Big 12 Football Standings

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Welcome to our comprehensive report on the thrilling world of Big 12 football! Follow along as we bring you up-to-date on the latest standings, schedule releases, and team insights. Dive into the fierce rivalries that ignite this conference, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each squad, and stay informed about emerging stars and standout performances. Whether you\’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about the high-octane action on the gridiron, this article is your ultimate guide to the Big 12 football season.

Big 12 Football Standings: Power Rankings and Predictions

Conference Play Heats Up: Contenders, Surprises, and Key Matchups

As the Big 12 conference play intensifies, the standings begin to take shape, with both contenders and surprises emerging. At the top of the pack, a few teams have separated themselves from the rest, while others have struggled to meet expectations,

Contenders Arise

Leading the charge in the Big 12 is the Oklahoma Sooners, who have showcased their dominance with a perfect conference record. With an explosive offense and a stout defense, the Sooners have proven to be a formidable force. Their closest rival is the Baylor Bears, who have also impressed with their balanced attack and opportunistic defense.

Right behind the Sooners and Bears is Texas. The Longhorns have shown signs of progress under new head coach Steve Sarkisian but have displayed some inconsistency along the way. Nevertheless, they remain in the hunt for a conference title.

Surprises and Disappointments

Among the surprises of the season is Oklahoma State, who has exceeded expectations with their high-scoring offense led by quarterback Spencer Sanders. On the other hand, Iowa State has been a major disappointment, struggling to find their footing in conference play.

Key Matchups to Watch

Several key matchups will determine the fate of the Big 12 standings in the coming weeks. On November 6, Oklahoma and Iowa State will face off in a pivotal showdown with playoff implications. The following week, Baylor and Texas will clash in a battle for control of the conference. These games will be crucial in shaping the final standings and determining the conference champion.

Top Contenders

The Big 12 football season is shaping up to be a thrilling one, with several teams vying for the conference title. Let\’s take a closer look at the top contenders:

Oklahoma Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners are the defending Big 12 champions and the preseason favorites to repeat in 2023. They boast a high-powered offense led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, a transfer from UCF who brings a dynamic passing attack to Norman. The Sooners also have a stout defense anchored by All-American linebacker David Ugwoegbu, who is widely considered one of the best defensive players in the country.

Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns have made a strong start to the season under new coach Steve Sarkisian. They have a balanced offense led by running back Bijan Robinson, one of the most electric playmakers in the country, and wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who is a dangerous deep threat. The Longhorns\’ defense has also shown improvement, led by linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, who has emerged as a force in the middle of the field.

Baylor Bears

The Baylor Bears are the defending Big 12 champions and they return a veteran team with a lot of experience. They are led by quarterback Blake Shapen, who has shown great poise and consistency, and running back Richard Reese, who is a powerful and versatile runner. The Bears\’ defense is physical and has allowed the fewest points in the conference, thanks in large part to the presence of All-American safety JT Woods.

Mid-Tier Teams

In the middle of the Big 12 standings, a trio of teams has emerged as potential contenders but with significant flaws holding them back from reaching the top tier.

Kansas State Wildcats

The Kansas State Wildcats surprised many early in the season, posting a 5-1 record behind the leadership of quarterback Adrian Martinez and running back Deuce Vaughn. Their defense has been a force, forcing the most turnovers in the conference and providing a solid foundation for their success. However, recent struggles have cast doubt on whether they can sustain their early-season momentum.

Iowa State Cyclones

The Iowa State Cyclones are known for their tough defense, anchored by Heisman Trophy candidate Breece Hall. Hall\’s exceptional running ability makes him a constant threat on the ground, but the Cyclones\’ offense as a whole has been inconsistent, limiting their ability to consistently put up points. Despite their defensive prowess, they\’ve been unable to overcome their offensive shortcomings.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Oklahoma State Cowboys entered the season with high preseason expectations, but have failed to live up to those aspirations thus far. Spencer Sanders, their quarterback, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency, while wide receiver Tay Martin remains a potent weapon in the passing game. The Cowboys\’ defense has been a major disappointment, surrendering big plays and failing to make key stops when needed. As a result, their early-season promise has dissipated, leaving them searching for answers to turn their season around.

Bottom of the Standings

The bottom of the Big 12 standings is occupied by three teams that have struggled to find their footing in the conference. These teams face unique challenges and have a lot of work to do if they want to improve their records.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are currently winless through the first half of the season. The team has struggled on both offense and defense, and new coach Joey McGuire has a tough rebuilding job ahead of him. The offense has failed to produce consistently, and the defense has been unable to stop opposing teams from scoring. McGuire is hoping that his team can turn things around in the second half of the season, but it will be an uphill battle.

West Virginia Mountaineers

The West Virginia Mountaineers are another team that has struggled this season. The team has been hit hard by injuries, and quarterback J.T. Daniels has been inconsistent. The defense has also been porous, allowing opposing teams to score at will. The Mountaineers are currently 2-6 on the season, and they will need to find a way to play better if they want to avoid finishing near the bottom of the Big 12 standings.

Kansas Jayhawks

The Kansas Jayhawks are perennially near the bottom of the Big 12 standings. The team has not had a winning season since 2008, and it has only won one conference game in the past four years. The Jayhawks are a young team with some potential, but they are still a long way from competing for a conference championship. Second-year coach Lance Leipold is hoping to build a foundation for success in Lawrence, but it will take time.