By Jordan Hansen
Part two of The Daily Iowan’s conference previews: Big 12
1) Oklahoma
In an alternate universe, Bob Stoops is Iowa’s head coach and the Hawkeyes are coming off their third-straight Big Ten title. However, in our reality, Stoops will probably lead the Sooners back to the College Football Playoffs. Baker Mayfield is legit, and the team should remain the cream of the crop in the Big 12.
2) Oklahoma State
There’s going to be an entertaining race for second place in the Big 12, and the Cowboys might just lead it. Oklahoma State’s offense was good and will be good once again.
3) Texas
Yes. A bit of a shocker but Charlie Strong has finally built something here, and for the first time in a while, the Longhorns should be toward the top of the conference. There’s a strong running game and speed in the wide receivers. Look out.
4) TCU
The Horned Frogs lost a ton from last season’s team, including Trevone Boykin, but there’s still talent on the team. Defense, of course, is optional as always in the Big 12, but TCU might surprise a bit on that end as well.
5) West Virginia
A decent 8-5 campaign last year ended with a win in the Cactus Bowl, and the Mountaineers should be set up again for a decent amount of success. However, Dana Holgorsen needs to do something; otherwise, he might be on the outs.
6) Baylor
Yeah, Seth Russell is good. And there are a few good players on this squad. They probably will win a few games this season. But that’s not important. What’s important is that the football program reportedly enabled its players to commit sexual assaults. Hopefully, this program burns to the ground.
7) Texas Tech
The epitome of teams that don’t play defense, head coach Kliff Kingsbury will lead his ridiculous offense on to the field. And hey — the Red Raiders will score a lot. But they won’t play defense, which will again sink this team.
8) Kansas State
Bill Snyder is still the coach of the Wildcats, but the team lost quite a bit last year and probably won’t be on par with the upper-tier schools in the league. They will, however, play defense and give a couple of the better teams some trouble, perhaps pulling an upset or two.
9) Iowa State
After spending years spinning their wheels with head coach Paul Rhoads (RIP #SOPROUD), the Cyclones went out and got a hot coaching hiring in Matt Campbell. He has a chance to build something in Ames, though it will take time. Expect Iowa State to keep games close against some of the better teams in the league, but at the end of the day, the talent difference will just be too much.
10) Kansas
The worst team in Power-5 football. Seriously. Since 2010, Kansas has won 12 games. They’ve lost 60. Six-Zero. That is a lot of losing. Will it get better this year? It almost has to — Kansas failed to win a single game last season.