2021 Big 12 Football Preview
Our Big 12 preview questions as to whether this conference will be competitive when it comes to securing a CFP spot? In the end, we expect to Oklahoma Sooners to be a viable national contender. Plus, they’ll have competition from Iowa State, TCU, and Texas. When all is said and done, we predict that the Sooners will be the last team standing and earn a berth in the playoffs.
Big 12 Football Preview – Team Overview
Baylor Bears – This team struggled last season, and despite solid efforts at correcting inadequacies, the Bears still have a way to go. There are numerous concerns regarding Baylor, including at quarterback. However, a bowl appearance is possible.
Iowa State Cyclones – QB Brock Purdy returns to headline a stacked offense. The defense is solid. Special teams need an upgrade and are a concern. This team will compete for top spot in the Big 12.
Kansas Jayhawks – Kansas has issues on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jason Bean, transfer from North Texas, will help alleviate those concerns. He has skilled receivers to toss to. Questions include can the O-line step up and can the defense play with consistency?
Kansas State Wildcats – if veteran QB Skylar Thompson stays healthy, the Cats will score some points. However, the offense lacks depth, and that’s a concern. In 2020, the Kansas State defense was porous. Bottom line, this team will be helped by solid transfers, and hurt by a tough schedule.
Oklahoma Sooners – Once again, Oklahoma will contend for the national spotlight. After one-year of experience, talented QB Spencer Rattler takes the field again. Expect even more from him. An experienced D will prove to be tougher than they were in 2020. Oklahoma is solid in every way.
Oklahoma State Cowboys – Our Big 12 preview notes that last season the Cowboys averaged 30.2 PPG, but in 2021, key losses on offense will challenge OSU’s ability to score. Still, skilled and productive junior quarterback Spencer Sanders returns, which is a major plus. The defense is sound, and the offense does possess promise. But is that enough?
TCU Horned Frogs – Although the O-line has some concerns, there’s hope for this team, as dual-threat QB Max Duggan returns, as do other top offensive performers. The defense is talented and skilled. This team’s a top-three finisher in the conference.
Texas Longhorns – Steve Sarkisian replaces Tom Herman as head coach and brings in a slew of premium coaches and assistants. There’s talent on both sides of the ball. Junior quarterback Casey Thompson, who’s shown promise, replaces star Sam Ehrlinger. This is a very good team.
Texas Tech Red Raiders – The biggest question for this team concerns who will be quarterback? Two experienced transfers and two freshmen contend. Otherwise, there’s experience on offense, while the D appears to be sound. Still, Texas Tech is one of the weaker teams in the conference.
West Virginia Mountaineers – QB Jarret Doege offers fine passing chops, while dual-threat running back Leddie Brown is an offensive dynamo. Despite major losses on defense, each unit has talent, experience, and skill. Head coach Neal Brown, who starts his third season at the helm, brought this team up a notch last season. Can he now make them a true contender?
Big 12 Atlantic – Projected Order of Finish
Oklahoma State
Iowa State
TCU
Texas
Oklahoma State
West Virginia
Kansas State
Texas Tech
Baylor
Kansas
Big 12 Preview - Final Word
Our Big 12 preview projects that Oklahoma State will, once again, top the conference. They have a lot going for them, including the fact that there are virtually no holes on either side of the ball. However, Iowa State is tough and could take the conference, while no one should discount TCU or Texas. Plus, Oklahoma State is always dangerous. In 2021, expect great competition in the Big 12.