The Big 12 Preview Superstore (with a lot of extras)

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

That's right! Here at the "Big 12 Superstore", you'll find more than just previews for the Big 12 Conference. You'll also find sweet deals on FCS predictions, Playoff predictions, and a "BYU Blue Light Special" on Saturday! So come on down and let your voices be heard!

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Oklahoma State

The first preview segment for the Big 12 Conference: The Oklahoma State Cowboys

Last season: Pretty darn bizarre. On one hand, the Cowboys had grand wins over Boise State, Texas, a West Virginia team that was in the Top 10, and a bowl win over Missouri. On the other hand, they had some tough losses to Oklahoma (again), Kansas State, and TCU all while Mike Gundy exhibited some odd behavior. Now OK State are just hoping for a more consistent team in 2019.

Good news: Oklahoma State has a tackling machine in LB Calvin Bundage, and their passing defense will most likely show vast improvement thanks to a experienced secondary. Spencer Sanders is expected to win the starting QB job, which would help a dynamic WR group (led by Tylan Wallace) get more TD's.

Bad news: That's strange; the Cowboys offense took a step back in nearly every category last year. OSU fans are hoping that this slide is only temporary. Plus, every job on the front four of OSU's defense is wide open.

Key games:
8/30 @ Oregon State (Most likely, we'll see the Cowboys find a new feature running back and defeat the Beavers. But what if they underestimate the Beavers' offense?)
9/21 @ Texas (In a continuation of recent trends, OK State will play the Longhorns quite early. Maybe that'll work in their favor as the Cowboys attack all of these new starters for Texas.)
10/19 vs. Baylor (This game...)
10/26 @ Iowa State (...and this game will both be key in OSU's quest to grab a Big 12 title shot.)
11/30 vs. Oklahoma (One extra point. One stupid blocked extra point stopped OK State from getting a rare win over the hated Sooners last year.)

Bottom line: After 3 straight 10-win seasons, 2018's 7-6 record was a shock to the system for Mike Gundy and his crew. This year, it's all about consistency; if OK State puts more good games together they'll be just fine. But if not, I don't know if they can catch up to a Texas or a Iowa State.

 

[LongTimeSooner]

Don't be sleeping on TTU. Bowman ain't a goof behind center out there.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Kansas

Preview segment: The Kansas Jayhawks

Last season: Confession time, folks. For the last few months I've been watching a new anime called "Asobi Asobase", and it's funny as hell. What it ISN'T is sweet and loving; it has jokes about farts and boobs, vulgar characters, occasional slaps across the face and butt, and we even have one of the main characters writing "boys love" fanfiction.
...And I'll bet more Kansas fans were watching "Asobi Asobase" rather than their football team as Kansas had another miserable year. But wait a minute! Some big shot is now the head coach at Kansas, and he wants to bring back the fans.

Good news: That "big shot" coach is Les Miles, who should upgrade the Kansas program solely on his reputation. There is experience at running back and in the secondary, and Les has already improved recruiting (he right now has 22 verbal commits).

Bad news: There's still QUITE a few things to fix around Lawrence, with the lack of depth along both lines being just one of them.

Key games:
8/31 vs. Indiana State (One thing Kansas has going for it is 2 winnable games to start things off, as they'll host both this game and Coastal Carolina.)
9/13 @ Boston College (And over here, we'll see how Les Miles's 1st defense at Kansas handles an actual attack.)
9/21 vs. West Virginia (The Mountaineers has a new coach too [and problems on offense], so if Kansas can somehow break WVU's defense they can win this one.)
11/2 vs. Kansas State (Kansas State ALSO has a new coach, so we'll see how this installment of the "Sunflower Showdown" goes.)

Bottom line: With the average attendance for Kansas home games in 2018 just under 20,000 fans, this school had to do something to try to right the ship, and Les should help do that. But the task Les faces is a monstrous one, so we can ignore Kansas again this year as the rebuilding begins... AGAIN.

 

[GoldRusher]

Not sure what to expect from WVU TBH.

Head says, was a rebuild year anyway, new coach, new defense & staff, new faces as far as players all over..

But,

We have a good stable of RB’s returning, NFL O line guy with a few more experienced O line guys with, young but talented WR’s

Replace our all Big12 safety with a high star caliber Soph, solid kick returner..

We MIGHT be better than some think but... gonna be tough imo, the schedule is pretty tough so we may be good but still suffer some loses just due to that. I don't see us in the CCG but.. its the Big12 so, who knows how things will shake out

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Texas Tech

Preview segment: The Texas Tech Red Raiders

Last season: For the 2nd straight year, a good start for Texas Tech evaporated as they faded in the 2nd half of the season. But unlike last year, Tech couldn't salvage a bowl bid as they went 5-7. And also unlike last year, Tech ran out of patience with Kliff Kingsbury and sent his packing. Enter former Utah State coach Matt Wells to try to perk things up.

Good news: The offense should be it's old natural self with QB Alan Bowman and some experienced WR's leading the attack. Wells wants some consistency in his program, and having 4 returning starters on the O-line will help with that.

Bad news: The safety position may be a problem. Beyond that, the only thing I can think of is just the usual "transition shocks" you get when a new head coach installs new systems.

