Oklahoma Sooners Football: Big 12 Power Rankings, Bowl Projections, Viewing Guide & Gambling Picks

Happy Wednesday, Sooner fans! Thanksgiving is almost here, and because of that (and OU’s bye week) we’re going to combine a few regular posts into one!

Big 12 Power Rankings

Last Week’s Rankings

1. Oklahoma (9-2, 8-0) - Oklahoma got off to a quick start and beat West Virginia in Morgantown by what ended up being a comfortable margin, but don’t read into it too much. Oklahoma’s flaws are still very present defensively. Would WVU have been able to exploit those flaws earlier in the game if the weather hadn’t impacted things? Probably. Even still, Oklahoma may have the best and most balanced offense in the country, and that’s usually good enough to get things done in the Big 12.
2. Oklahoma State (9-2, 7-1) - The Pokes looked pretty impressive in Ft. Worth over the weekend, holding TCU to only six points and 198 yards passing. For perspective, Kenny Hill threw for 449 yards against the Sooners back in October. Not only has Oklahoma State’s defense improved throughout the year, but their running game is starting to come along, making OSU one of the more complete teams in the country at the moment.
3. West Virginia (8-2, 5-2) - After a disappointing performance in a hyped game against Oklahoma, the Mountaineers will need to be careful to avoid a letdown this weekend at Iowa State. Holgersen’s stock has unexpectedly risen this season, but a loss to the Cyclones could bring it back down to earth.
4. Kansas State (6-4, 4-3) - The Wildcats locked up a bowl berth with a decisive win over Baylor, and they have a great shot at reaching eight wins this year. That’s great for Bill Snyder, and I know his teams often overachieve, but the fact that this KSU team is the fourth-best team in the Big 12 shows you how bad this season has been for the league.
5. TCU (5-5, 3-4) - It’s tough to make a case for any of the schools ranked 6-10 in these rankings to be higher than TCU, but this team still has a very realistic chance of missing out on a bowl berth.
6. Baylor (6-4, 3-4) - Somehow, Baylor rose in these rankings after a loss. How is that even possible? Well...
7. Texas (5-6, 3-4) - Remember last week when I gave Texas credit for having some fight in them? These guys had a chance to potentially save their beloved coach’s job by winning out, but they simply gave up down the stretch (particularly in OT) against Kansas. They have no one to blame but themselves.
8. Iowa State (3-8, 2-6) - Matt Campbell may finally have the ball rolling in Ames after a 66-10 win over Texas Tech. The Cyclones had a pretty clear advantage on the field (and on the sidelines) last Saturday, and they host West Virginia this weekend. Don’t rule out the possibility of a win over a Mountaineer team that is likely pretty dejected at the moment.
9. Texas Tech (4-7, 2-6) - Not a good week for the Texas schools in the Big 12.
10. Kansas (2-9, 1-7) - The Jayhawks may be No. 10 in the C&C Machine Power Rankings, but they’re No. 1 in our hearts after beating Texas.

Week 13 Gambling Picks

LSU (-6.5) at Texas A&M - Leonard Fournette is said to be a game-time decision for this one with a high-ankle sprain. After rushing for only 43 yards on 12 carries a week ago, I’d say he’s not going to be anywhere near full-strength if he does play. Leonard Fournette reportedly did not even make the trip to College Station this week. Even without Trevor Knight, A&M will still have an offensive advantage on Thursday. Gambling pick: Texas A&M beats the spread and wins outright.❌ Under 49.0❌

Washington (-6) at Washington State - I don’t think USC necessarily exposed Washington two weeks ago, I just think USC is on fire right now and the Huskies ran into a buzzsaw. Bob Stoops would love it if his old buddy Mike Leach could help him out, but I’m skeptical. Gambling pick: Washington covers and reaches the Pac 12 Championship.✅ Over 64.5 ❌

TCU at Texas (-3) - With everything that’s happened this week, I think Texas’ players are going to be motivated for this one. Expect an emotional game and scene in Austin on Friday. Gambling pick: Texas covers, and the players carry Charlie Strong off the field.❌ Under 59.5✅

Georgia Tech at Georgia (-4) - Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate is one of the best names for a rivalry game in college football. I was privileged to be a part of this rivalry a year ago. No, not the rivalry on the field, but the rivalry for media attention in the Atlanta area. It was nearly impossible to get more attention than UGA, but every once in a while you can break through. That’s been the case on the field, as well, since the end of the glory days of Georgia Tech football. Gambling pick: Georgia Tech breaks through this week and takes down a mediocre Georgia team.✅ Under 48.0 ❌

Michigan at Ohio State (-6.5) - Michigan is once again without quarterback Wilton Speight Speight has decided to give it a go, but I don’t think it’ll change the outcome. I know it’s a rivalry game, but Michigan will have to get lucky to pull this one out. Gambling pick: Ohio State covers.❌ Under 45.5❌

Auburn at Alabama (-17.5) - That’s an awfully big spread, but Bama has been historically dominant this season. However, I think Auburn puts up a fight despite never truly having a shot to win late in this one. Gambling pick: Auburn covers by a hair.❌ Sooooo close. Over 47.0 ❌

Florida at Florida State (-7) - Oklahoma would definitely rather play Florida than Tennessee in the Sugar Bowl (because Tennessee actually has a good offense), so Sooner fans should be rooting for the Gators in this one. Don’t count on an upset, though. Gambling pick: Florida State covers.✅ Under 45.0 ✅

Big 12 Bowl Projections

Sugar Bowl - Oklahoma vs. Tennessee

Alamo Bowl - Oklahoma State vs. Colorado

Russell Athletic Bowl - West Virginia vs. Miami

Texas Bowl - Kansas State vs. Texas A&M

Liberty Bowl - Texas vs. Ole Miss

Cactus - Baylor vs. San Diego State

I have TCU finishing at 5-7, so they will need to rely on their APR score to reach a bowl game. They had a mediocre score heading into the 2016 season, so the chances aren’t great. If they DO qualify, they go to the...

Armed Forces Bowl - TCU vs. Navy