2014 Big 12 Preview: Betting Futures
The Big 12 has been one of the most unpredictable conferences over the last little while. Kansas State shouldn’t threaten to win any major conference but they seem to be in the mix every year while Texas, with all the advantages in the world, has been in a serious down cycle.
Throw in a thud upon entry by BCS Buster TCU and an Oklahoma program that seems to disappoint more often than not and who knows what is going to happen…and we haven’t even mentioned Oklahoma State.
Big 12 Title Contenders
Oklahoma (2/3)
There is a lot of buzz for the Sooners coming into this season.
They had an impressive win over Alabama in their bowl game to close last season and look like they have found their quarterback of the present and future in Trevor Knight, who is just a sophomore.
That sets the offense up for success but what is equally exciting is the fact that 9 starters return on defense for a team that gave up only 22ppg.
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The schedule is sweet too with their toughest road game being TCU. They should win the league and qualify for the playoff.
Baylor (11/4)
The recent success of the Bears is likely to come to an end but that is not likely to be in 2014. Last year’s top scoring offense in the nation still has its triggerman in QB Bryce Petty and plenty of weapons to keep the good times going a little longer.
Their defense is respectable which is why this team has been able to break through with wins against the marquee programs in the conference that always seemed to elude them in the past.
Their schedule is much tougher this year than last.
Texas (6/1)
The Longhorns made the huge offseason play in bringing in new coach Charlie Strong to replace Mack Brown, whose time had come. There is no doubt that the talent is there to have success immediately but it seems a change in culture is required and that can sometimes take longer than one cycle.
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Further Texas is still searching for an answer at QB and needs to show that they have the ability tackle. They need to return to being “Texas”. I like the Strong hire and he will get them there.
Kansas State (10/1)
It says a lot about the wizardry of Bill Snyder that the Wildcats can return less than half their starters from a year ago and still be considered a contender in the B12. A lot of that has to do with the pitch and catch combination of Qb Jake Waters and WR Tyler Lockett, one of the best in the conference.
Their schedule is challenging and really they would need teams to really stumble to be in the race when the dust settles.
Oklahoma State (10/1)
The Cowboys have been really good over the last cycle but this season will be a real test to see where the program is at as they have only 9 starters returning.
I have confidence in the offense led by now unopposed QB J.W. Walsh but the defense needs massive reinforcements.
They have gotten away with playing an attacking style but that might be a lot more risky with so many new starters. They have a really tough schedule this season, a .500 record might be an accomplishment.
Best Big 12 Bet: Oklahoma
Best Value: Texas
There is not much money to be made by backing the favourite Oklahoma so I say take a chance on the Longhorns.
They just might catch lightning in a bottle with their new coach and get their game against Oklahoma overwith relatively early in the season when they won’t know any better.
If they start tackling this season it could make all the difference in the world.
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