big 12 football standings preseason

Vender Womder

2 min read

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22-11-2024

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The Big 12 Conference is gearing up for another exciting football season, and the preseason buzz is palpable. With several teams vying for the top spot, predicting the final standings is a challenging but fun exercise. This article delves into the projected preseason rankings, examining key factors influencing each team's potential success. We'll look at returning talent, coaching changes, and overall team strength to paint a picture of what the 2023-2024 Big 12 season might hold.

Predicting the Preseason Power Rankings

Predicting the Big 12 standings before a single snap is always speculative, but based on current information, here's a possible preseason power ranking:

Tier 1: Contenders

1. Texas: The Longhorns enter the season with immense hype, boasting a potent offense and a strong recruiting class. Their success will heavily depend on quarterback Quinn Ewers' consistency and the defensive unit's ability to improve from last season. A potential College Football Playoff berth is within reach.

2. Oklahoma: The Sooners, under Brent Venables, aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 campaign. The offense should be explosive, and the defense, while still a work in progress, shows signs of improvement. A strong start is crucial for their playoff aspirations.

Tier 2: Strong Challengers

3. Kansas State: The Wildcats, fresh off a Big 12 Championship appearance, possess a solid foundation. Their success will hinge on their ability to replace key offensive contributors and maintain their defensive tenacity.

4. TCU: Despite losing several key players, TCU's coaching staff and offensive system provide a strong base. Maintaining their offensive firepower and improving their defensive performance will determine their ultimate standing.

Tier 3: Improving Teams

5. Baylor: Baylor is looking to rebuild after a somewhat disappointing season. Their success will depend on quarterback development and defensive consistency.

6. Texas Tech: Texas Tech hopes for a bounce-back year. Key improvements on both sides of the ball are necessary to move up the standings.

7. Iowa State: Iowa State faces an uphill battle. A significant improvement in both offense and defense is needed to compete for a bowl game.

Tier 4: Building for the Future

8. West Virginia: West Virginia is in a rebuilding phase. Significant improvement is expected over the next couple of seasons.

9. Cincinnati: The Bearcats, entering their second year in the Big 12, face a steep learning curve. Progress and development will be key metrics for their season.

10. Oklahoma State: Oklahoma State is also looking to rebuild. The Cowboys hope for a better showing in the conference this year.

11. Houston: Houston joins the Big 12, facing a competitive landscape. Their immediate success will depend on their ability to adjust to the increased level of competition.

Important Note: This is purely a preseason prediction. Injuries, unexpected performances, and coaching adjustments could significantly alter the final standings.

Key Factors Influencing the Season

Several factors will dramatically shape the 2023-2024 Big 12 season:

• Quarterback Play: The Big 12 boasts several talented quarterbacks, but consistency and minimizing turnovers will be key.
• Defensive Improvements: Several teams need to significantly bolster their defensive units to compete at the top level.
• Coaching Changes: New coaching hires will greatly influence team performance.
• Injury Concerns: Injuries are always a wildcard, and their impact can be significant.

Conclusion

The Big 12 promises another thrilling season. While Texas and Oklahoma appear to be the early favorites, several other teams could challenge for the top spot. The race for the conference championship and bowl berths will be fiercely contested, making this season one to watch closely. Regular updates throughout the season will be critical to track the shifting dynamics and make more informed predictions. Keep checking back for updated analysis as the season unfolds!