From 14 to 12-no! Make that 16! (Big 12 Preview thread 2023)

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

And here I thought that the Big 12 would be in serious trouble with Texas and Oklahoma leaving. Instead, they got a HUGE infusion of fresh teams coming their way! So let me try to sort through the whole thing with my Big 12 previews in 2023.

Now just a fair amount of warning: On Wednesday, me and some visiting family members will be going on a 4 to 5-day road trip to see western Pennsylvania and maybe Niagara Falls. So that means I have to speed-run through the previews of this conference.

So if you see about 4 or 5 team previews a day on this thread, you now know why.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Cincinnati

The first preview segment for the Big 12 Conference: The Cincinnati Bearcats

Last season: Cincinnati's last year in the AAC was somewhat of a disappointment. Yes, they got 9 wins, but a Senior Day loss to Tulane costed them a shot at the AAC title. And once that game was over, coach Luke Fickell left the team to go to Wisconsin. And finally, their choice to replace Luke was Scott Satterfield from Louisville... the same school that beat them in that Fenway Bowl! WHAT?!
Well, with that type of chaos over, Cincinnati begins a new life of chaos in a "Power 5" conference.

Good news: Bryan Brown is the new defensive coordinator, and his first defense in Cincy has the potential to be pretty good. Emory Jones comes in from Arizona State to be the quarterback for the Bearcats, and his duel-threat talent should serve Cincy well.

Bad news: Only 1 starter returns on offense (and only 5 starters total is back from 2022), with the O-line and running back spots being run on a committee basis.

Key games:
9/9 @ Pittsburgh (Oooo, look at that! Cincinnati will have a reunion with an old rival from their days in the Big East.)
9/23 vs. Oklahoma (For the first and only time, the Sooners and Bearcats will share the same conference. I sure hope Cincy's new offense is running by this point in time.)
9/29 @ BYU (You guys wanted to see west-coast teams in a non-traditional conference? Well, here's what you end up getting: Cincinnati playing a conference game in Provo, Utah.)
11/4 vs. UCF (The Bearcats will host their old buddies UCF, who jumped ship with them from the AAC.)
11/25 vs. Kansas (Cincy's first Senior Day as a member of the Big 12.)

Bottom line: I sure as hell don't mean any ill-will for Cincinnati in their move to the Big 12. I mean, they made the playoff 2 years ago, for God's sake; they know what they're doing. But their timing is god-awful! A new head coach, a new conference, and returning only 5 starters total from 2022? Not to mention that in 2024, people like Utah and Arizona and Arizona State will be joining them?!
Unless something big happens, the Bearcats may finish last in their first year in the Big 12.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Texas Christian

Preview segment: The TCU Horned Frogs

Last season: Ignore what happened in that CFP national title game. Just the fact that TCU even MADE that CFP title game was f---ing amazing! QB Max Duggan became a folk hero in Fort Worth, they had a perfect regular season, and defeated Jim Harbaugh and Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl! I mean, in September they were a 2000-1 long shot to be national champions, and they almost pulled it off!
Well, let's see if TCU can handle being a favorite again.

Bad news: Let's see what TCU is missing from last year's team. There's Max Duggan (now with the LA Chargers), WR Quentin Johnston (he went in the 1st round to those same Chargers), leading rusher Kendre Miller, and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley (now at Clemson). That's a lot to replace in just one year! Oh, and the defense is still a worrisome place.

Good news: With 7 starters coming back, there is hope that the TCU defense will get a lot better (watch for linemen Johnny Hodges to be a beast). With new coordinator Kendal Briles coming in from Arkansas, there shouldn't be too much of a dropout in production on offense. And the running game should benefit big-time from an O-line that looks to be jelling well.

Key games:
9/2 vs. Colorado (With everyone looking at Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, TCU is looking to unleash their new QB Chandler Morris on them and ruin the party.)
9/16 @ Houston (Yes! A in-state rivalry gets restarted in the Big 12! The last time TCU and Houston met as conference foes, it was in 2004 while they were in Conference USA.)
10/21 @ Kansas State (I would be stupid if I forgot what happened between K-State and TCU the last time they met.)
11/11 vs. Texas (This game should be VERY important in the Big 12 race, as TCU will get one last chance to make the Longhorns miserable in the Big 12.)
11/24 @ Oklahoma (And on that note, TCU will be ecstatic if they can ruin Oklahoma's swan-song in the Big 12 as well.)

