Big 12 Power Rankings: Oklahoma State Cowboys Retake Throne

Nov 23, 2013; Stillwater, OK, USA; Multiple Oklahoma State Cowboys celebrate after Cowboys cornerback

(26) ran a fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Baylor Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

1. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Record: 10-1 (7-1)

Previous Ranking: 2

Last Week: OSU 49, Baylor 17

This Week: Bye

Next Week: vs Oklahoma

Oklahoma State took advantage of Baylor’s off night and to a strangle hold of the Big 12 championship race, needing a win over Oklahoma to lock down a trip to the Fiesta Bowl and their second Big 12 championship in three years.

There is still an insane backdoor way the Cowboys could end up in the BCS title game if Alabama, Missouri, Auburn, and Clemson all lose and then one of Florida State or Ohio State loses as well. That’s a lot of dominos to fall, but it is not quite as crazy as you’d think it would be.

South Carolina is going to be OSU’s biggest ally in a potential BCS title appearance. Two of Missouri, Alabama, and Auburn are going to lose anyway because of the way the schedule breaks down. There is a chance all three cold lose if Missouri falls to Texas A&M and South Carolina beats either Alabama or Auburn in the SEC title game. South Carolina also plays Clemson this weekend. So with a Johnny Manziel win in Columbia this weekend and a hot steak from South Carolina, all of of Alabama, Missouri, Auburn, and Clemson could lose in the next 10 days.

Maybe the biggest leap is getting one of Florida State or Ohio State to lose. Ohio State seems like the most likely to lose a game in the next 10 as they have to go to Michigan and play Michigan State in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State will be favored in each game but they are far more likely to lose one of those games than Florida State losing to either Florida (on the road) or Duke (ACC title game).