Texas Tech and BYU Lead Big 12 Power Rankings as Playoff Stakes Rise

The latest Big 12 power rankings highlight the dominance of **Texas Tech** and **BYU**, as the conference prepares for crucial matchups that could impact the **College Football Playoff** (CFP) landscape. With only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, the stakes are high for teams vying for playoff spots.

As the fourth CFP rankings are set to be released, Texas Tech is expected to secure a position within the top five or six teams. Conversely, **Utah**, which was ranked 12th last week, faces a precarious situation. The two-loss Utes risk slipping to the 13th position, potentially falling behind **Miami**, which recently demonstrated a strong performance against a sub-.500 opponent.

The implications of these rankings extend beyond mere placement. If Miami surpasses Utah and concludes the season with a victory over **Pittsburgh**, they could secure an at-large bid, while Utah’s chances would dwindle significantly. Given that Miami does not control its destiny in the **Atlantic Coast Conference** (ACC), a solid finish for the Hurricanes could complicate the playoff picture, leaving Utah on the outside looking in.

Should these scenarios unfold, the Big 12 would likely only have one two-bid possibility: if BYU defeats Texas Tech in the conference championship, it would relegate the Red Raiders to the at-large pool. This potential outcome raises skepticism about the Big 12’s ability to secure multiple playoff spots this season.

Current Standings and Upcoming Matches

1. **Texas Tech**
– Result: Did not play
– Next up: at **West Virginia**
– Comment: Texas Tech enters the matchup as 21-point favorites, transforming what was anticipated to be an exciting final week into a potentially uneventful contest unless West Virginia’s coach **Rich Rodriguez** can devise a game-changing strategy.

2. **BYU**
– Result: Defeated **Cincinnati** 26-14
– This victory solidifies BYU’s standing and keeps the pressure on other contenders in the conference.

The Big 12 is characterized by its remarkable parity, which often leads to unpredictable outcomes. This season, the competition remains fierce, with numerous teams still in contention for playoff spots. With the selection committee’s upcoming decisions looming, fans and analysts alike are keenly awaiting how this will all play out.

As the season draws to a close, the dynamics of the Big 12 could reshape not only the conference’s playoff representation but also the future of several programs. Each game remains critical, with teams keenly aware that their chances hang in the balance.