Bottom line: Coach Sonny Dykes had to deal with low expectations and a deflated roster when he first got to Fort Worth. Now the shoe is on the other foot; everyone at TCU is happy and wants to stay happy. And they are eager to get back out there and erase that Georgia beatdown from their memories. It can happen if the defense makes a solid improvement.
But the losses on offense are quite large, so TCU will have to earn that return trip to the Big 12 title game in 2023.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Texas Tech

Preview segment: The Texas Tech Red Raiders

Last season: Some people (including me) were baffled when Joey McGuire was hired to replace Matt Wells at Texas Tech. But let's give him some credit! Once the team adjusted to his leadership, they closed out 2022 on a high note with a 4-game winning streak and a Texas Bowl triumph over Ole Miss. And now, Tech is under the belief that they can challenge for the Big 12 title this year.

Good news: All QB Tyler Shough has to do is stay healthy, and he and the Texas Tech offense will be flying. The skill positions (RB and WR) looks loaded, the O-line underwent some positive changes, and watch for the secondary on defense to get better.

Bad news: The defense still has some problems to work out; the inside-linebacker spot is missing some key players. Oh, and Tyree Wilson will be missed coming off the edge for the Red Raiders.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Oregon (A big challenge match for Texas Tech, as they defend the Big 12 shield against the Ducks. And, wasn't Tyler Shough once a QB for the Oregon Ducks years ago?)
10/7 @ Baylor (A "revenge game" for the Red Raiders, as Baylor defeated them last year 45-17... in Lubbock!)
10/14 vs. Kansas State (Tech has now lost 7 in a row against Kansas State. This is a big "manhood test" for the Red Raider defense.)
11/2 vs. TCU (Also of importance for Tech this year is to snap a 4-game skid against the Horned Frogs of TCU.)
11/24 @ Texas (How funny would it be if Texas is rolling along towards a playoff spot in their last year in this league... only for Texas Tech to go and ruin everything?)

Bottom line: A proud end to the 2022 season has raised expectations for Texas Tech entering 2023. And the offense should be ready to deliver on those expectations. If their defense continues to improve, the Red Raiders could be a dark-horse contender for the Big 12 title.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Iowa State

Preview segment: The Iowa State Cyclones

Last season: 2022 was a shock to the system for Matt Campbell and Iowa State, as they suffered their first losing season in 6 years. But then again, most of their 8 losses were by a touchdown or fewer, and the team didn't pack it in until the last game of the year.

Good news: Once again, Iowa State should boast one of the best defenses in the Big 12, with the back-end looking particularly nasty. And with the O-line being more consistent- Wait. My dark side's telling me something, hold on.

Bad news: ...Oh! That's right! Iowa State is in the middle of a gambling scandal involving people like QB Hunter Dekkers. That, combined with the slow development of the O-line, might take the Cyclones down.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Iowa (Iowa State fans are hoping against hope that this whole gambling mess will be resolved by the time this rivalry game takes place. ISU was able to win in Iowa City last year 10-7.)
9/23 vs. Oklahoma State (OK State was just one of the teams Iowa State fell short against last year.)
10/7 vs. TCU (There's that aforementioned last game of 2022, where TCU crushed Iowa State 62-14. ISU will obviously be looking for revenge here.)
11/18 vs. Texas (The Cyclones will be looking to frustrate Texas one more time before the Longhorns leave for the SEC.)

Bottom line: Man. I almost forgot about that whole "gambling probe" thing while making this preview. Depending on what happens with it, Iowa State's 2023 season will either be a bounce-back year, or the beginning of the end for Matt Campbell's tenure in Ames. We'll just have to wait and see...

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Central Florida

Preview segment: The UCF Golden Knights

Last season: 2022 was a little bit of a disappointment for the Knights. Yeah, they got 9 wins, but then they lost their chance at the AAC title thanks to Tulane. And then after a bowl loss to an ACC school, UCF must now adapt to life in the rugged Big 12. Hey! They were just like Cincinnati last year!

