As another college football season nears its stretch run, the Big 12 once again finds itself in a familiar position which is fighting uphill for national respect. Despite fielding competitive teams and offering one of the deepest, most unpredictable slates in the country, the Big 12 seems to be treated as second-class by both the AP Poll and, more importantly, the College Football Playoff selection process.
While the official CFP rankings haven’t dropped yet, the AP Top 25 offers a weekly pulse check on how teams are being perceived. And for the Big 12, that perception isn't flattering.