Ranking the 12 Football Bowl Subdivision schools in the state of Texas:

1. SMU (6-0) | Last week: 2

The Pony Express took a week off and moved up to No. 1. They have Temple at home on Saturday and then a trip to Houston on Thursday. After that, it might be time to bring back the Helms Athletic Foundation, which declared SMU the national champion in 1982. Coincidentally that was the organization’s last year to declare a champion.

2. Baylor (6-0) | Last week: 3

It was another Miracle on the Brazos week for the Bears. Ball at your own 1-yard line after a sack, down 3, under two minutes left. Charlie Brewer led the drive for a tying field goal and the Bears won in two overtimes. Up next, a trip to Stillwater.

3. Texas (4-2) | Last week: 1

If the Longhorns are going to get a rematch with Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game, they may need to bring in the 2020 recruiting class really early as injuries keep mounting on defense.

4. Texas A&M (3-3) | Last week: 5

Not that Alabama ever needs any help with recruiting, but with A&M in the SEC Nick Saban has been picking it up in Texas. Latest case in point, Houston Episcopal receiver Jaylen Waddle picked Alabama over A&M. He made several big plays in Saturday’s win. But, hey, the Aggies did lead 7-0 and are still cashing those big SEC checks.

5. Texas Tech (3-3) | Last week: 4

The Red Raiders are certainly playing better defense under new coach Matt Wells but they let Baylor drive 97 yards to tie the game and force overtime. The Raiders lost, but Wells said it was “another step.” Jett Duffey has thrown for 786 yards in his two starts.

6. Houston (2-4) | Last week: 6

The Cougars used three quarterbacks against Cincinnati but they still don’t add up to the redshirting D’Eriq King.

7. TCU (3-2) | Last week: 7

How do you know it’s a down season for Gary Patterson’s team? The Horned Frogs are on track for their fewest sacks since joining the Big 12. They are averaging 1.8 per game, down nearly a full sack from last year.

8. North Texas (2-4) | Last week: 8

The Mean Green’s wins have come against Abilene Christian and UTSA. Other than a close loss to Cal, they’ve been blown out by SMU, UH and now Southern Miss.

9. Texas State (2-4) | Last week: 9

The Bobcats lost at home to Louisiana-Monroe on Thursday and don’t play again until Oct. 26 at Arkansas State.

10. UTSA (2-4) | Last week: 10

The Roadrunners never really had a chance against UAB. They will have a chance next week when they host Rice.

11. Rice (0-6) | Last week: 11

The Owls got a much needed week off after six frustrating losses.

12. UTEP (1-4) | Last week: 12

The Miners had a bye week, presumably to start looking ahead to Rice on Nov. 30.