1. Houston — Last Week: 1 (5-0)
Retribution was on the Cougars’ minds in their 42-14 massacre of UConn, avenging their sole loss from last year’s near-perfect season. The offense were organized as Spartans in formation, thrusting their spears in unison against a hapless defensive opponent, totaling 318 total yards. Credit is due to Houston’s DTs, whom accounted for four sacks.
2. Texas A&M — Last Week: 2 (5-0)
With a loss, Louisville somehow made it to the no. 7 seed over the Aggies (no. 8), despite the quality of wins A&M has accumulated to date. Blame it on the injury bug — an epidemic that nearly caused the contagion to infect their perfect record against the Gamecocks. The offense had difficulties moving the ball, and the absences on the field were apparent. Currently recovering: defensive end Myles Garrett, offensive tackles Jermaine Eluemunor, receiver Ricky Seals-Jones, and receiver Speedy Noil. Coach Sumlin was willing to give his beat up locker room some R&R before next weekend’s matchup against no. 11 Tennessee, and it nearly cost him. A&M is 5-0 in three consecutive seasons for the first time since 1939-1941.
Texas A&M fans deep fry South Carolina helmet https://t.co/WKsrD9UOaX pic.twitter.com/EAQgQffAA4
— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) September 28, 2016
3. Baylor — Last Week: 3 (5-0)
The Bears are still the best team in the Big 12, but Iowa State didn’t make their reign easy Saturday, nearly upsetting Baylor before they notched their fifth win in a 45-42 victory. Baylor should cruise to a Week 9 contest at Texas undefeated behind 42 points and 549 yards of total offense a game — statistics that will surely vault them in the top-10 conversation. However, sexual assault allegations continue to cast sinister blemishes over the team’s perfect record; an unusual PSA of students pledging to prevent assault plays during the team’s warmups at Waco home games — a disturbing prelude to a game valued over the well being of college kids.
4. Tech — Last Week: 6 (4-1)
Call it the “curse of the cover boy”. So far, both Texas Football front-pagers have been injured this season. First, Westlake’s Sam Ehlinger busted both his knees. Now, the Red Raiders’ Patrick Mahomes left against the Jayhawks with his right shoulder dangling beneath his pads. Fortunately, Tech’s offense under quarterback wizard Kingbury should be fine. Backup Nic Shimonek produced with four touchdowns and 271 yards of offense. Take the Raiders success with a grain of salt; Kansas hasn’t had a winning season since 2008.
Good luck to @TTUKingsbury and his @TexasTechFB team this season in the @Big12Conference! #LookinGood! pic.twitter.com/jNSlraHvuA
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) September 16, 2016
5. TCU — Last Week: 4 (3-2)
Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield acted like a scorned lover against the Horned Frogs, claiming TCU lead him on in the recruiting process and causing him to turn down numerous scholarship offers. The Sooners quarterback is now a perfect 3-0 against Gary Patterson’s program, and is clearly the individual that came out ahead after a broken relationship. TCU quarterback Kenny Hill looked solid, but the defensive did not: allowing 31.4 points per game so far — the highest since 2004.
Watch out, world. TCU has PURPLE CHROME FROG helmets. https://t.co/lkpN1WcNgm pic.twitter.com/extC4LskEG
— SB Nation (@SBNation) September 29, 2016
6. UT — Last Week: 5 (2-2)
7. Texas State — Last Week: 10 (2-2)
8. SMU — Last Week: 9 (2-3)
9. UNT — Last Week: 8 (2-3)
10. UTSA — Last Week: 7 (1-3)
11. UTEP — Last Week: 11 (1-4)
12. Rice — Last Week: 12 (0-5)
