After being left out in the cold in 2014, there will be another Big 12 football title game this season, but was bringing it back the right decision?
You know that friend who has a really bad idea and not one person actually thinks the idea is good except that friend? Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby is that friend.
Big 12 Media Days start Monday and one of the biggest topics that Bowlsby will trot out is the return of the Big 12 title game. On June 3, 2016, the return of the championship game was approved to much happiness from the commissioner, athletic directors and university presidents.
Why, you might ask?
I’ve got about 27 to 28 million reasons why, that’s how much extra money the conference gets in its pocket with the additional 13th week of conference play. While this seems like a fantastic idea, it’s a really bad one. Like, “Iceberg, dead ahead!” bad idea. However to most everything the Big 12 does, I will explain where there is a good, bad and ugly side to this monumental decision.
First, I explain why is a good idea. Why? Because I’m a very positive person.
Good reasons to bring back the Big 12 title game
- “The 13th data point”
The “all important” 13th data point, which basically means that the 13th week is a chance to have voters watch a potential playoff teams play in the Big 12 title game. It’s a great way for the conference to get its foot in the pool on the same weekend as the rest of the Power Five conferences — and that’s great. Just in case you need to separate yourself from someone in the Big Ten or ACC, you’ve got the title game to do it.
- The Big 12’s death is put on hold
The Big 12 Conference has a fetish for teasing it’s demise. Ever since the mass exodus of four teams between 2010 and 2011, we’ve seen the conference struggle for survival. Well, with the advent of the Big 12 title game, you know that the conference will have some instance of survival till 2025 (when the Big 12’s grant of rights expires). If not, then David Boren’s attempts for Oklahoma’s exit out of the conference are next. Oh, did I say that out loud? Regardless, the Big 12’s expiration date has been extended at least a few more seasons.
And now, a trip to negative town.
Why it’s bad to bring back the Big 12 title game
- We will have seen the title game already
One thing that was supposed to come back along with the Big 12 title game were divisions and possible expansion. Neither of those happened so that means the conference will continue it’s non-divisional play. So yes, the conference title game that we will have will involve two teams that have already played each other.
It’s guaranteed that we will see a rematch of a previous game during the season, wether that involved an Oklahoma, TCU or Texas. That team will have to beat a squad that it has already beaten, or played, earlier in the year. It’s an unnecessary hurdle that the Big 12 has put in it’s way and without divisions, the conference’s end result has the chances of even being more comical.
Also, in 2015 the Big 12 didn’t need a title game to reach the playoff so of course it would add in a final hurdle for no reason. The Big 12, everybody.
- It’s hurt the conference before
From 1996 to 2010, the Big 12 had several instances where having the conference title game and that “13th data point” cost it a shot at sending a team to the national title game. Don’t believe me? When you factor in the the current four-team playoff situation, the conference’s title game mishaps sting just a bit more. You think I’m wrong? Just look at the history.
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1996: No. 3 Nebraska loses in the inaugural Big 12 title game against Texas, 37-27. A win would’ve put the Huskers into a four-team playoff had the playoff era existed.
1998: No. 2 Kansas State coughs up a 27-12 fourth quarter lead as Texas A&M defeats the Wildcats in double overtime to win 36-33.
2001: No. 3 Texas loses a heartbreaker to No. 9 Colorado 39-37. However, if you look at the polls the following day, Colorado would’ve actually played its way into the playoff. So, basically the Big 12 should’ve begged for a four-team playoff a long time ago.
I would usually put 2003 Oklahoma here but the Sooners survived their 35-7 shellacking to Kansas State and only dropped to No.3 in both polls the next day. Amazing, I know.
2007: No.1 Missouri loses to Oklahoma 38-17, costing the Tigers a chance to be No. 1 in both polls heading into the national title game.
So yeah, you’d think that the Big 12 would learn its lesson by now. I mean there is no way that I’ve crafted a totally legit scenario where the Big 12 costs itself a chance at the Big 12 title, right? Well, about that.
The ugly, which could cost the Big 12 a CFB Playoff spot in 2017
I’ve crafted the following scenario ever since the Big 12 decided to bring back the conference championship game and it’s getting more clear of it’s likelihood as we move towards the 2017 season. Follow along and it all makes sense.
Your first team into the 2017 Big 12 Championship Game is Oklahoma State who is ranked No. 3 in the country and sports an undefeated 12-0 record. The Cowboys survived a crucial four-way dance with Oklahoma, Kansas State and TCU to clinch a spot.
In any other season, the Cowboys would be relaxing on the final weekend knowing that they’re headed to, most likely, the Sugar Bowl for a College Football Playoff semifinal. However, Oklahoma State faithful are paranoid, and rightfully so, especially when their opponent is someone they’ve beaten and will have to play, and defeat, for a second time.
So who could that team be? Each of Oklahoma State’s three toughest conference opponents will have to travel to Stillwater and all will have left with a loss on their hands. My pick here is Oklahoma — a two-loss Sooners team (spoiler, they’re losing in Columbus on Sept. 9). They will have won the second spot by beating Kansas State on the road in Manhattan, which will be the proverbial tiebreaker in deciding who plays Oklahoma State in the Big 12 title.
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As for the game, the Sooners will avenge their 35-24 loss on Nov. 4 and defeat the Cowboys in a bonus Bedlam Game as Baker Mayfield out-duels Mason Rudolph, costing him a shot at the Heisman as Oklahoma wins 38-34.
I will be chuckling as the Big 12’s attempt to play their way into the College Football Playoff goes up in smoke. It’s beautiful.