Big 12 Power Rankings: Oklahoma State Needs Win Over Oklahoma to Clinch Big 12 Championship

Nov 28, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns tailback

runs the ball against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

4. Texas Longhorns

Record: 8-3 (7-1)

Previous Ranking: 4

Last Week: Texas 41, Texas Tech 16

This Week: at #9 Baylor

Texas will be playing for a share of the Big 12 title Saturday, which seems so insane given the way the season started out for them. Their task won’t be easy, however, as they’ll travel to Waco to face a Baylor team that may be just one win away from a BCS game berth.

For Texas to beat Baylor they are going to need Case McCoy to have the game of his life – similar to the one he had against Oklahoma earlier in the season. Baylor is going to score at least 40 points, and that is a little bit more of a certainty since they have scored at least 41 in every home game so far this season. Protecting the ball, getting points out of as many possessions as possible, and forcing Bryce Petty into turnovers are the keys to the game.

If Texas falls, it’ll be interesting to see what the vibe is around Mack Brown. An 8-4 season given the way the year started and all the injuries that were accumulated may be enough to save his job. And with USC and maybe Florida and Nebraska looking for new head coaches, this may not be the best time to be on the coaching market.

However, if Nick Saban is truly available, of course you have to make the switch.