FAVORITE TEAMS

The Big 12 is transitioning with new coaches at Texas Tech, West Virginia, and the state of Kansas. Oklahoma made the playoffs for the second straight season and three out of the last four seasons. However, their defense has yet to make any progression, but the Alex Grinch hire might help with that progression.

Oklahoma’s favored to win the Big 12 and possibly return to the playoffs again, but the rebuilding/retooling of the offensive line could be an issue with what they face this season. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger and basically the program itself believes Texas is back. Unfortunately, their defense returns only four starters and were susceptible to big plays in the passing game. Iowa State is possibly the third best team and will contend for their first conference title game. Baylor is a potential threat in the Big 12 and has plenty of talent to take another step in coach Matt Rhule’s third year. Oklahoma State is searching for a new quarterback to hopefully retool this offense. TCU returns eight players on offense and hopes to play way better than they did last season. With a schedule that Texas Tech faces with their new coach, they need time for improvement. West Virginia could fall this season after the departures of quarterback Will Grier, the top three receivers, three offensive line, and former coach Dana Holgorsen, unless Austin Kendall plays really well. Kansas State’s new coach Chris Klieman may witness rebuilding mode soon, but returning 15 starters may give him only this year to surprise in the Big 12. The addition of Les Miles at Kansas is a huge win…and unfortunately it’s probably one of only few wins this upcoming season. Don’t believe in the Jayhawks just yet people.

IOWA STATE CYCLONES

Something about Iowa State rubbed me the wrong way, and it all started in 2016 when they were on the verge of upsetting Oklahoma. Once they succeeded in 2017, I feared the worse has happened…Iowa State is finally relevant. They have enough starters to compete for a Big 12 conference title appearance, but they must find someone to replace running back David Montgomery and receiver Hakeem Butler. Their defensive line could be one of the best in the conference, with a strong run defense (12th in the nation). If the coverage can just silence big plays in the passing game, they could outmatch TCU in defensive efficiency overall. Iowa State could have a good record before November, but their offense must improve to keep up with their defense. That itself will make them an overall threat to Oklahoma and Texas at the start of November.

KANSAS STATE WILDCATS

The Wildcats are one of my riskiest picks of 2019. They return 15 starters on both sides and add Ball State-transfer running back James Gilbert, but how will this all translate under new coach Chris Klieman? I read numerous reports about Kansas State having new energy during the offseason. Klieman also believes that quarterback Skylar Thompson is more comfortable in his new system. Until I see progression from this offense this season, their defense will be key to this team’s success. They return nine players on defense and their defensive line’s the strength with succession against the run. The overall success of this team is questionable because of the new coaching staff, and winning six games isn’t promising on their schedule. I’ve heard this line before with Kansas State and when they’re off the radar with this much talent returning, they tend to surprise in the Big 12. If Chris Klieman has this team sold on his direction, expect a huge surprise of Kansas State’s 2019 season.