Bad news: Line play could be a big worry for UCF, as the D-line was weak last year and the O-line is replacing a few starters. The secondary is also lacking experience, and UCF lost Ryan O'Keefe in the transfer portal.

Good news: Center Matt Lee also left, but at least UCF found a good replacement in Bula Schmidt. QB John Rhys Plumlee is back for one more year, and 6 of his top 7 receivers from a year ago are back. Four of the top 6 tacklers from last year are also back. And UCF is being smart by not venturing too much out of the state of Florida for recruiting.

Key games:
9/9 @ Boise State (An important "challenge match" for UCF, as they visit Boise State for the first time ever.)
9/23 @ Kansas State (This is UCF's first game in the Big 12 conference. And holy shit, it's gonna be a tough one when they visit the defending conference champs.)
10/21 @ Oklahoma (For the first time ever, Oklahoma and UCF square off. And for the only time, it'll be a Big 12 conference game.)
11/11 vs. Oklahoma State (Thankfully for UCF, the schedule lightens up after the OU game. The Knights will get to host the Cowboys in THIS first-ever meeting between teams.)
11/25 vs. Houston (Ah! UCF gets to see an old face during their first Senior Day in the Big 12.)

Bottom line: Of the 4 schools coming in to the Big 12 this year, I think UCF has the best chance of doing damage right away. And you can thank that offense of theirs and the coaching of Gus Malzahn. But if the Knights want to be a serious contender in 2023, they have BETTER make sure the defense holds up.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

West Virginia

Preview segment: The West Virginia Mountaineers

Last season: West Virginia had another rough go at it in 2022, as they went 5-7. At least they beat the Oklahoma schools! That was something! Sadly for Neal Brown, he's still on a very hot seat for this season all thanks to his new athletic director.

Good news: If the O-line stays strong (like it did during the last part of the 2022 season), WVU's offense can get back to scoring some major points. This is thanks to a running back room filled with experience. QB Garrett Greene is also back.

Bad news: Greene's starting job is not that secure, and his top 4 WR's from last year are all gone. A bunch of new guys are on the secondary, and the D-line lost a ton of experience from last year.

Key games:
9/16 vs. Pittsburgh (The "Backyard Brawl" was a wonderful sight to see last year... unless you were West Virginia, who lost at Pittsburgh. This year, the Mountaineers will be desperate to return the favor.)
9/23 vs. Texas Tech (From one challenge to another; can WVU find a way to stop the Red Raider offense?)
10/28 @ UCF (Here's a chance for WVU to swipe a much-needed win in the Big 12, as they visit one of the newcomers to the league.)
11/18 vs. Cincinnati (By this time, WVU will either be playing for a bowl berth or ready to say good-bye to their coach.)

Bottom line: This is a pivotal year for Neal Brown's coaching career. Can he stabilize West Virginia's roster long enough to save his job in Morgantown? Well, just know that the Mountaineers will be playing all 4 of the Big 12 newcomers in 2023. If they lose 2 or more of THOSE games, I think Neil Brown will be finished.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Baylor

Preview segment: The Baylor Bears

Last season: Ooof. Talk about a fall from grace. In 2021, Baylor was a Big 12 champion and a Sugar Bowl winner with a 12-2 record. Then in 2022, Baylor slipped considerably with a 6-7 season. But don't expect the Bears to be down for long.

Bad news: Baylor lost a lot of seniors from the 2022 squad (including 4 of them from the offensive line), so there will be a question of leadership. The secondary only returns 1 starter, and QB Blake Shapen needs to have better consistency in his play.

Good news: If Baylor can find some quick answers on the O-line, Baylor's running game will be awesome; Richard Reese headlines a great group at that position. The wide-receiver group will help out Shapen a lot, and there are no worries on the D-line.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Utah (This will be a big challenge for both the Bears and the Utes. Baylor's O-line have BETTER be ready for a tough battle.)
9/23 vs. Texas (Baylor is gonna give the Texas Longhorns EVERYTHING they have in their last scheduled meeting together. Trust me, folks.)
10/7 vs. Texas Tech (At least Texas Tech will stick around for the Bears' amusement. Baylor won last year's meeting 45-17 in Lubbock.)
11/11 @ Kansas State (The toughest part of Baylor's schedule will come when they visit the Wildcats...)
11/18 @ TCU (...and the Horned Frogs in consecutive weeks. Don't forget, last year Baylor was only 1 second away from stopping TCU's miracle run.)

