Is the Big 12 an illusion; a league of miniature, one-dimensional facades more suited for Hollywood backlots than cross-conference challenges?  Or, will it continue to stand up to the rest of the nation?

Northwestern's noble defeat raises more questions than it gives answers.  Fortunately, there's always the scoreboard.

(+/- Denotes change in rank from previous standings. Note: I've adjusted the ordering to account for ties.  This explains the apparent race to the top.)

Crystal Ball Call: LOUISIANA TECH by 7 (Estrada).  Pitch perfect foresight catapulted this contender into the top two of the standings.  Nevermind no one watched the game.  LATECH 17, NIU 10.

Hindsight is 20-20: NORTHWESTERN by 7 (FSUncensored).  Actually, this was a great pick.  But in this sport a missed block is the difference between genius and guess.  I'll bet FSU is losing sleep from the incipient thundering of hooves.