projected big 12 football standings 2023

Vender Womder

3 min read

·

22-11-2024

1

0

Share

Projected Big 12 Football Standings 2023: A Look Ahead

The 2023 Big 12 football season promises to be a thrilling ride, with a revamped conference and a fierce competition for the championship. Predicting the final standings is always a risky business, but based on returning talent, coaching changes, and offseason assessments, here's a projected look at how the Big 12 might shake out in 2023. This projection considers various factors, including recruiting rankings, returning starters, coaching experience, and overall team strength.

H2: Contenders for the Big 12 Title

H3: Texas Longhorns

Texas enters the season with sky-high expectations under head coach Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns boast a potent offense, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, and a revamped defense that should be significantly improved. Their recruiting prowess continues to attract top talent. A successful season hinges on consistency and avoiding early-season pitfalls. Projected Finish: 1st

H3: Oklahoma Sooners

Despite losing several key players to the NFL, Oklahoma under Brent Venables still possesses considerable talent. The Sooners' defense, a point of emphasis last season, is expected to be stronger. The offense needs to find its rhythm early. Their success hinges on the quarterback position and the team's ability to gel. Projected Finish: 2nd

H3: Kansas State Wildcats

Kansas State, coming off a strong season, will look to continue their success. The Wildcats bring back a solid core of players, but replacing key contributors will be a challenge. Their success will depend on the development of their younger players and their ability to maintain their strong defensive identity. Projected Finish: 3rd

H2: The Middle of the Pack

These teams are expected to compete for bowl eligibility, but a conference title seems unlikely. The margins between these teams will be incredibly tight.

H3: TCU Horned Frogs

After their incredible run to the College Football Playoff, TCU faces a significant rebuilding task. While Sonny Dykes’ coaching ability is undeniable, replacing key players will be difficult. The schedule presents a tough challenge. Projected Finish: 4th

H3: Baylor Bears

Baylor, under Dave Aranda, will aim to bounce back after a less-than-stellar 2022. The Bears have a strong coaching staff and returning talent at key positions, but consistency remains a question. Projected Finish: 5th

H3: Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech, under Joey McGuire, showed flashes of brilliance last season. Continued development and consistency will determine their final standing. Projected Finish: 6th

H3: Iowa State Cyclones

Iowa State faces a difficult task, aiming to improve on a disappointing 2022 season. The Cyclones have some talent but need to significantly improve in multiple areas. Projected Finish: 7th

H3: West Virginia Mountaineers

Neal Brown enters a crucial season with the Mountaineers. A successful campaign hinges on improved offense and consistent play throughout the season. Projected Finish: 8th

H3: Cincinnati Bearcats

Cincinnati, in its first year in the Big 12, faces a significant jump in competition. While they have talent, adjusting to the power five level will be a major challenge. Projected Finish: 9th

H3: Houston Cougars

Similar to Cincinnati, Houston's transition to the Big 12 will be a steep learning curve. A positive outcome relies heavily on adjusting to the increased level of competition. Projected Finish: 10th

H3: Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State, under Mike Gundy, faces uncertainty after a disappointing season. The Cowboys need significant improvement on both sides of the ball to contend for a bowl game. Projected Finish: 11th

H3: UConn Huskies

UConn, in their inaugural Big 12 season, faces a massive challenge against established powerhouses. Their focus will primarily be on development and improvement throughout the year. Projected Finish: 12th

H2: Important Considerations

This is just a projection. Injuries, unexpected upsets, and coaching decisions can significantly alter the final standings. The strength of schedule and the ability of teams to adapt to new challenges will play a major role in determining the final outcome. Keep in mind that this prediction is subject to change throughout the season. Follow along for updates as the season progresses!

H2: Key Games to Watch

Several crucial matchups will shape the conference race, including the Texas-Oklahoma game, the Kansas State-Texas game, and the various matchups between the top four teams. These games will undoubtedly be exciting and critical in determining the final standings.

This projection serves as a starting point for discussions and predictions for the exciting 2023 Big 12 football season. Remember to consult various sports analysts and commentators for a well-rounded view!