Jacob Bunn's 2011 Big 12 Football Preview
Posted on August 24, 2011 by Jacob Bunn
Notes –
The Big 12 would probably enjoy nothing more at the moment than playing football. The conference that several years ago approached equality to the SEC in difficulty has seen its empire crumble. Last year, the Pac 12 and Big Ten raided the Big 12 during the conference expansion movement. Colorado went to the Pac 12, and Nebraska went to the Big Ten. Losing Nebraska was a crucial blow to the Big 12.
Today, the conference only has ten teams and many believe that Texas runs it with an iron fist. The emergence of the Longhorn Network has angered some of the other schools in the conference as well. It appeared that the tipping point had arrived a couple of weeks ago when rumors were making the rounds that Texas A&M would jump ship from the Big 12 and take up residence in the SEC. Those rumors turned out to be, at the very least, premature. Many still believe Texas A&M will go to the SEC, but there is still a process to work through.
With all of that said, it could be a very interesting year in the Big 12 from a conference champion standpoint. Because the league only contains ten teams now, there is no conference championship game. And if things fell a certain way (like they did in the Big Ten last season) the Big 12 could end up with multiple conference champions. That would be a significant blow to the league’s ability to exert a strong influence nationally.
Biggest Surprise: Texas
I cannot believe I am writing this, but I think the Longhorns are going to be the surprise team in the Big 12 this year. Yes, they do have to play BYU and at UCLA in the non-conference portion of the schedule. But I think they can get through those games, and I believe they will win two out of three against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas A&M. Look for them to slip up, though, against Missouri.
Biggest Disappointment: Oklahoma State
I think it is fool’s gold to buy into the hype surrounding Oklahoma State this year. Don’t misunderstand me; I think they have a lot of talent. But look at the schedule they will endure. I think the Cowboys will lose at Texas A&M, at Texas, at Missouri, and to Oklahoma at the end of the year. They will end up 8-4 overall, and with the schedule they have to play, that record is not terrible.
Game to Watch: Texas vs Oklahoma (October 8 in Dallas, TX)
Of all the conference ‘games to watch’ throughout college football, this was by far the easiest choice. Texas A&M and Oklahoma State have talented teams this season and will be in contention, but Texas and Oklahoma are the two leaders in the conference. Whichever team emerges victoriously from this contest will be on track for the Big 12 championship and the BCS.
I think both teams will come into the game undefeated. And in a close contest, I believe the Longhorns will defeat the Sooners.
Champion: Oklahoma
This is a tough call because I believe there will be a log jam at the top of the Big 12 standings at the end of the year. Remember, there is no longer a championship game in the Big 12. But, I think the Oklahoma Sooners will have the best record in the conference when all the final scores are tallied. With Texas being the only blemish on their record, the Sooners will cruise into a BCS game.
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Email Jacob at jacob@bunnsports.com and follow him on Twitter at @JacobBunn
