1. Oklahoma State - The Cowboys went through three different quarterbacks last season, all of which threw for more than 1000 yards. Wes Lunt transferred to Illinois to be closer to home, but senior Clint Chelf was expected be the starter even before Lunt transferred. Oklahoma State brings back plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. Defensive lineman Calvin Barnett and linebacker Shaun Lewis were named to the Preseason Big 12 team. Receiver Josh Stewart returns after a great season, where he caught 101 catches for 1210 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Big 12 will come down to the Bedlam Game, which is at Boone Pickens.
2. Oklahoma - I'm skeptical about this pick, as Oklahoma has a long history of falling short of expectations under Bob Stoops. The Sooners lose Landry Jones and their top two receivers, as well as a good portion of their defense, but still have plenty of talent to make a run at the Big 12. They return their top two running backs in Damien Williams and Brennan Clay, as well as their number three and four receivers, Jalen Saunders and Sterling Shepard. The real wild card is quarterback Blake Bell, who has thrown 10 career passes.
3. Texas - The Longhorns return almost all of their offensive weapons. Quarterback David Ash is back as well as their top four runningbacks: Johnathan Gray, Joe Bergeron, Malcolm Brown, and Daje Johnson. Mike Davis and Jaxon Shipley, the Longhorns top two receivers, are also back. Still, Texas' offense was not all that impressive last season and will need to improve if they want to be back among the Big 12's best. The defense took a major step back last season, much of which was due to poor tackling. That will also need to improve. If Texas fails to finish in the top three of the Big 12, look for Mack Brown's seat to continue to warm up.
4. TCU - The Frogs had the second best defense in the Big 12, behind Kansas State, and with all the players the Wildcats have lost, it is a safe bet that TCU will have the Big 12's best defense this season. Quarterback Casey Pachall returns after being suspended last season. If he can keep out of trouble, the Frogs' offense should see some improvement. Devonte Fields is back after an outstanding freshman season, and the Frogs have what many believe to be the Big 12's best defensive back in Jason Verrett. One piece TCU does lose is leading receiver Josh Boyce who caught 30 more passes than number two receiver Brandon Carter.
5. Baylor - The Bears had another outstanding year on offense, finishing fourth in the nation in points scored. However, their defense was once again atrocious, finishing 113th in points against. The defense will have to get better if they ever want to compete for a Big 12 title. There is a lot of hype surrounding quarterback Bryce Petty, but is completely unproven, throwing for only 10 passes last season. He will be helped out by the Big 12's best running back, Lache Seastrunk. Baylor does however lose leading receiver Terrence Williams as well as receiver Lanear Sampson. They do return Tevin Reese and Levi Norwood. Also, watch out for true freshman receiver Robbie Rhodes.
6. Texas Tech - Tommy Tuberville is gone, and the Red Raiders bring in former quarterback Kliff Kingsbury as the new head coach. I would expect immediate offensive improvement under Kingsbury. Though a starting quarterback has not been officially named yet, all signs point to sophomore Michael Brewer. Texas Tech loses 1000-yard receiver Darrin Moore, but return Eric Ward who also had more than 1000 receiving yards. Starting runningback Kenny Williams returns, and DeAndre Washington is coming back after redshirting last season. The Red Raiders will need to replace three starting offensive line. The defense returns almost it's entire front seven. but replace both safeties, and the loss of Cody Davis will hurt.
7. Kansas State - I do not like underestimating Bill Snyder, but the Wildcats lost so many starters. They lose what is essentially their entire defense, and Heisman finalist quarterback Collin Klein. Either DJ Sams or JUCO transfer Jake Waters will take over the quarterback position. Kansas State also loses leading receiver Chris Harper, but do return runningback John Hubert.
8. West Virginia - The Mountaineers were a defensive disaster last season, finishing 117th in points against. Add to it that offensive stars Geno Smith, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and J.D. Woods are gone, this could be a very bad year for West Virginia. The top returning receiver is Jordan Thompson, who caught 13 passes last season. The Mountaineers did sign three JUCO receivers to address that issue. West Virginia does return leading rusher Andrew Buie and got a big addition with transfer Charles Sims. Holgorsen has yet to name a starting quarterback. The Mountaineers will struggle to make a bowl game.
9. Iowa State - Iowa State will once again struggle and end near the bottom of the Big 12. They simply don't have enough talent and lose star linebackers A.J. Klein and Jake Knott. Sam Richardson showed some good signs, but he will need to continue to improve. It does not help that the Cyclones lost their three leading receivers. Runningbacks James White, Shontrelle Johnson, and Jeff Woody return for their senior seasons. Iowa State may make a bowl game, but getting six wins will not be easy.
10. Kansas - The Jayhawks are riding 21-game conference losing streak. They will get some help in the passing game now that Jake Heaps is eligible after transferring from BYU. Charlie Weis and his staff went all out in JUCO recruiting, signing 18 of them. I would expect to see plenty of them on the field this season. Kansas has some good runningbacks in James Sims, Tony Pierson, and Taylor Cox. I believe Kansas wins a conference game this season, but I do not see more than three wins this season as the Jayhawks continue to rebuild.
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