Big 12 Power Rankings: Oklahoma State Cowboys Retake Throne

Nov 16, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleader smiles on the sideline during the game against the Baylor Bears at AT

6. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Record: 7-5 (4-5)

Previous Ranking: 6

Last Week: Bye

This Week: Texas 41, Texas Tech 16

Next Week: Bye

Tech has a long way to go before it can be considered ready to be a contender for the Big 12 conference. After starting the season 7-0 by beating up on the likes of Stephen F. Austin, Texas, State, SMU, and the bottom of the Big 12, Tech was manhandled by the top five teams in the conference. l

To some degree, there is no need to worry or panic. Tech started two freshman virtually all year – neither of whom were anticipated to be the starting quarterback coming into the season. They are among the leaders in the nation in turnovers as a result of their inexperience and change in offensive philosophy. Starting next season, many of those issues of inexperience and change will go away.

Seven wins means Tech will have the chance to practice for another few weeks to prepare for their bowl game and will have an opportunity to end the season on a high note. Both of these things will play a big part in Tech building momentum for next season, one that looks much brighter than it did just three months ago.