2016 Big 12 Football Preview: Conference of QBs

The Big 12 Conference has always been known for producing prolific QBs who thrive in spread offenses. It reached a peak in the early part of the decade with stars like Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, Brandon Weeden, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill, and Josh Freeman all going on to start games in the NFL. Recently, the conference hit a bit of a lull in this department. However, things look on the upswing in in 2016.

Mayfield and Rudolph both led their teams to 10+ win seasons and NY6 bowls last season and have the luxury of returning most of their offensive supporting casts. With the advantage of playing for CFP contenders, they’ll get the chance to put themselves in Heisman consideration.

Fortunately, the conference didn’t backload its schedule like last season. Expect teams to continue to feed on each other like last November as the 9-game conference schedule proves to be too much for any team to emerge without a loss. While it’s hard to imagine OU’s offense being stopped, the team suffered key losses to its defense like Zach Sanchez and Eric Striker. Combine this with a brutal non-conference schedule that includes UH and Ohio State and Sooners’ fans will be in for disappointment this fall. Look for TCU to return to Patterson’s roots with exceptional defensive play (barring another Hurricane Injury like last season) and their offense to continue performing at a high level thanks to offensive coordinators Sonny Cumbie and Doug Meacham. A 1-L Big 12 Champ should be in great position for the playoff again this fall.

Projected Big 12 Standings

1. TCU Horned Frogs 11–1 (8–1)
2. (tie) Oklahoma Sooners 9–3 (7–2)
2. (tie) Oklahoma State Cowboys 10–2 (7–2)
4. Texas Longhorns 8–4 (6–3)
5. Kansas State Wildcats 7–5 (5–4)
6. Iowa State Cyclones 6–6 (4–5)
7. (tie) West Virginia Mountaineers 6–6 (3–6)
7. (tie) Texas Tech Red Raiders 5–7 (3–6)
9. Baylor Bears 5–7 (2–7)
10. Kansas Jayhawks 2–10 (0–9)