BIG 12 POWER RANKINGS: WEEK 7

Lots of action this week. But no really surprises. Here's where the Big 12 stands after 7

1. TCU

TCU took care of business against Kansas State and remain the only unbeaten team in the Big 12.

2. OKLAHOMA STATE

The Orange Mullet Heads took care of Baylor 59-16. They may sneak back into the top depending on how TCU does moving forward.

3. OKLAHOMA

The Sooners held off Texas at the Cotton Bowl. OU has some issues on defense that may become a problem as they head into the meat of the schedule.

4. WEST VIRGINIA

The Mountaineers came back and beat Texas Tech in the fourth quarter after being down 17-28 at the half. This could be a turning point for West Virginia but it will be hard to beat anyone with only 44 yards rushing.

5. TEXAS TECH

The Red Raiders played better than West Virginia in almost every aspect of the game (except kicking) but collapsed in the fourth to let the ‘Neers back in. This game against Iowa State is a must win and will be crucial in regaining momentum before traveling to Norman in two weeks.

6. IOWA STATE

The Cyclones followed up a win against Oklahoma by absolutely dismantling Kansas. The Cyclones should feel pretty confident heading into Lubbock this week

7. TEXAS

The Longhorns kept it close but couldn't pull off the upset against Oklahoma. It won't get easier as the Horns take on Oklahoma State this week.

8. KANSAS STATE

Kansas State just can't get anything going against TCU. The Wildcats just don't have any way to replace Ertz and sadly their season might be effectively over.

9. KANSAS

The Jayhawks got blown out at home by Iowa State, which says more about Iowa State than it does about Kansas.

10. BAYLOR

The Bears are 0-6 now. I like to think that it's just as hard to go winless as it is to go undefeated so I think the Bears will get an upset over someone. But karma is a funny thing isn't it.

THREE AND OUT: WEST VIRGINIA

FIRST DOWN

It was a tale of two halves for the offense. The Red Raiders came in swinging as Shimonek and company chalked up four touchdowns in the first half. The second half however things were a different story as a 30 yard touchdown run by Tre King was the only score the Red Raiders could pull off. Four out of the seven drives in the second half ended in punts. Besides a touchdown, the others ended in a missed field goal and an interception. The bright side was that the running game still looked improved as the Red Raiders averaged 5.8 yards a carry on the ground.

SECOND DOWN

The defense continued to be a bright spot this season. Tech held West Virginia to just 44 total yards rushing. Jah'Shawn Johnson was the leading tackler for the Red Raiders with six solo tackles and one tackle for a loss. The d-line kept the pressure on Grier and recorded four sacks against the Mountaineers. Desmon Smith also had his first interception of the season with a pick late in the third quarter.

THIRD DOWN

Michael Bardon missed three field goals last Saturday. Field goals have been an ongoing issue with Clayton Hatfield out with an injury and this time I believe it cost the game. The most damaging miss came just before halftime when Tech had a chance to go up by two scores and carry the momentum into the second half. While West Virginia ended up winning by more than the nine points that were left off the board, the misses kept Tech from putting the Mountaineers away and turned the momentum in their favor.

AND OUT

It's hard to blame Bardon too much as he was only supposed to be the kickoff specialist this season. To put the situation in perspective, it would be like if the quarterback went down and a wide receiver who played qb in high school was called to replace him. Despite this, Bardon has been solid so far this season. Regardless, if Tech can't find a way to be consistent, then this won't be the last time Tech struggles to hold onto a lead.

LOOKING AHEAD.

The Red Raiders return to the friendly confines to take on the Iowa State Cyclones for homecoming.

PREVIEW: WEST VIRGINIA

GAME INFO

LOCATION: MORGANTOWN, WV

VENUE: MILAN PUSKAR STADIUM

TIME: 11:00 AM CST

WATCH: ESPNU, WatchESPN

LISTEN: TTSN, TUNE IN

TEXAS TECH

RECORD: 4-1

LAST RESULT: W 65-19

WEST VIRGINIA

2017 RECORD: 3-2

2016 RECORD: 10-3

LAST RESULT: L 31-24 AT TCU

SERIES INFO

LAST MEETING: 10-15-2016

LAST RESULT: L 48-17

SERIES RECORD: WVU LEADS 4-2

CURRENT STREAK: WVU (3)

SPREAD

WEST VIRGINIA -3.5

The Red Raiders travel to Morgantown, WV to take on the West Virginia Mountaineers. This is the 7th meeting between the Red Raiders and Mountaineers, who have played every year since West Virginia joined the Big 12 in 2012.

