Hotline Big 12 power rankings for Week 8: BYU on top after beating Notre Dame

The Big 12 football power rankings are published on the Hotline each Monday throughout the regular season. The placement of teams reflects both the latest results and season-long performance. (Call them objectively subjective.) For comparative purposes, we have included each team's position in last week's rankings.

(All times Pacific)

1. BYU (6-0/3-0)

Result: beat Notre Dame 28-24

Next up: at UCF (12:30 p.m. on Fox)

Comment: When you beat Notre Dame and soar into the national conversation, matchups with UCF end up on Fox in a high-visibility window. And Bear Bachmeier's quest for the Heisman Trophy receives a massive boost in exposure. (Last week: 2)

2. Texas Tech (6-0/3-0)

Result: beat Arizona State 53-25

Next up: at Cincinnati (9 a.m. on FS1)

Comment: Now that was the type of dominant performance, on both sides of scrimmage, that so many expected from the Red Raiders. Better six games late than never. (Last week: 4)

3. Utah (6-0/3-0)

Result: won at Colorado 27-24

Next up: vs. Houston (7:15 p.m. on ESPN)

Comment: We aren't sure if boredom has taken root or opponents have figured out the offense or the Utes simply aren't as good as everyone thought. But wobbly performances against two second-rate opponents (Kansas and Colorado) should be mildly concerning for the folks in Salt Lake City with the heart of the schedule approaching. (Last week: 1)

4. Arizona (5-1/2-1)

Result: did not play

Next up: vs. Iowa State (4:30 p.m. on ESPN2)

Comment: The 11-point loss in Provo did not look bad at the time (Week 2) and looks even better now. But the Wildcats must keep winning to reap the full ancillary benefits of BYU's victory over Notre Dame. (Last week: 3)

5. Houston (6-1/3-1)

Result: beat Oklahoma State 35-32

Next up: at Utah (7:15 p.m. on ESPN)

Comment: The Cougars are in the middle of their toughest stretch. If they win Saturday, a berth in the conference championship could follow. The November schedule is as soft as the stretch run ever gets. (Last week: 6)

6. Oklahoma State (4-2/2-1)

Result: lost at Houston 35-32

Next up: vs. Colorado (4 p.m. on FS1)

Comment: We can eliminate the Cowboys from the CFP race unless they win out and claim the Big 12 championship. No chance the committee will invite them with three losses — and one of them to fast-fading Tulsa. (Last week: 5)

7. West Virginia (4-3/1-3)

Result: beat Cincinnati 45-42

Next up: at TCU (9 a.m. on ESPN2)

Comment: It's entirely possible that the Mountaineers have the best offense and the worst defense in the Big 12, and we are here for every yard gained and point scored. (Last week: 9)

8. Baylor (4-2/2-1)

Result: lost to TCU 17-6

Next up: at Kansas (10 a.m. on TNT)

Comment: An inexcusable loss for the Bears considering the location, performance and opponent. Let's move Dave Aranda back onto the Hot Seat this week, shall we? (Last week: 7)

9. Arizona State (3-3/1-2)

Result: lost at Texas Tech 53-25

Next up: vs. Kansas State (12:45 p.m. on ESPN2)

Comment: Don't look now, but it appears coach Kenny Dillingham, the QB whisperer, picked the wrong QB. Alas, he has plenty of company. (Washington's Jedd Fisch sends his regards.) Can Mikey Keene lead a second-half surge? Yes, but only if the Sun Devils run the ball effectively. (Last week: 8)

10. Kansas State (4-2/1-2)

Result: beat Kansas 35-24

Next up: at Arizona State (12:45 p.m. on ESPN2)

Comment: Don't look now, but an eight-win season is very much in play for the Wildcats after they defeated Kansas for the 18th consecutive time. (Last week: 12)

11. UCF (3-3/1-2)

Result: did not play

Next up: vs. BYU (12:30 p.m. on Fox)

Comment: We're sounding the upset alert for Orlando this week with the Knights coming off a bye and the Cougars coming off the biggest win of their lives. (Last week: 10)

12. Cincinnati (4-2/1-2)

Result: lost at West Virginia 45-42

Next up: vs. Texas Tech (9 a.m. on FS1)

Comment: The Bearcats blew a seven-point lead to West Virginia with five minutes left and, as a result, are facing vastly more difficult bowl math. If they finish one win short of the threshold, blame the stumble in Morgantown. (Last week: 11)

13. Iowa State (3-3/1-2)

Result: did not play

Next up: at Arizona (4:30 p.m. on ESPN2)

Comment: Much like Utah fans are rooting against Kyle Whittingham at Michigan, Iowa State constituents are undoubtedly watching Matt Campbell struggle at Penn State with a dash of satisfaction. (Last week: 13)

14. TCU (3-3/1-2)

Result: won at Baylor 17-6

Next up: vs. West Virginia (9 a.m. on ESPN2)

Comment: Just when we were preparing to put Sonny Dykes atop the Big 12 Hot Seat list, he pulls a surprise in Waco. Alas, there will be more chances, we suspect. (Last week: 16)

15. Colorado (2-4/0-3)

Result: lost to Utah 27-24

Next up: at Oklahoma State (4 p.m. on FS1)

Comment: Recall our reference to Kenny Dillingham picking the wrong quarterback coming out of training camp? Deion Sanders seemingly did the same with Julian Lewis over Isaac Wilson. (Last week: 15)

16. Kansas (2-4/0-3)

Result: lost at Kansas State 35-24

Next up: vs. Baylor (10 a.m. on TNT)

Comment: At this point, it's all about playing the spoiler for KU ... well, that and perhaps figuring out coach Lance Leipold's future. (Last week: 14)

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