Bottom line: Strange. Despite returning only 9 starters from the 2022 team, Baylor is still confident that they can get back in the Big 12 race. Some high-level transfers should really help them out, and so I see Baylor with about 8 wins in 2023.
But if Baylor wants to go to Arlington for the Big 12 title game, they better make sure that QB Blake Shapen plays better.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Houston

Preview segment: The Houston Cougars

Last season: In their final year in the AAC, the Cougars went 8-5 with an Independence Bowl win. But I don't think Houston fans got the season they wanted, in my opinion. Well, in 2023 the Houston faithful will get one of their deepest wishes to come true. Yep, they are back in a major conference! First time since the Southwest Conference days!

Bad news: Depth on the O-line is questionable, which will not be good in a more-physical conference like the Big 12. Alton McCaskill transferred out, which means the running-back room is a little bare. Oh, and QB Clayton Tune is gone.

Good news: Thankfully for the offense, QB Donovan Smith (from Texas Tech) has come in to help lead the way. And with a great collection of WR's to choose from, the Houston passing attack could still be lethal. On defense, Houston has some great individual pieces like Nelson Ceaser and Adari Haulcy.

Key games:
9/16 vs. TCU (Much like TCU will be anxious to meet their old friend from Houston, the Cougars will be happy to see the Horned Frogs in their Big 12 opener.)
9/30 @ Texas Tech (Due to a scheduling quirk, Houston will visit Texas Tech for the 2nd year in a row. Oh, and Donovan Smith will get to face his old squad from Lubbock here!)
10/21 vs. Texas (Yes! Houston gets to face Texas in a Big 12 game! ...Too bad that this will only be a 1-time affair.)
11/4 @ Baylor (Oooo! Another reunion of former SWC rivals here.)
11/18 vs. Oklahoma State (Houston's 1st Senior Day as a Big 12 member.)

Bottom line: Houston has been wanting to be a member of the Big 12 for years and years, and now it has finally happened! ...But now it's time for them to get to work; they need to get more physical to survive. And they need to get reacquainted with seeing old friends like TCU and Baylor and Texas Tech on a conference schedule.
I don't know if Houston will be bowling in their first year in the Big 12, but I wish them the best.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Kansas State

Preview segment: The Kansas State Wildcats

Last season: Chris Klieman, I salute you! Your Kansas State Wildcats proved to be as tough as nails during the 2022 season, and that's why they held off TCU to win their first Big 12 title in a decade. There's really not much to ask of you except... Are you capable of doing it all again?

Good news: The CFB magazines have been gushing about Kansas State's O-line, and how awesome it is. And if it stays awesome, QB Will Howard and his offense should take another step forward. And even though it only returns 4 starters, the defense returns more experience than at first glance.

Bad news: The D-line needs a fair bit of work, as people like Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Eli Huggins are gone from there. And the secondary is also missing some starters... who are also now in the NFL.

Key games:
9/16 @ Missouri (K-State washed away Missouri the last time they met. But this year they're going to Columbia to see them, so they shouldn't let their guard down.)
10/14 @ Texas Tech (Does this game sound sexy? No. Will it be an important game in the Big 12 race? Damn right.)
10/21 vs. TCU (Time for the rubber match between the Horned Frogs and the Wildcats!)
11/4 @ Texas (According to Lindy's, Texas and Kansas State will be the two best teams in the Big 12 in 2023. So maybe that means we'll get TWO meetings between Will Howard and Quinn Ewers.)
11/18 @ Kansas (The Jayhawks have a heartbeat for the first time in ages! Will THIS be the year Kansas State loses their win streak in the "Sunflower Showdown"?)

