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Big 12 Football: 5 teams that can dethrone Oklahoma in 2017

By Andrew Miller

Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Geno Lewis (5) scores a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Geno Lewis (5) scores a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook (11) runs for a touchdown after a reception against Kansas State Wildcats defensive back Dante Barnett (22) during the third quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook (11) runs for a touchdown after a reception against Kansas State Wildcats defensive back Dante Barnett (22) during the third quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Kansas State Wildcats

The good news for Kansas State is that it gets TCU, Oklahoma, Baylor and West Virginia at home. Landing Oklahoma State and Texas on the road is tough but the Wildcats largely have a very favorable conference schedule in 2017.

They also return veteran and dual-threat quarterback Jesse Ertz who can lead Kansas State to enormous success next season if he manages to stay healthy for the entire season. Bill Snyder needs to continue to work his magic that he somehow comes up with every season to make Kansas State a national contender, though.

The tough part for the Big 12, as a whole conference, if Kansas State brings home the conference title is the significance and national relevance of the program. Would a one-loss or even an undefeated Kansas State team garner enough respect to get into the College Football Playoff?

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