Seth Russell's status is in question after Baylor’s starting quarterback broke a bone in his neck Saturday during the Bears’ 45-27 victory over Iowa State.
Yet the Bears maintain their hold on a College Football Playoff spot in this week’s projections. Obviously a long-term absence from Russell would transform the Big 12 title race, despite the stellar play of true freshman Jarrett Stidham in mop-up duty.
TCU should be refreshed and healthier after a bye week, while Oklahoma State took care of business against Kansas. Meanwhile, Texas took a step toward bowl eligibility with a win over Kansas State, which was the Wildcats’ fourth straight loss and put Kansas State's bowl hopes on shaky ground.
College Football Playoff semifinal (Goodyear Cotton Bowl): Baylor
Allstate Sugar Bowl: TCU
Valero Alamo Bowl: Oklahoma State
Russell Athletic Bowl: Oklahoma
AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl: Texas Tech
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: West Virginia
Cactus Bowl: Texas
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl: no qualifier