Bottom line: Imagine; in late September of 2022, we were making fun of Kansas State for losing to Tulane. Now in early August of 2023, Tulane is a Cotton Bowl winner and Kansas State is ready to defend their Big 12 championship. Will Howard is ready to go. So is the coaching staff. And if Kansas State finds some new heroes on defense, they'll be going back to Arlington to defend their crown.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Brigham Young

Preview segment: The BYU Cougars

Last season: Ever since they left the Mountain West conference, BYU has been taking on "Power 5" schools week after week. I mean, during their 8-5 campaign in 2022 BYU was taking on people like Oregon, Notre Dame, and Arkansas. But now that they finally achieved their dream of joining the Big 12 this year, they now must adapt to playing teams like Baylor on a weekly basis.

Good news: Kedon Slovis has been asked to replace Jalen Hall as BYU's starting QB. And judging by his effort during spring ball, Kedon should keep BYU's offense going. The O-line looks very good, and a boatload of transfers should help out too.

Bad news: Those transfers will be needed mostly on the defense, which struggled badly last year. And depth may also be a concern for BYU as they adjust to life in a physical conference like the Big 12.

Key games:
9/16 @ Arkansas (After a 2-0 start, BYU must go to Arkansas for the 2nd half of this "home-and-home series". Hmmm... can BYU's offense take advantage of Arkansas' poor secondary?)
9/23 @ Kansas (This is a tough way for BYU to start life in the Big 12. For one, they gotta travel around 1,100 miles to Lawrence, Kansas. And once they get there, Jalon Daniels and the fired-up Jawhawks will be waiting.)
10/21 vs. Texas Tech (This will be BYU's first important home game in the Big 12, as they'll face Texas Tech for the first time since 1940.)
10/28 @ Texas (The first and only time that BYU and Texas will meet when they're BOTH Big 12 members.)
11/18 vs. Oklahoma (And on that note, this is the first and only time the Cougars and Sooners will lock horns as Big 12 teammates. And it'll be on BYU's Senior Day?! Cool!)

Bottom line: Much like Houston, BYU was hoping and wishing that they can join a major conference for years. And in 2023, they'll finally get their wish; this will be their first year in the Big 12 conference! But now, it's time for them to do the work and get more physical (since they'll be playing 10 "Power 5" schools over an 11-week span). If BYU finds a bowl berth in their first year in the Big 12, I'll call 2023 a success for them.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Oklahoma

Preview segment: The Oklahoma Sooners

Last season: Uh, Oklahoma? I know I gave you guys the "runner-up curse" during the 2021 season, and you stumbled a bit then? But come on! A 6-7 record in 2022?! With blowout losses to TCU and Texas thrown in? And with your defense turning into complete shit?! Dude, the curse was supposed to last only ONE season!
Okay, okay, okay... Can you recover and end your Big 12 tenure on a high?

Good news: It looks like Oklahoma has a better secondary than last year, which can only help the defense get better. QB Dillon Gabriel SHOULD be more consistent with his play, and there is still some quality options at running-back.

Bad news: Oklahoma doesn't have a go-to receiver right now (since Marvin Mims went to the NFL), but the biggest problem may actually be overall team depth. I mean, the Sooners lost a lot of players to the portal in the offseason, so they need to be careful.

2023 X-factor: Coach Brett Venables- Most people will be eying the performance of Brett Venables this season after that bad 2022 campaign. He does have a few things going for him (a good team culture, top-notch recruiting classes), but Colin Cowherd once said "Some people are just good #2's who isn't meant to be the head man of a job. I think Venables is one of those #2's". I guess it'll be up to Brent to prove people like Colin wrong.

Key games:
10/7 vs. Texas [from Dallas] (Actually, Oklahoma's early schedule is very easy in 2023; they should be 5-0 entering their annual war with Texas. Oh, and OU will remember the 49-0 whipping that Texas gave them last year.)
10/28 @ Kansas (OU fans are now thinking "Wait. This guy is putting a road game against Kansas in our 'top games' list? Is he high?". Well, there is still the matter of the Sooners' weak secondary... and how Jalon Daniels wants to pick on it.)
11/4 @ Oklahoma State (Hmmm... Could this be the final time we see the "Bedlam Series"?)
11/24 vs. TCU (Depending on what happens this year, a spot in the Big 12 title game could be decided here.)

