Uncertainty about the health of Utah star quarterback Cam Rising wasn’t enough to sway voters in Week 2 of the Big 12 Power Rankings.
The Utes tightened their grip on the top spot, receiving 12 of a possible 16 first-place votes from a panel of media that regularly covers the Big 12. The first-place total was an increase from seven Utah received after the opening week of the season.
Iowa State and Arizona State tied for the biggest jumps in this week’s rankings, with the Cyclones climbing from seventh to fourth and the Sun Devils moving up from 11th to eighth and finishing just one point behind seventh-place TCU.
Kansas tumbled from fourth to ninth after a loss to Illinois.
1. Utah
Previous ranking: 1
Points: 250 (12 first-place votes)
Record: 2-0
Last week: beat Baylor, 23-12
This week: at Utah State
Comment: Utah’s worst fear came true on Saturday. Cam Rising suffered an injury to his right hand after being shoved into the water coolers on Baylor’s sideline by a defender. It’s unclear how bad his injury is or how long he’ll be out, but the Utes offense looked sluggish without him.
Did you know? Without Cam Rising, Utah’s offense ranked second to last in the Pac-12 in total offense a season ago, just ahead of a 3-9 Arizona State. — Jason Batacao, The Salt Lake Tribune
2. Oklahoma State
Previous ranking: 2
Points: 230 (two first-place votes)
Record: 2-0
Last week: beat Arkansas, 39-31 in double overtime
This week: at Tulsa
Comment: Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy is considering making schematic changes to his defense following what appears to be a season-ending injury to edge Collin Oliver. D-II transfer Obi Ezeigbo should start in his place unless OSU eliminates the position since that move was made primarily to capitalize on Oliver’s talents.
Did you know? Oklahoma State safety Trey Rucker leads the nation in…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ranking-16-teams-big-12-233632761.html
Author : AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
Publish date : 2024-09-10 23:36:32
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