Oklahoma started the college football year as a favorite to play in the BCS Championship Game. Texas entered the 2011 season just looking to be Texas again and rebuild from a 5-7 campaign that led to a shakeup of Mack Brown’s coaching staff.

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

Considering all that has transpired with the Big 12 over the last season in regards to realignment, it’s nice to turn the attention back to the action on the field. At least for this weekend.

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

Post-Week 5 Big 12 Power Rankings

Check out all of our college football rankings. 

The debate rages each season in the college football world – who is the nation’s best team?

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

Post-Week 4 Big 12 Power Rankings

Check out all of our college football rankings.

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

With the Pac-12 holding off on expanding to 16 teams, Oklahoma and Texas will stay in the Big 12 – for now. However, the conference is expected to pursue expansion and likely attempt to get back to 12 teams. 

Texas A&M is out the door and won’t be returning to the SEC, which leaves the Big 12 at nine teams for the 2012 season. The conference could choose to expand to only 10, but getting to 12 would provide more stability. 

The Big 12 was on its deathbed earlier this week, but has somehow survived for the second year in a row. Thanks to the Pac-12’s decision not to expand and add Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas Tech, the Big 12 will continue to exist – for now.