado and Texas Tech.

Last week, it felt like Utah and UCF were the teams to beat in the race for a Big 12 championship. But the conference standings feel more wide open than ever after Arizona and Colorado pulled off massive road upsets. Chaos and parity have defined the conference so far this season. That seems unlikely to change.

With that in mind, let’s take some time to analyze everything we have seen up to this point — heading into Week 6 — with a new edition of Big 12 Power Rankings.

Defense wins championships

1. Iowa State (4-0, 1-0 Big 12)

Beating a bad Houston team 20-0 is nothing to get excited about, but it sure beats losing at home to Arizona or Colorado. The Cyclones aren’t always going to put up impressive numbers on offense, but they are playing some of the best defense in the conference. Iowa State has only allowed 29 total points this season. An excellent defense and a manageable schedule from here on out makes the Cyclones an easy choice for the top spot this week.

2. BYU (5-0, 2-0 Big 12)

It’s long past time to take the Cougars seriously. BYU is off to a 5-0 start, and its victories over SMU and Kansas State are aging quite nicely. BYU jumped out to a huge lead against Baylor and then hung on for another win over the weekend. The Cougars are also one of the best defensive teams in the Big 12. Coincidence? I think not.

One loss doesn’t mean anything

3. Kansas State (4-1, 1-1 Big 12)

The Wildcats have looked untouchable at home this season, as they have demolished Tennessee-Martin (41-6), Arizona (31-7) and Oklahoma State (42-20). But it’s been a different story on the road. That could prove problematic with upcoming games at Colorado and West Virginia. Then again, maybe the Wildcats will be better prepared for road games as Avery Johnson matures.

4. Colorado (4-1, 2-0 Big 12)

The Buffaloes were 14-point underdogs on Saturday against UCF and somehow managed to beat the Knights by 27. I’m starting to think oddsmakers are too low on Colorado. Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are some of the most talented players in the country. If Deion Sanders has figured out how to unlock his team’s rushing attack and defense, as was the case on Saturday, then the Buffs are a team to be reckoned with.

5. Arizona (3-1, 1-0 Big 12)

The Wildcats also pulled off a big upset on Saturday when they went on the road and defeated Utah 23-10. Brent Brennan had his team ready to play after a bye week. Arizona was able to rush for 169 yards and play excellent defense in that game. It was an impressive start to conference play. Remember, the K-State game doesn’t count in the league standings.

6. Utah (4-1, 1-1 Big 12)

What’s the deal with Utah quarterback Cam Rising? It will be hard to trust the Utes for as long as he remains out. Their offense is widely unpredictable without him.

7. Texas Tech (4-1, 2-0 Big 12)

The Red Raiders have been on a roll over the past three weeks, as they have lined up a string of victories against North Texas, Arizona State and Cincinnati. That puts Texas Tech at the top of the conference standings despite a rocky start to the season. Tahj Brooks is the real deal at running back.

Mid at best

8. West Virginia (2-2, 1-0 Big 12)

The bye week probably came at a good time for West Virginia. The Mountaineers get an extra week to prepare for Oklahoma State, which is riding a losing streak.

9. Oklahoma State (3-2, 0-2 Big 12)

K-State fans didn’t start an “overrated” chant as the Wildcats put the finishing touches on a 42-20 victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday. But no one would have blamed them for poking fun at the Cowboys. They looked downright bad inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Oklahoma State needs to get star running back Ollie Gordon going or this could be a lost season for Mike Gundy’s team.

10. UCF (3-1, 1-1 Big 12)

The Knights are officially on “fraud alert” after they got boat-raced by Colorado on Saturday. UCF would be winless in Big 12 play if not for a miraculous comeback at TCU two weeks ago.

11. Arizona State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12)

It’s too early to pass judgment on the Sun Devils. Yes, they are off to a 3-1 start. But their wins have come against teams that have combined to win only four games. Wyoming is 1-4, Mississippi State is 1-4 and Texas State is 2-2. A home game against Kansas may truly show us how good or bad Arizona State is at football.

12. TCU (3-2, 1-1 Big 12)

Josh Hoover is putting up huge stats for the Horned Frogs. The sophomore quarterback has already thrown for 1,774 yards and 14 touchdowns.

13. Cincinnati (3-2, 1-1 Big 12)

The Bearcats need to figure out how to play from ahead. They led Pittsburgh 27-6 and lost in stunning fashion. Then they built a 14-3 lead on Texas Tech and quickly coughed up that lead, too.

Time to make a few changes

14. Kansas (1-4, 0-2 Big 12)

Is it time for Lance Leipold to bench Jalon Daniels? He leads the Big 12 with eight interceptions and his 805 passing yards rank ahead of only Donovan Smith at Houston.

15. Baylor (2-2, 0-2 Big 12)

It’s hard to imagine Dave Aranda saving his job. Baylor is unlikely to reach a bowl game after it started Big 12 play with losses to Colorado and BYU.

16. Houston (1-4, 0-2 Big 12)

The Cougars haven’t scored a single point against Big 12 competition under new coach Willie Fritz.