Big 12 Championship: Oklahoma over Iowa State

 

Big 12

1. Oklahoma Sooners

Projected Record: 12-1 (8-1 Big 12)

Jalen Hurts takes over and their offense should be explosive again. They have the best player in the Big 12 with CeeDee Lamb and some outstanding freshman receivers. The defense just has to be not terrible. Oklahoma wins the Big 12 and makes the playoffs because their defense will improve to average.

2. Iowa State Cyclones

Projected Record: 9-4 (6-3 Big 12)

Not enough attention is on Brock Purdy. He put a heck of a freshman campaign as a first year starter. The defense will be one of the best in the Big 12 and playing in Ames is never easy. Iowa State is a major contender in the Big 12.

3. Texas Longhorns

Projected Record: 8-4 (6-3 Big 12)

I’m not on the Texas as a national playoff contender train. The defense has young talent, but only returns two starters. Sam Ehlinger is good, but the media is making him out to be a top 5 elite quarterback. Overall, I still think Texas is a year away from being in the national conversation. LSU will be the test in week 2.

4. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Projected Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big 12)

Oklahoma State could be a breakout team. They have playmakers with Biletnikoff finalist Tylan Wallace and breakout running back Chuba Hubbard. If they can find consistent quarterback and average defensive play, this team will compete for a Big 12 championship spot. They almost beat Oklahoma last year, but they get them at home this year and might be able to pull the upset.

5. Baylor Bears

Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big 12)

Charlie Brewer is one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12 and Matt Rhule has this team  on an upward trajectory. The defense will need to improve for Baylor to end up in the top half of the Big 12.

6. TCU Horned Frogs

Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big 12)

I love everything about TCU’s roster except the quarterback position. They will be a top defense and possess one of the best playmakers in the Big 12 with receiver Jalen Reagor. If a quarterback like Alex Delton or Justin Rogers steps up they’ll have a really good season.

7. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Projected Record: 7-5 (4-5 Big 12)

Texas Tech found their QB of the future with Alan Bowman and the offense should stay explosive. Defense is the question mark. Jordyn Brooks and Riko Jeffers are bright spots at linebacker, but the depth and star power are lacking around the rest of the defense. Look for the Red Raiders to be in some shootouts.

8. Kansas State Wildcats

Projected Record: 6-6 (4-5 Big 12)

It is your classic upperclassmen Kansas State team. Not a lot of star power, but they will play you tough. Really like the new coach hire in Chris Kleiman, but it will take some time before they are contenders for Big 12 championships.

9. West Virginia Mountaineers

Projected Record: 5-7 (3-6 Big 12)

West Virginia lost just about everybody including their head coach. New coach Neal Brown has patched some holes with JUCO players and Oklahoma transfer quarterback Austin Kendall. They’ll sneak a few wins, but them going bowling will be tough.

10. Kansas Jayhawks

Projected Record: 3-9 (1-8 Big 12)

Les Miles inherits a bad team with a little bit of younger talent. Kansas always sneaks one Big 12 win by being over looked. The Mad Hatter turnaround will take a few years to have this team back over .500.