Who runs this state? The Dave Campbell's Texas Football staff gives their power rankings of the 12 FBS college football teams in Texas. In this subscriber-only piece, we'll give you detailed insight into our rankings. 

The top tier of the state didn't see much movement, but the Rice Owls made a move in their fourth game of the year after beating undefeated Marshall. Additionally, the Texas Longhorns proved why they remain so high in the state. 

Note: Teams are measured against the overall strength of their conference.

1. Texas A&M Aggies (-)

Record: 6-1
Previous: 31-20 win over Auburn
Next: vs. Ole Miss

The Aggies weren't spectacular but were ruthlessly efficient and physically dominant in a double-digit win over Auburn. This is the kind of game Texas A&M has lost over the past few years and it feels good to see them finish the job. No one is close to the Aggies in this state. 

2. UTSA Roadrunners (-)

Record: 7-4
Previous: n/a
Next: n/a

The Roadrunners have no games planned, but are still waiting to see whether they will earn an invite to the Conference USA Championship Game and a postseason game. 

3. SMU Mustangs (-)

Record: 7-3
Previous: Cancelled game vs. Houston
Next: None

Game against Houston cancelled because of contact tracing in the SMU program. 

4. Texas Longhorns (-)

Record: 6-3
Previous: 69-31 win over Kansas State
Next: at Kansas

The Longhorns proved why they belong as one of the top third of teams in the state with the biggest win over any Big 12 opponent in five years. However, it would have been nicer to see this performance against better opponents than Kansas State. 

5. TCU Horned Frogs (+1)

Record: 5-4
Previous: 29-22 win over No. 15 Oklahoma State
Next: vs. Louisiana Tech

It's been almost impossible to get a handle on TCU this season. One second Max Duggan is an electric passer, the next second he's a glorified running back. One second TCU's defensive line gets obliterated, the next it's pulling Spencer Sanders underwater. At the end of it, who knows what's real from this team except for the fact that it keeps winning. 

6. Rice Owls (+4)

Record: 2-2
Previous: 20-0 win over No. 21 Marshall
Next: vs. UAB

How about those Owls! Rice faced off against undefeated Marshall, the top team in Conference USA. The Owls were a 24-point underdog heading into the game and pulled off perhaps the biggest upset of the college football season. Rice likely won't force five turnovers in a game again, but the physical defense and consistent running game is something to build on. 

7. Houston Cougars (-2)

Record: 3-3
Previous: Cancelled game vs. SMU
Next: at Memphis

Houston lost its game against SMU due to contact tracing in the Mustangs program. The Coogs didn't explicitly do anything wrong to get dropped two spots, but not playing in a month and having wins over teams that are a combined 6-16 in conference play isn't the most encouraging sign.

8. Texas Tech Red Raiders (-1)

Record: 4-6
Previous: 16-13 win over Kansas
Next: n/a

Texas Tech had a chance to end the season in style with a complete team performance. Instead, the Red Raiders went to the wire with Kansas. It's hard to understand how the mistakes keep adding up two years into the Matt Wells era, but the Red Raiders will now have an offseason to think about it. 

9. UTEP Miners (-)

Record: 3-4
Previous: Cancelled game vs. Southern Miss
Next: at North Texas

The Miners lost a game against Southern Miss, but should have one last game against North Texas this week. 

10. North Texas Mean Green (-2)

Record: 3-5
Previous: 42-31 loss to Louisiana Tech
Next: vs. UTEP

The Mean Green continue to be plagued by inconsistency on both sides of the ball. It's easier to forgive the defensive issues with all the COVID-19 issues and new players coming in, but the quarterback play has been a shocking issue. If UNT can't figure it out against UTEP this week, it might have to go outside the program to solve the issues.

11. Baylor Bears (-)

Record: 2-6
Previous: 27-14 loss to No. 11 Oklahoma
Next: vs. No. 15 Oklahoma State

The Bears put together one of the best defensive performances any team ever has against Lincoln Riley's Oklahoma, holding them to 27 points and 4.6 yards per play. The offense on the other hand...

12. Texas State Bobcats (-)

Record: 2-10
Previous: n/a
Next: n/a

The Bobcats completed their 2020 season last week.