This is the 7th season for West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen who has a record of 49 and 33 with the Mountaineers. Holgerson in was the Texas Tech offensive coordinator from 2005 to 2007 and the inside receivers coach from 2000 to 2004.

WHAT TO WATCH

OFFENSE.

This will be another opportunity for Texas Tech to build some momentum on offense, particularly in the running game. West Virginia allowed 288 rushing yards from Kansas a couple weeks ago and the Mountaineer secondary continues to be a weak point as well.

Look for the offense to come out swinging. With Coutee back and healthy, I would expect Shimonek and company to really pick apart the Mountaineer secondary. The key however, will be for the running game to pick up where they left off in Lawrence. The KU defense was really bad so I wouldn't expect another 300+ day from the running backs. But if they can pull off 3 yards a carry and keep the defense honest, then it should be a good day for the Red Raider offense.

DEFENSE

The West Virginia offense is pretty good. Will Grier passed for 366 yards and 3 touchdowns against a good TCU defense. The Mountaineer running backs put up great numbers against weak opponents but struggled to be productive against TCU.

The key here will be for the front seven to once again stop the run and force West Virginia to become one dimensional.

Turnovers will also be a key. Will Grier has thrown an interception in four out of five games this season and the Red Raider defense come in ranked in the top 10 in takeaways. If this becomes a shootout, winning the turnover margin will be crucial if the Red Raiders hope to come out of Morgantown with a win.

FINAL NOTE

I don't want to call this a must win because I believe it is possible to bounce back if the Red Raiders drop this one. However, with Tech making the AP polls for the first time since 2013, this game is a great opportunity to really set the tone for the rest of the season. If Tech can come out of Morgantown with a win, then the momentum will be all on Tech's suse as they head into the heart of Big 12 play.

PREDICTION

TEXAS TECH 38 WEST VIRGINIA 28

BIG 12 POWER RANKINGS: WEEK 6

Lots of action this week from upsets to blowouts. Here are the power rankings this week.

1. TCU

TCU is now the only unbeaten team in the Big 12. They played a great game against a tough West Virginia team. Their schedule lightens up until November so if TCU can take care of business, they should be in good shape to take a trip to Arlington in December.

2. OKLAHOMA STATE

The pokes were off this week but the win against Texas Tech looks pretty good after this week. Iowa State's upset of OU doesn't hurt either.

3. OKLAHOMA

The Sooners were upset at home by Iowa State. I think most of us thought that the Baylor game was a fluke for the most part, but now I wonder if Boomer Sooner is on the verge of a major melt down.

4. WEST VIRGINIA

The Mountaineers lost another close one to the Horned Frogs. Since TCU is doing good right now, West Virginia will stay at #4. Next week will be a huge indication of where this team is.

5. TEXAS TECH

The Red Raiders earned a spot in the top 25 with a blowout win over Kansas. Next week will be huge as the Raiders travel to take on a wounded West Virginia team.

6. IOWA STATE

The Cyclones defied odds and took out Oklahoma on the road. Iowa State has a chance to build some momentum against Kansas before facing Texas Tech on the road in two weeks.

7. TEXAS

The Longhorns pulled off a tough overtime win against Kansas State. They still have a lot to work out offensively, but the Horns needed this one before the Red River Shootout next week.

8. KANSAS STATE

Kansas State appears to be on the verge of collapse. It won't get easier for the Wildcats as they take on TCU this week at home.

9. KANSAS

The Jayhawks got blown out at home by Texas Tech. They still have one thing Baylor Doesn't… a win.

10. BAYLOR

I'll quote John Lennon in honor of his birthday. “Instant Karma” has a hold of Baylor who now has to finish 6-1 to become bowl eligible. It doesn't get easy this week as the Bears have to take on Oklahoma State in Stillwater.

THREE AND OUT: KANSAS

FIRST DOWN.

The Red Raiders ran the ball about as well as we've seen them in recent years. Texas Tech rushed for 313 yards at 6 yards per carry. Stockton was the leading rusher with 161 rushing yards and one touchdown. Nisby also recorded 93 yards and four touchdowns. Nisby had previously been underutilized due to issues learning the playbook, so this is a step in the right direction. As Nisby progresses, we could really see a lot of opportunities not just in the run, but in the play action pass as well.

SECOND DOWN.

