1. TCU — Last Week: 1 (6-0)
Photo: Scott Sewell/USA Today Sports
If the CFP started tomorrow, the Horned Frogs would be in the playoff with losses to both Clemson and Washington State. TCU’s defense has been a deciding factor, holding opponent’s scoring to below their season average. The following is how the opposing offense has stacked up as of today:
Jackson State: 0/13.2
Arkansas: 7/28.7
SMU: 36/43.8
Oklahoma State: 31/48.8
West Virginia: 24/44.2
Kansas State: 6/31.7
2. Texas A&M — Last Week: 4 (5-2)
Kim Klement/USA Today Sports
The Aggies haven’t been the prettiest team to watch this year, but they’re still grinding out victories. Unlike years past, where coach Kevin Sumlin’s steams embarked on a hot start, only to endure late-season collapses and drop the Aggies to 4–4 or 3–5 in SEC play each year, this year’s team hasn’t displayed much fatigue yet. It is interesting to note that last year’s unit had a 7-1 start, before they fell apart in the latter half of the season. Easy ones against Mississippi State and New Mexico in two of the next three games could pave the way for an improved regular season outcome.
3. Texas Tech — Last Week: 2 (4-2)
Ben Queen/USA Today Sports
The Red Raiders had the game in the bag against West Virginia, before blowing an 18-point lead and allowed the Mountaineers to rally off 29 straight. The Tech defense allowed 166 yards in comparison to the Raiders’ 16 total in the fourth quarter. The offense didn’t fare much better; Big 12 quarterback surprise Nic Shimonek hurled four touchdowns in the first half, only to wilt in the second. With next week’s opponent Iowa State boasting consecutive victories against Tech — and being amongst the most improved Big 12 teams — the Red Raiders may have hit their ceiling.
4. Houston — Last Week: 3 (4-2)
Sep 23, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars wide receiver John Leday (85) runs with the ball as Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Desmon Smith (4) attempts to make a tackle during the third quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
In what could only be described as a rebuilding year in the post-Tom Herman era, the Cougars have displayed remarkable highs and lows this season. The lowest so far was their embarrassing loss at the hands of Tulsa last Saturday. The Cougars usually staunch defense allowed a bad Tulsa offense 416 yards with 288 yards on the ground. Things don’t get easier against ranked Memphis, a team that will likely put numbers on the board after Houston has allowed two consecutive games of over 400 yards.
5. North Texas — Last Week: 7 (4-2)
Lauren Landes/TexasHSFootball.com
Originally, the UTSA Roadrunners were considered the best surprise of the Texas FBS. After the Mean Green embarked on a 98-yard drive to upset their San Antonio rivals, UNT are now the successful underdog story in the Lonestar State. Quarterback Mason Fine lead the upset effort with 354 yards and three touchdowns. North Texas now finds themselves at 3-0 in conference for the first time since 2013.
6. Texas — Last Week: 5 (3-3)
7. SMU — Last Week: 6 (4-2)
8. UTSA — Last Week: 8 (3-2)
9. Baylor — Last Week: 9 (0-6)
10. Rice — Last Week: 10 (1-5)
11. Texas State — Last Week: 11 (1-6)
12. UTEP — Last Week: 12 (0-7)
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