Bottom line: Okay, I ragged on the Sooners a bit. But that's only because this is a VERY important year for the Oklahoma program. They got a very manageable schedule, so maybe all the Sooners have to do is fix the defense. Then they can challenge for one more Big 12 title.
But if Brett Venables and his team struggles again, it will NOT bode well for them as they enter the SEC in 2024.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Oklahoma State

Preview segment: The Oklahoma State Cowboys

Last season: When you take a look at the records for 2022, and you see that OK State had a better record than Oklahoma, you would think that the Cowboys are happy about it. Right? Well, the answer is a sharp "No, they're not happy about it". Why? Because OK State started out 5-0, but then totally lost the plot as they dropped 5 of their last 6 games. And yes, Oklahoma was one of the teams that beat them.

Bad news: OK State has lost their top passer (Spencer Sanders), top rusher (Dominic Robinson), and 8 of their top 10 tacklers from a year ago. Oh, and their new starting QB Alan Bowman hasn't played meaningful football since 2020. In all, the Cowboys are only returning 6 total starters from a year ago.

Good news: At least the Cowboys left spring ball healthier than at any point over the last 2 years. That means team depth should be exceptional. Oh, and with an improved O-line the running game for the Cowboys should be great.

Key games:
9/9 @ Arizona State (I should also mention that OK State got a whole lot of transfers from the portal. Let's see how all the newcomers get along in this game in Tempe.)
10/6 vs. Kansas State (48-0. That's all the Cowboys need to get ready for this one.)
11/4 vs. Oklahoma (...On second thought, maybe Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will find a way to keep the "Bedlam Series" going.)
11/11 @ UCF (Going to Orlando to play a conference game is weird enough for OK State. Going to face UCF right after the Oklahoma game is another animal entirely.)

Bottom line: ...Say! I think Mike Gundy and the Cowboys have lucked out in 2023. They won't play Texas, they won't play TCU, and their toughest conference games will be in Stillwater. And like the Sooners, OK State has some major issues on defense that need to be addressed and fixed.
They may not win the Big 12 title in 2023, but don't be surprised if Oklahoma State is still in the race entering November.

 

[OUGuy1999]

Last season: Uh, Oklahoma? I know I gave you guys the "runner-up curse" during the 2021 season, and you stumbled a bit then? But come on! A 6-7 record in 2022?! With blowout losses to TCU and Texas thrown in? And with your defense turning into complete shit?! Dude, the curse was supposed to last only ONE season!
Okay, okay, okay... Can you recover and end your Big 12 tenure on a high?

Anyone who thought the Sooners were going to be runners up or winners of the B12 last year was either high or doesn't follow the program at all and just listen to talking heads on sports shows. All Sooner fans have high expectations but those who truly follow the program knew last year was going to be a test year.

Bad news: Oklahoma doesn't have a go-to receiver right now (since Marvin Mims went to the NFL), but the biggest problem may actually be overall team depth. I mean, the Sooners lost a lot of players to the portal in the offseason, so they need to be careful.

We have 2 actually, one who has been consistent for the past 2 years and 1 who shown out to be a dude in our last bowl game. Both will be go-to receivers as they are the only 2 returners from last year. Mims was good, but he wasn't as good as he could have been. WR play has been down the past 3 years at OU. But expect that to change this year.

2023 X-factor: Coach Brett Venables- Most people will be eying the performance of Brett Venables this season after that bad 2022 campaign. He does have a few things going for him (a good team culture, top-notch recruiting classes), but Colin Cowherd once said "Some people are just good #2's who isn't meant to be the head man of a job. I think Venables is one of those #2's". I guess it'll be up to Brent to prove people like Colin wrong.

People thought Saban wasn't the guy either and wanted him fired after his first year at Bama. So what does that say about the fans who don't understand how building a new team works.

Most of what you said is basic talking points from someone who follows college football but doesn't actually dig into the details of each team, just looks at some numbers and the roster and throws up some stuff for views.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Anyone who thought the Sooners were going to be runners up or winners of the B12 last year was either high or doesn't follow the program at all and just listen to talking heads on sports shows. All Sooner fans have high expectations but those who truly follow the program knew last year was going to be a test year.