The defense showed up once again and I'm convinced that creating turnovers and stopping the run is now the norm for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders held Kansas to 112 rushing yards, the same team that rushed for 367 yards a week ago. Jordyn Brookes was the leading tackler with 10 tackles. The Tech defense also came away with four turno (two interceptions and two fumble recoveries) which once again puts Tech in the top 10 in creating turnovers.

THIRD DOWN.

Special Teams once again was a little shaky. Bardon missed a 44 yarder in the third quarter and struggled with the kickoffs early on. Freshman Matthew Cluck made a 26 yard field goal in garbage time. We'll see if that prompts any changes before West Virginia as I am losing faith that Clayton Hatfield will return at all this season.

AND OUT

Jett Duffey did not make the trip to Lawrence last week. Kingsbury said in the post game press conference that Duffey was dealing with a sore arm. While a lot of fans were quick to assume that Duffey was having disciplinary issues. While Kingsbury is not one to call out a players off the field issues, I am inclined to believe that there truly is nothing going on. While Kingsbury never says too much, he usually labels these as  “internal team issues”. But only time will tell.

LOOKING AHEAD

Texas Tech will travel to Morgantown to take on the West Virginia Mountaineers.

PREVIEW: KANSAS

GAME INFO

LOCATION: LAWRENCE, KS

VENUE: MEMORIAL STADIUM

TIME: 11:00 AM CST

WATCH: FS1, FOX SPORTS GO

LISTEN: TTSN, TUNE IN

TEXAS TECH

RECORD: 3-1

LAST: L 41-34 VS OKLAHOMA STATE

KANSAS

2017 RECORD: 1-3

2016 RECORD: 2-10

LAST RESULT: L 56-34 AT WEST VIRGINIA 

SERIES INFO

LAST MEETING: 9-29-16

LAST RESULT: W 55-19

SERIES RECORD: TTU LEADS 17-1

CURRENT STREAK: TTU 10 GAMES

SPREAD

TEXAS TECH -16.5

The Red Raiders look to bounce back on the road against Kansas this Saturday. Kansas comes off a bye week and hopes to bounce back after a loss against West Virginia, a game that was much closer than the final score indicated.

WHAT TO WATCH

OFFENSE.

The Kansas defense is atrocious. That being said the Red Raider offense has struggled in Lawrence the last few trips going back to 2012. This will be a good opportunity hopefully to correct some issues, specifically in the offensive line. Expect Kansas to try to take advantage of what was a pretty weak point last week. Tech should be able to handle anything the Jayhawks throw at them however and I would expect to see a much improved running game from Tech.

DEFENSE

Kansas was able to put 34 points against West Virginia two weeks ago and most of that came on the ground. Khalil Herbert recorded 291 yards and two touchdowns against the Mountaineers and I’d expect the Jayhawks to try to pound Tech on the ground. If the linebackers do their job (and I fully expect them to), and force Kansas to try to beat Tech through the air, then this should be a very successful day for the Red Raiders.

FINAL NOTE

Texas Tech should win this game, and win it convincingly. After a tough loss like last week I would expect Shimonek and company to play with a lot of emotion and this could be a chance to make a statement and get back on track. If Tech plays flat however, it could be difficult to get back in a groove before traveling to Morgantown in two weeks.

PREDICTION

TEXAS TECH 52 KANSAS 17

EAT AND EXPLORE: LAWRENCE KS

EAT

THE ROOST

With an 11 am kickoff you'll want to get a good breakfast before the game. The Roost is a great local spot that offers traditional American fare. Menu items include everything from pancakes and french toast, to corned beef hash and even a campfire breakfast with eggs, cornbread and beans. The Roost also has a coffee bar and bakery, as well as a full service bar.

THE BURGER STAND

While you can't visit Lawrence without trying Free State Brewing Company, the Burger Stand is definitely worth a visit. Menu items include a traditional burger with Wisconsin cheddar, a kobe burger with red onions and truffle butter, and Nathan's Hot Dogs. Don't forget the fries, which come in original, cajun, truffle and even poutine.

SYLAS & MADDY’S

This ice cream parlor is a must try according to locals. Patrons swear by their waffle cones and they have flavors ranging from all the classic to snickers, bubblegum and orange sorbet.

EXPLORE

The Unmistakably Lawrence website offers a great picture of some great things to do before and after the game.

Downtown Lawrence, specifically Massachusetts Ave, is the food and shopping hub of the city. Some great stops include the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, which is a museum dedicated to the early settlers of the area.

Just south of Lawrence is Clinton Lake, which offers 7,000 miles of boating, fishing and hiking.