Big 12 Power Rankings: Baylor’s Offense Proves Ready for Big 12 Schedule

Oct 5, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is helped off the field against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Texas Tech won the game 54-16. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

3. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Record: 5-0 (2-0)

Previous Ranking: 3

Last Week: Texas Tech 54, Kansas 16

This Week: vs. Iowa State

Next Week: at West Virginia

Texas Tech crushed Kansas as expected, but lost starting quarterback Baker Mayfield to an injured knee. Early reports are that there is no structural damage and he should not miss the rest of the season. But he is going to miss time, which means backup quarterback – a person with an actual scholarship – Davis Webb will take over the starting gig for the time being.

Webb has been a turnover machine, but has also created a lot of big plays in the passing game. He’s thrown for six touchdowns and four interceptions, while competing only 51.4% of his passes. Fortunately for Webb, he’ll have games against Iowa State and West Virginia to work out the kinks before he has a showdown with Oklahoma’s defense.

With Mayfield out for an extended period of time, Tech’s running backs are going to have to shoulder some kind of load. Maker Mayfield is the second leading rusher on the team, and has the most carries of any player on the roster. DeAndre Washington is averaging just three yards per carry, while Kenny Williams is going for 2.9 yards a pop. This may mean Washington and Williams need to do better in the short passing game, which is something they’ve shown flashes of this season. Tech is going to need them to be more involved to help limit Webb’s mistakes.

Tech has an excellent chance, even with the Mayfield injury, to be 7-0 by Oklahoma game. Pull out a win against either OU or Oklahoma State at home the next week, and Tech could find themselves in a very nice bowl game this winter.