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College football: Big 12 power rankings sees Kansas State move up

Kansas State. Really?

You better start believing in Chris Klieman’s team that went into SEC Country and left Mississippi State with an upset victory Saturday.

The Wildcats are 3-0 in Klieman’s first three games coaching at this Power Five level. They’re No. 25 on the Amway Coaches poll.

And Kansas?

Again ... really ?

The Jayhawks entered last Friday’s Boston College game with 48 consecutive Power Five road losses — and exited with a 48-24 win.

“If anybody wants to know why a guy would come back to college football, this night tells you how much fun and how important college football is,” new coach Les Miles said in the post-game press conference. “Rock Chalk Jayhawk, KU.”

The conference has an impressive combined 22-5 record after Week 3. That .815 winning percentage is the best in Power Five.

And it gets more fun Saturday, when Texas entertains Oklahoma State on ABC.

Here's how the conference stacks up

No. 1 Oklahoma (3-0) Last week’s ranking : 1

Most recent result: Oklahoma 48, UCLA 14

In a nutshell: How about QB Jalen Hurts, an Alabama transfer, leading former teammate Tua Tagovailoa in some Heisman Trophy polls? That’s understandable, considering his 880 passing passing yards and 373 more on the ground.

Next game: Sept. 28 vs. Texas Tech.

No. 2 Texas (2-1) Last week’s ranking: 2

Most recent result: Texas 48, Rice 13

In a nutshell: Is anyone still somewhat concerned about the offense after Saturday’s 509-yard splurge against Rice? Those yards came on just 70 plays. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger has 1,077 total yards in three games, and that, too, is impressive.

On deck: vs. Oklahoma State, 7:30 p.m. (ET) Saturday on ABC.

No. 3 TCU (2-0) Last week’s ranking: 5

Most recent result: TCU 34, Purdue 13

In a nutshell: True freshman Max Duggan didn’t start last Saturday, but played more than veteran Alex Delton. Don’t be surprised if he’s eventually the No. 1. He doesn’t have to be great, considering a defense that’s giving up an average of just 209.5 yards a game is second nationally.

On deck: vs. SMU (3-0), 3:30 p.m. (ET) on FS1.

No. 4 Oklahoma State (3-0) Last week’s ranking: 4

Most recent result: Oklahoma State 40, Tulsa 21

In a nutshell: Saturday is appointment viewing, not only for Big 12 fans, but for college football fans everywhere. Cowboys at Longhorns promises to be a doozie. Okie State coach Mike Gundy is 7-2 against the Longhorns since 2010.

On deck: at Texas (2-1), 7:30 p.m. (ET), on ABC.