Only four Big 12 teams will see action this week, as most of the conference takes a week off before the beginning of what is looking to be a wide-open race for the conference crown.

The two Oklahoma teams and Texas will fight for supremacy in the Big 12 South, but the race in the North is still wide open. Colorado has a one-game lead in the division, but Kansas State, Nebraska and Missouri are right behind them. And don’t rule out Kansas or even Iowa State, who could play spoilers this season.

1. Oklahoma (3-0)

Last Week: Oklahoma dominated the scoreboard but not the stat chart against Oregon. The Sooners gave up more than 320 yards against the Ducks. Any team named the Ducks should not be gaining 320 yards against the No. 2 team in the nation — unless the game is played in the water.

Outlook: The Sooner defense will come around and its offense is as good as ever. They have a balanced offense and are led by one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The Big 12 champion will have to come through Norman.

2. Texas (2-0)

Last Week: The Longhorns had the week off, giving them two weeks to prepare for perennial powerhouse Rice. Running back Cedric Benson is in the top 10 in the nation in rushing, even though he has played one game less than other rushers.

Outlook: Texas is the best bet to challenge Oklahoma for the conference crown. The two teams meet on Oct. 9, in what should be the biggest game on both teams’ schedule.

3. Oklahoma State (3-0)

Last Week: A 59-7 blowout of Southern Methodist had a powerful rushing offense on full display. The Cowboys offense gained 487 yards, with 320 coming on the ground. Vernand Morency gained 116 yards on just 18 carries, and two others rushed for more than 60 yards.

Outlook: Unfortunately for Oklahoma State, it will probably finish in the top 25 yet still come in third in the Big 12 South. Its only shot for the top will be against Oklahoma, who the Cowboys face at home.

4. Colorado (3-0)

Last Week: A 52-21 win over North Texas kept Colorado out of the loss column, as its offense rolled throughout the game. Quarterback Joel Klatt threw for 369 yards and three scores, while Bobby Purify ran for 122 yards and three more scores.

Outlook: I may be wrong, but I still don’t think Colorado will be very good this season. With its first two Big 12 games against Missouri and Oklahoma State, things might go bad for the Buffaloes quick.

5. Texas Tech (2-1)

Last Week: Tech has the best passing offense in the league, and it was on full display in its 70-35 shellacking of Texas Christian. Sonny Cumbie threw for 441 yards and four touchdowns. Even backup quarterback Cody Hodges got in the act, throwing for a score. The big question for the conference again this year is: Can the Tech offense be stopped?

Outlook: As long as Cumbie and friends keep rolling, the collegiate version of the Greatest Show on Turf will keep rolling along. Tech’s first two conference games are on the road, with one coming at Oklahoma. Not the way I’d want to start the season.

6. Kansas State (2-1)

Last Week: K-State may have won last week against Louisiana-Lafayette, but its defense sure didn’t look good. Quarterback Jerry Babb needed only four rushes to gain more than 100 yards against the Wildcats. The only thing that kept them in the game was a huge game from its own starting running back, Darren Sproles, who ran for 292 yards.

Outlook: Sproles is one of the best backs in the nation, and Kansas State will continue to lean on him to carry the team. The Wildcats start their conference schedule with Texas A&M and Kansas, a good way to get off on the right foot.

7. Missouri (2-1)

Last Week: Missouri rebounded from its embarrassing loss to Troy, handing Ball State a 48-0 throwdown. The Tigers dominated every aspect of the game, allowing only 142 total yards and seven first downs. Quarterback Brad Smith tossed two touchdown passes and led the team with 83 yards rushing.

Outlook: A one-man team can only go so far. Smith is Missouri’s only real weapon on offense. If someone can find a way to shut him down, the team will go down with him.

8. Iowa State (2-1)

Last Week: The Cyclones survived a crazy game with Northern Illinois, using four interceptions — two of which were returned for scores — to win 48-41. They also received another big game from freshman Todd Blythe, who was on the receiving end of three touchdown passes.

Outlook: Blythe has emerged as a big-play threat for the Cyclones, who are still trying to decide which quarterback to use. They are also looking for a consistent running game to complement Blythe and Jon Davis down the field. A week off gives Iowa State extra time to prepare for Oklahoma State, a tough test to start the conference season.

9. Nebraska (2-1)

Last Week: The Huskers beat Pittsburgh 24-17, doing nothing spectacular, but enough to get back in the win column.

Outlook: Nebraska is still looking for consistency from its quarterback. Joe Dailey threw another interception against Pitt, giving him eight in only three games. He has to get a handle on the offense if they want to have any shot at success this year.

10. Kansas (2-1)

Last Week: A fourth-quarter comeback wasn’t enough as the Jayhawks lost to Northwestern, 20-17.

Outlook: Texas Tech comes to town this week to open its Big 12 schedule. The only hope for Kansas? Break Cumbie’s arm.

11. Texas A&M (2-1)

Last Week: Everything went right for A&M, as they flat outplayed No. 25 Clemson, winning, 27-6. Two Aggie rushers went for more than 100 yards in the upset.

Outlook: The great win could give A&M a shot in the arm and propel them into the conference season. The only problem with that line of thinking is Darren Sproles and Co. host the Aggies to start its Big 12 slate.

12. Baylor (1-1)

Last Week: The Bears didn’t play last week, giving them time to lick their wounds before the rest of the conference goes on its annual Big 12 Bear hunt.