My way too early predictions for Big XII 2017
10)Kansas - Doug Meachem becomes the new OC, but that doesn't help their defense. There's a real chance that KU could go winless this season if they don't win their first game vs SE MIZZOU. As far as conference play, ISU, TT or West Virginia will be their only other chances at wins. OOC: SE MIZZOU, C. Mich, at Ohio. Record: 1-11
9)ISU - If only they could recruit playmakers on offense, they would be a respectable team because they give scares to just about every top team in the conference, or ends up beating one per season. Who will they upset this season? OOC: N. Iowa, Iowa, at Akron. Record: 3-9
8)Texas Tech - The love affair with Coach Sexy is over. He has to have a good season this year because he is losing his recruiting edge that he had when he took the job. If he has a decent QB on campus to replace Mahomes, then he may be able to keep his job with a 6-6 record. 7 wins takes him off the hot seat. Kingsbury will be fired after this season. OOC: E. Washington, ASU, at UH. Record: 4-8
7)Baylor - Scandal, firings and transfers have decimated this team. Although they put in a good performance in their bowl game, they won't have the offensive nor defensive depth to compete with the conference's elite teams. If they win in Durham, 6-6 should be realistic. 7-5 if they beat WVU. OOC: Liberty, UTSA, at Duke Record: 5-7
6)WVU - Holgorsen just got his contact extended for 4 more years... and IMHO, that is a Texas/Mack Brown-esque mistake, but if they like it, I love it. They cannot and will not get over the hump until they develop QB's that are consistent. Unfortunately, their defense should drop off because they lost 3 integral pieces. They should have a respectable record if they win all the games they're supposed to win. Losing to BU, KU, ISU or TT shouldn't be acceptable. A win over TCU makes them 7-5. OOC: VA Tech, ECU, Delaware St. Record: 6-6
Top 5 will be in contention for the conference title in new format. Round Robin, then 2 best teams will play in Dallas at Jerry World.
5)TCU - I give TCU the benefit of the doubt because Gary Patterson fields defenses that compete year in & out. They'll have a new OC this season, so kinks will have to be worked out. If Kenny Hill can get better protection, they could make the title race interesting. Unfortunately, I think the top 4 will be too strong this upcoming season OOC: Jackson St, at Arkansas, SMU Record: 7-5
4)Oklahoma State - Mike Gundy has recruited consistently during his tenure, he just hasn't shown up when stakes are high. Beating a highly ranked Colorado in their bowl game could be a precursor to what's in store for 2017. They have the offense, will they have the defense? OOC: Tulsa, at S. Bama, at Pittsburgh. Record: 9-3
3)Texas - Texas gave up last season under Strong. I doubt that happens this upcoming season and I doubt they play undisciplined either (if not for penalties, Texas beats OU in 2016. We tried to give that game away and Texas didn't take it). Like OU, they have the talent, can Herman bring it out of them? The USC game will tell the story. If they beat USC, then they can beat any team in the confetence on any given Saturday. OOC: Maryland, San Jose, USC. Record: 9-3
2)Oklahoma(yes, my team) - There are some flaws that OU need to work on if they want to claim that third straight conference title. First, they need to find RB's that can give decent production, pass block, and most importantly, not fumble. They don't have to be Perine and Mixon to get the job done. Next, they need ILB's, thus why Jacob Phillips is the most important commit in our class, hopefully, we hang on to him. Next, we need cohesion in our secondary; one new piece that should be good. We also need another big play/deep threat WR along with our big TE to play to his potential. Lastly, the personal foul penalties have to stop! Other than ILB, we have the talent on campus. Will they play like they played in the Sugar Bowl for an entire season? OOC: UTEP, at tOSU, Tulane. Record: 11-2
1)Kansas State - The anomaly & enigma. Make no mistake, these muthafukkas play sound football on both sides of the ball and do not beat themselves. They have a QB that is a legit dual-threat and weapons at WR. The team, in general needed another year for maturity purposes. They will most likely be in the championship game. OOC: C. Ark, Charlotte, at Vanderbilt. Record: 12-1
Now, let me explain, so it'll make sense.
OSU will have 3 losses, all in conference(Texas, KSU & OU)
Texas will have 3 losses, 2 in conference (USC, OU, KSU)
OU will lose to Ohio State, but win every game, including the regular season OU/KSU, then lose to KSU in the conference title game.
If KSU plays to their potential and plays mistake free football, then they should be in the conference title game. That first loss to OU will give Bill Snyder a chance to have a better game plan. Last time, OU had to play KSU twice in a season.... they lost. 2003.
In a perfect world, OU just goes undefeated next season and there are no worries.