We have 2 actually, one who has been consistent for the past 2 years and 1 who shown out to be a dude in our last bowl game. Both will be go-to receivers as they are the only 2 returners from last year. Mims was good, but he wasn't as good as he could have been. WR play has been down the past 3 years at OU. But expect that to change this year.



People thought Saban wasn't the guy either and wanted him fired after his first year at Bama. So what does that say about the fans who don't understand how building a new team works.

Most of what you said is basic talking points from someone who follows college football but doesn't actually dig into the details of each team, just looks at some numbers and the roster and throws up some stuff for views.

Ooooo... Thanks, sir. I forgot about how Nick Saban struggled in his first year at Alabama, but then had a dynasty the rest of the way. Maybe Brett Venables will have the same luck, we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Kansas

Preview segment: The Kansas Jayhawks

Last season: NOW Lance Leipold's cooking with gas here in Lawrence! OK, maybe they had a tough ending to the 2022 campaign, but it was still a successful one. Kansas made it's first bowl game since 2008, and hosted "College Gameday" for the first time ever. More importantly, the Jayhawks loved playing football again.

Good news: More than 90% of their offensive personnel from 2022 has returned. This includes some solid WR's, a potentially brilliant O-line, and superstar quarterback Jalon Daniels.

Bad news: Over the last 4 games of 2022, Kansas' defense gave up 200 points (Seriously, I calculated it!). All 4 games were losses. Obviously, the defense needs to be fixed, but the experience it has now is quite lacking.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Illinois (Illinois will be using a bruising rushing attack this year. So this should be a perfect first test for Kansas' new defense.)
9/23 vs. BYU (This is the first time since 1992 that Kansas and BYU will meet, and only the 2nd-time ever.)
10/28 vs. Oklahoma (This will be a HUGE game for Kansas; the Jayhawks hasn't beaten Oklahoma since 1997, and this will be the last chance they'll get in quite a while to snap the skid.)
11/18 vs. Kansas State (Speaking of 2008, that was the last time Kansas defeated Kansas State. If their defense is any better, the Jayhawks can do it this time.)

Bottom line: Kansas has transformed itself from a depressing slog to a fun bunch that has a Heisman-level QB. And if the defense finds a way to get better, Kansas will find itself in back-to-back bowls in 2023.
But the schedule is not kind; Texas, the two Oklahoma schools, and Texas Tech are on there along with K-State. So Kansas will have to EARN that bowl trip in 2023.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Texas

The last, final, powerful preview for the 2023 season: The Texas Longhorns

Last season: It's actually pretty hard to quantify Texas' 2022 season in a few words, but I'll try. I mean, we saw Bijan Robinson become a star. We saw Quinn Ewers become a francise QB for the team. And when Texas lost a game, it was usually by a TD or less. Too bad there was 5 of those losses.
So how do you quantify Texas' 2022 season? One big massive tease. Now Texas has to put it all together for their ballyhooed farewell in the Big 12.

Good news: We have continuity within the Texas coaching staff (especially on defense). We have Quinn Ewers still chucking the ball. We have Arch Manning as a new QB that's pushing Ewers to get better. And the WR staff has some bright new faces. All in all, there IS a lot to like here.

Bad news: The defense struggled to force turnovers and sacks last year, so that will be a focal point for Texas to fix. Oh, and Bijan Robinson is now in the NFL... and we don't know yet who'll step up and take his place.

Key games:
9/9 @ Alabama (So who is the more over-hyped team of the 2023 season? A rebuilding Alabama squad, or those darn Longhorns? How well the Texas offense does in Tuscaloosa will give us the answer.)
10/7 vs. Oklahoma [in Dallas] (Blasting Oklahoma 49-0 was the undisputed highlight of the 2022 campaign for Texas. You know damn well Texas would love to do it again.)
11/4 vs. Kansas State (Most of Texas' games in the Big 12 this year will be farewell games to their old rivals. This game will be one of the biggest, for the simple fact that it'll settle at least 1 spot in the Big 12 title game.)
11/11 @ TCU (And on that note, here's another big farewell game for Texas; they know DAMN well what rival TCU was able to do last season.)
11/24 vs. Texas Tech (So this game will mark the end of an era for the Big 12. Here's hoping that Texas Tech doesn't ruin it... )

Bottom line: With Steve Sarkisian stockpiling talent, and with a young exciting QB at the helm, and with a hopeful defense ready to show their stuff, it's safe to say that Texas is "all-in" for the 2023 season. To them, anything less than a conference title will be a failure for Texas in their last year in the Big 12. And... that's really all you need to know over in Austin.

