Big 12 Preview: 2013 Overview
Dec 1, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats defensive linebacker Arthur Brown (4) and offensive linesman BJ Finney (66) hold the Big 12 Championship trophy during the presentation after the game against the Texas Longhorns at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Kansas State won 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Big 12 Preview: 2013 Overview
Heading into 2013, the Big 12 may be the biggest mystery conference of all the power-6 conferences. The natural powers of Oklahoma and Texas are facing adversity and are looking to return to prominence in a deep, but maybe soft, Big 12 in 2013.
For the first time in the conference’s history, there is not a clear cut favorites. Instead, there is a list of potential teams that could survive at the end of the season to claim the conference crown.
From Top to Bottom:
From top to bottom, the Big 12 in 2013 is going to be maybe the most competitive conference that has depth. While there may not be a National Championship favorite from the conference, or a team that could dethrone Alabama, it certainly makes for week in and week out excitement on the field.
Any of the preseason top-6 teams in the conference (Oklahoma State, TCU, Oklahoma, Texas, Baylor, Kansas State) could make a run at claiming the conferences automatic BCS selection to the Fiesta Bowl. If last year proved anything for the teams at the top, the grind is going to be tough, even when you are facing a team at the bottom like Iowa State or Kansas.
Who is West Virginia in 2013?:
The second time around for West Virginia in the Big 12 is a question mark. A pass-happy squad, the Mountaineers are replacing Geno Smith and a trio of wide receivers.
The hype in 2012 to start the season may have gotten to the head of West Virginia as they seemed to run into a wall. This time around, will flying under the radar help a squad that is going to be in a rebuilding year?
Off the field Frog problems?:
TCU has been at the top of many preseason predictions for the Big 12’s best and it is up to the Horned Frogs if they are going to live up to all the talk about Gary Patterson’s squad.
In 2012, TCU was just breaking into the conference and trying to find a name for itself when it lost Casey Pachal due to off the field problems. A drug bust earlier in the spring took another tole, and to top that off the Frogs had a quarterback as its starter against Iowa State that was planned to play running back that Saturday.
If TCU does not beat itself up with off the field issues and can make it through to its opening game against LSU at Cowboys Stadium, the Frogs may very well be a top-3 team in the Big 12 in 2013.
How good will Baylor be?:
The Bears are wanting to send Floyd Casey Stadium out in style (despite the stadium not having a style at all) in 2013. Baylor has reloaded with talent and speed at every position and wants to make a run to the top. If not the top, Baylor has eyes set on getting the name Bryce Petty in the national spotlight heading into 2014 with a run to another Heisman for the school.
The Bears have four at home — only Big 12 game being West Virginia — and should be at least 3-1 out of that stretch.
Things will get interesting for the Bears though when they hit the road. The Bears are on the road at Kansas State, Oklahoma State and TCU this season and close out with a home date against Texas.
Last year of the Cotton Bowl for Big 12:
It will be quite weird starting in 2014 when the Cotton Bowl is not the top destination for the conference (at least outside of the BCS). Oklahoma had a rough go around against Texas A&M last year, but the Cotton Bowl has been a staple of tradition for the conference.
In 2014 the Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium will be the national championship game of the inaugural playoff system. So while the destination may still be on everyone eye, it will be a bit harder to reach heading into the future.