Big 12 Power Rankings: Yes, Kansas is Going to Win the Big 12

There was a time in the not too distant past where Oklahoma was looking like a legitimate Big 12 title contender (in hoops!), Oklahoma State was looking postseason tournament bound (the Big Dance and not the NIT!), and Kansas’ Big 12 title streak was likely ending.

Things change quickly, huh?

OU’s now lost six straight, Oklahoma State is fading quicker than a Taylor Swift relationship, and Kansas — yes, Kansas, act surprised! — is probably going to clinch at least a share of the conference crown. Again.

When will we learn?!

Let’s get to this week’s Big 12 power rankings.

1. Kansas (22-6, 11-4 Big 12)

If you tell me before the season that Kansas would lose two conference home games with three regular season games left, I’d tell you that Bob Huggins and West Virginia were already getting fitted for Big 12 title rings.

But the Jayhawks throttled Oklahoma on Monday, asserting themselves as the top team in the conference with an 11-4 record. The Red Raiders are hot on their heels, but have the injury bug biting at every turn.

2. Texas Tech (22-5, 10-4 Big 12)

Texas Tech needed to win on Saturday over Baylor to keep pace with Kansas in the standings, but instead Chris Beard’s team fell a half-game back. And things get worse: Keenan Evans is iffy for Wednesday’s game vs. Oklahoma State. (Actually, that’s a good thing.)

I’m not sure the Red Raiders are equipped to finish this season out strong, especially with red-hot Kansas coming to town on Saturday.

3. West Virginia (19-8, 8-6 Big 12)

Some days WVU disgusts me, others (like Tuesday night), the Mountaineers look Final Four good. But after blowing a double-digit lead vs. Kansas AT Kansas on Saturday, I don’t feel good putting them higher than third. That one left a bad taste in my mouth, and I’m sure Bob Huggins feels the same.

4. Kansas State (19-8, 8-6 Big 12)

Kansas State’s quietly in fourth place in the Big 12, and it continues to take care of business in games it should win. In fact, its only losses in league play have come to Texas Tech, Kansas and West Virginia.

If the trend holds, the Wildcats will be 12-6 at regular season’s end. Not bad for a coach who had one of the hottest seats in the league entering the season.

5. Baylor (17-10, 7-7 Big 12)

Thanks to temperamental West Virginia deciding to play otherworldly on Tuesday, Baylor’s win streak snapped at five. But the Bears have thrust themselves firmly into the NCAA Tournament field, so long as they can take care of games they are favored in from here on out.

6. TCU (18-9, 6-8 Big 12)

If TCU gets to the postseason (which I think it will), it could be a dangerous team given the right matchup. They have looked solid against Oklahoma State this season and remained mostly competitive in losses, but they aren’t going to ever overwhelm you with talent. At least not yet. The Frogs still have work to do to land inside the tournament field.

7. Texas (16-11, 6-8 Big 12)

Andrew Jones’ cancer diagnosis put the Horns into a lull on the court, but they snapped their skid Saturday against Oklahoma because, well, everyone seems to be getting the best of Oklahoma lately. Texas needs to win at least two more to hop into the postseason field, and OSU, K-State, WVU and Kansas are all on the docket.

8. Oklahoma State (15-12, 5-9 Big 12)

Winning over Kansas and West Virginia in consecutive weekends provided a sliver of hope that the Big Dance was in the cards, but uh, double-digit losses to Baylor and TCU has me thinking otherwise.

I legitimately have no idea what to expect from the Cowboys on Wednesday against Texas Tech.

9. Oklahoma (16-11, 6-9 Big 12)

Even at 6-9 in the conference, I actually think Oklahoma is the worst team in the league right now.

It’s one thing to get beat in Allen Fieldhouse. Because everyone loses at Allen Fieldhouse. But the Sooners folded the cards five minutes in and looked completely uninterested in competing.

Things are suddenly trending towards OU being a bubble team, just two weeks after being tabbed a 4-seed by the selection committee in its in-season bracket preview. It’s that bad.

10. Iowa State (13-13, 4-10 Big 12)

Iowa State is pretty close to locking down the worst record in the Big 12 this season, and things aren’t likely going to get better. Nick Weiler-Babb has been ruled out for the season and Solomon Young is likely done after a knee surgery, officially ushering in a youth movement as the Cyclones look to build for next season.

If I were Steve Prohm, I’d try tanking for more Lindell Wiggington’s.