 

[OUGuy1999]

Ooooo... Thanks, sir. I forgot about how Nick Saban struggled in his first year at Alabama, but then had a dynasty the rest of the way. Maybe Brett Venables will have the same luck, we'll just have to wait and see.

"All six of Alabama's losses were by seven points or less. The Crimson Tide defeated Colorado in the 2007 Independence Bowl, 30–24, to end the year 7–6." ~ wiki

Saban had a rough first year, and since has become a legend in coaching. Not saying BV will have the same success, but his first year is very similar to Saban's. I hate that people shit on coaches in just their first 2 years. Coaches need at least 3 years to see an actual direction the program is going. 4 years if you want to actually see the success or failure of the coach. By year 5, you should definitely know where things are going at that point if the coach made it through year 4.

 

[Tritonboat71]

Ooooo... Thanks, sir. I forgot about how Nick Saban struggled in his first year at Alabama, but then had a dynasty the rest of the way. Maybe Brett Venables will have the same luck, we'll just have to wait and see.

I’m still trying to figure out who Brett Venables is.


The head coach at Oklahoma is BRENT Venables.

 

[Tritonboat71]

Texas

The last, final, powerful preview for the 2023 season: The Texas Longhorns

Last season: It's actually pretty hard to quantify Texas' 2022 season in a few words, but I'll try. I mean, we saw Bijan Robinson become a star. We saw Quinn Ewers become a francise QB for the team. And when Texas lost a game, it was usually by a TD or less. Too bad there was 5 of those losses.
So how do you quantify Texas' 2022 season? One big massive tease. Now Texas has to put it all together for their ballyhooed farewell in the Big 12.

Good news: We have continuity within the Texas coaching staff (especially on defense). We have Quinn Ewers still chucking the ball. We have Arch Manning as a new QB that's pushing Ewers to get better. And the WR staff has some bright new faces. All in all, there IS a lot to like here.

Bad news: The defense struggled to force turnovers and sacks last year, so that will be a focal point for Texas to fix. Oh, and Bijan Robinson is now in the NFL... and we don't know yet who'll step up and take his place.

Key games:
9/9 @ Alabama (So who is the more over-hyped team of the 2023 season? A rebuilding Alabama squad, or those darn Longhorns? How well the Texas offense does in Tuscaloosa will give us the answer.)
10/7 vs. Oklahoma [in Dallas] (Blasting Oklahoma 49-0 was the undisputed highlight of the 2022 campaign for Texas. You know damn well Texas would love to do it again.)
11/4 vs. Kansas State (Most of Texas' games in the Big 12 this year will be farewell games to their old rivals. This game will be one of the biggest, for the simple fact that it'll settle at least 1 spot in the Big 12 title game.)
11/11 @ TCU (And on that note, here's another big farewell game for Texas; they know DAMN well what rival TCU was able to do last season.)
11/24 vs. Texas Tech (So this game will mark the end of an era for the Big 12. Here's hoping that Texas Tech doesn't ruin it... )

Bottom line: With Steve Sarkisian stockpiling talent, and with a young exciting QB at the helm, and with a hopeful defense ready to show their stuff, it's safe to say that Texas is "all-in" for the 2023 season. To them, anything less than a conference title will be a failure for Texas in their last year in the Big 12. And... that's really all you need to know over in Austin.

Still can’t understand all the hype for Texas.

Sark is 13-12 in 2 seasons at Texas and Ewers had statistically the 4th or 5th best season in the Big XII last year.

They lose arguably their best 2 players on offense, Bijon and Rochon, and Sark has yet to win 10 games ever as a head coach.

The 49-0 Red River game was an anomaly.

Hard to compete with no QB.

They may win Red River this year, but it won’t remotely resemble last year’s debacle.

My guess is Texas goes 9-4 next year.

They’ll win the Alamo Bowl against some shitbird PAC-12 team.