By B Bains
With only ten teams in the Big 12 conference, I believe it’s easier to predict the major winners and losers for the 2016 season. I see the Oklahoma Sooners being the clear winner in the Big 12 conference however, look for TCU and Oklahoma State to give the Sooners great competition for the Big 12 championship.
The Oklahoma Sooners came of a great season last year with only two losses and most importantly, have the best chance of winning the Big 12 conference at -150. With last year’s Big 12 player of the year at quarterback and a strong running game the Sooners should be more than competitive. On the other hand, despite losing some pass rushers from last year’s team the defense should still be sound with a great secondary. In addition, Oklahoma’s schedule is favourable even with a couple of hard matchups against TCU and Ohio State.
Next, the Kansas Jayhawks and the Texas Longhorns approach the 2016 season with very different perspectives. The Jayhawks contain the lowest odd to win the Big 12 at +12500 and head coach Dave Beaty in his second year will still be looking for his first win at Kansas. Furthermore, the Texas Longhorns will be looking to improve head coach Charlie Strong’s record of 11-14 in two seasons. With the hiring of a new offensive coordinator and well needed improvement at defense the Longhorns will look to improve as team at +800 to win the Big 12 conference.
Odds to Win the Conference:
Oklahoma -150
Oklahoma State +550
TCU +600
Baylor +800
Texas +800
West Virginia +1400
Kansas State +3300
Texas Tech +4000
Iowa State +10000
Kansas +12500
Moreover, the TCU Horned Dogs and Baylor Bears will look to rebound in the 2016 season. Baylor will try to put their coaching allegations beside them and focus on football with a +800 to win the Big 12 conference. To add on, TCU has a +600 to win the Big 12 conference and will be looking to combine both offense and defense together to get back to the promise land and be a serious contender once again.
Both the West Virginia Mountaineers and Texas Tech Red Raiders will be looking to improve their defenses in the 2016 season. While, both teams’ offences were decent, both defenses will look for players to step up to the plate to keep each team in every game. Although, both teams have low odds to win the Big 12 conference at +1400 for the Mountaineers and +4000 for the Red Raiders it will be up to team defense if both teams want any chance in the Big 12.
Subsequently, the Kansas State Wildcats and the Iowa State Cyclones will be looking to rebound after poor seasons in 2015. Plus, with both teams having somewhat low odds to win it all at +3300 for the Wildcats and +10000 for the Cyclones it will now be up to complete team performances at both offense and defense in order for success to occur. Ultimately, the Oklahoma State Cowboys will look to throw the ball more often this season with a loaded offense yet, defense in the end will determine the storylines of the Cowboys season. With a +550 to win the Big 12 conference it will be up to the Cowboys to overcome a tough schedule that sees them play Baylor, TCU, and Oklahoma all away from home field.