big 12 football standings projections

3 min read 22-11-2024

Meta Description: Get ready for the 2023 Big 12 football season! Our in-depth projections analyze each team's strengths and weaknesses, predicting the final standings and highlighting key matchups. Don't miss our expert analysis and bold predictions for the upcoming season – who will claim the Big 12 crown?

A Look at the Contenders

The Big 12 is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive conference in 2023. Several teams have legitimate claims to the title, making this season particularly exciting to predict. Here's a breakdown of the top contenders and their projected paths to success:

1. Texas Longhorns

Strengths: Experienced quarterback, talented receiving corps, improved defense.
Weaknesses: Offensive line depth, consistency on the road.
Projection: Texas is poised for a strong season. Their high-powered offense should carry them through most games. However, potential inconsistencies and tough matchups could prevent a perfect season. Predicted Finish: 1st

2. Oklahoma Sooners

Strengths: Strong running game, experienced coaching staff, improved defense under Brent Venables.
Weaknesses: Consistency in passing game, avoiding turnovers.
Projection: Oklahoma will be a force to be reckoned with. Their improved defense will be key, but consistency on offense will determine their ultimate success. Predicted Finish: 2nd

3. Kansas State Wildcats

Strengths: Solid coaching, experienced quarterback, strong running game.
Weaknesses: Defensive depth, potential regression after a strong 2022 season.
Projection: Kansas State will likely be competitive, but maintaining last year's success might be challenging. Their success hinges on their ability to replace key players and maintain their defensive intensity. Predicted Finish: 3rd

The Mid-Tier Teams: Fighting for Bowl Eligibility

Several teams are projected to be in the middle of the pack, vying for bowl eligibility. These teams will be crucial in determining the overall landscape of the Big 12.

4. TCU Horned Frogs

Strengths: High-powered offense, experienced quarterback (though replacing a Heisman winner will be tough).
Weaknesses: Defensive consistency, significant roster turnover.
Projection: TCU faces a major challenge following their unexpected success in 2022. Replacing key personnel will be key. Predicted Finish: 4th

5. Baylor Bears

Strengths: Strong running game, experienced coaching staff.
Weaknesses: Inconsistent passing game, defensive vulnerabilities.
Projection: Baylor is projected to be in the middle of the pack, potentially vying for a bowl game. Consistency on both sides of the ball will be crucial. Predicted Finish: 5th

6. Iowa State Cyclones

Strengths: Strong defensive identity.
Weaknesses: Offensive struggles, lack of playmakers.
Projection: Iowa State will need to find a consistent offensive identity to escape the bottom half of the standings. Predicted Finish: 7th

The Bottom of the Barrel: Challenges Ahead

These teams face significant challenges to compete for a winning season.

7. West Virginia Mountaineers

Strengths: Improved offensive line.
Weaknesses: Overall consistency, major roster turnover.
Projection: West Virginia will be looking to improve on a disappointing 2022 campaign. Predicted Finish: 6th

8. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Strengths: Explosive offensive potential.
Weaknesses: Defensive struggles, consistency.
Projection: Texas Tech needs significant improvements on defense to compete in the Big 12. Predicted Finish: 8th

9. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Strengths: Solid coaching, a history of competitiveness.
Weaknesses: Offensive inconsistency, defensive vulnerabilities.
Projection: Oklahoma State faces a tough challenge. Predicted Finish: 9th

10. Cincinnati Bearcats

Strengths: Experience in the American Athletic Conference.
Weaknesses: Transitioning to a new conference.
Projection: Cincinnati's first year in the Big 12 will be a significant challenge. Predicted Finish: 10th

11. Houston Cougars

Strengths: Strong running game potential.
Weaknesses: Overall team balance, significant roster turnover.
Projection: Houston will be working to adjust to their new conference. Predicted Finish: 11th

12. UCF Knights

Strengths: High-powered offense.
Weaknesses: Overall team balance, significant roster turnover.
Projection: UCF's first year in the Big 12 will present many challenges. Predicted Finish: 12th

Key Matchups to Watch

Several key matchups will shape the final standings:

Texas vs. Oklahoma: The Red River Rivalry will be crucial in determining the conference champion.
Texas vs. Kansas State: A potential clash between the top two teams.
Oklahoma vs. Kansas State: Another crucial matchup between top contenders.

This is just a projection, and the season will undoubtedly bring surprises. The beauty of college football lies in its unpredictability, and the Big 12 promises another thrilling season. Stay tuned!