Key games:
9/14 @ Arizona (Tech's defense will face it's first real test here as they face an offensive-minded Arizona team...)
9/28 @ Oklahoma (...which will be valuable experience for when they start Big 12 play against it's undisputed champs.)
10/12 @ Baylor (Baylor clinched a bowl berth last year at the expense of the Red Raiders.)
10/19 vs. Iowa State (A 40-31 loss to the Cyclones started the 5-game losing streak that would get Kingsbury fired.)
11/29 @ Texas (Visiting a Texas team that might be fighting for a Big 12 title shot on Black Friday is not ideal.)

Bottom line: There are fewer problems at Texas Tech than I first thought, so maybe Matt Wells will do good in his first year at Lubbock. The Red Raiders won't challenge for a Big 12 title shot or anything, but a bowl berth is within easy reach if everyone learns the new schemes quickly.

 

[Jtrain80]

Oklahoma State

The first preview segment for the Big 12 Conference: The Oklahoma State Cowboys

Last season: Pretty darn bizarre. On one hand, the Cowboys had grand wins over Boise State, Texas, a West Virginia team that was in the Top 10, and a bowl win over Missouri. On the other hand, they had some tough losses to Oklahoma (again), Kansas State, and TCU all while Mike Gundy exhibited some odd behavior. Now OK State are just hoping for a more consistent team in 2019.

Good news: Oklahoma State has a tackling machine in LB Calvin Bundage, and their passing defense will most likely show vast improvement thanks to a experienced secondary. Spencer Sanders is expected to win the starting QB job, which would help a dynamic WR group (led by Tylan Wallace) get more TD's.

Bad news: That's strange; the Cowboys offense took a step back in nearly every category last year. OSU fans are hoping that this slide is only temporary. Plus, every job on the front four of OSU's defense is wide open.

Key games:
8/30 @ Oregon State (Most likely, we'll see the Cowboys find a new feature running back and defeat the Beavers. But what if they underestimate the Beavers' offense?)
9/21 @ Texas (In a continuation of recent trends, OK State will play the Longhorns quite early. Maybe that'll work in their favor as the Cowboys attack all of these new starters for Texas.)
10/19 vs. Baylor (This game...)
10/26 @ Iowa State (...and this game will both be key in OSU's quest to grab a Big 12 title shot.)
11/30 vs. Oklahoma (One extra point. One stupid blocked extra point stopped OK State from getting a rare win over the hated Sooners last year.)

Bottom line: After 3 straight 10-win seasons, 2018's 7-6 record was a shock to the system for Mike Gundy and his crew. This year, it's all about consistency; if OK State puts more good games together they'll be just fine. But if not, I don't know if they can catch up to a Texas or a Iowa State.

Quote of the day -

"You won't get special privileges from me just because I am sleeping with your mom."

Mike Gundy to his son Gunner on recruiting.

 

[Proud_Okie]

I have no idea what to expect from OU's defense this year. It can't get worse than last year, but it could stay the same. I'm all in on the idea of an aggressive, boom-or-bust defense. Possibly giving up big plays but forcing more turnovers is better than the death by a thousand cuts bullshit we've endured the last few years.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

West Virginia

Preview segment: The West Virginia Mountaineers

Last season: For the first 9 games of the season, things were okey-dokey at West Virginia. The generational talent known as Will Grier was smashing records along with his WR's, and the defense was helping out long enough for WVU to get to 8-1 and a #7 ranking. And then the two Oklahoma schools screwed them over, ending WVU's shot at the "New Year's Six".
And after a loss in the Camping World Bowl, Dana Holgorsen got out of Morgantown while he still had some leverage left. Now West Virginia is looking to start over with Neal Brown, a guy who turned Troy into a big winner.

Good news: That's strange... West Virginia's defense really does look like it's gonna carry the team. It has more returning experience than it's had in years, and the D-line looked good throughout spring ball. The running game has the playmakers needed to make it go.

Bad news: The O-line, however, may not give the RB platoon a chance to run; the depth there is pretty poor. And of course, everyone in Morgantown is gonna worry about replacing a guy like Grier... especially when the QB's that they have now didn't wow anyone in the spring.

Key games:
9/14 vs. NC State (Hurricane Florence ruined this game for us last year. What a shame; it would have been a doozy. Now we just have two rebuilding teams needing a big win.)
10/5 vs. Texas (West Virginia was able to surprise Texas last year 42-41. And WVU has the chance to do it again; Texas might be looking ahead to the Sooners in this game.)
10/12 vs. Iowa State (WVU was actually ranked as high as #6... before the Cyclones gave them a wake-up call 30-14.)
10/31 @ Baylor (The Mountaineers have beaten Baylor 3 years in a row, and they could halt the ascension of the Bears on Halloween night.)
11/23 vs. Oklahoma State (This could be the game that decides if West Virginia goes bowling or not in 2019.)

Bottom line: Yikes... Looks like Dana did get out at the right time; the 2019 Mountaineers will be missing their top 5 offensive players from a year ago. And with a tough schedule, there's a good chance Neal Brown and West Virginia will be staying home for the holidays.
But Neal Brown had some tough moments early on at Troy before he started winning over there, so WVU fans should be patient.

 

[Deep Creek]

Don't be sleeping on TTU. Bowman ain't a goof behind center out there.

Bowman is pretty good...but I'm not sure their overall talent level is deep enough to make it through the grind. Especially on the defensive side. I think Wells will definitely improve that side but it may take longer. JMO.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Baylor

Preview segment: The Baylor Bears

Last season: A lot of people were patting Matt Rhule on the back last winter after what Baylor was able to do. But really, all Rhule did was wash away the stench of a 1-11 season in 2017, got the defense to play better, and got Charlie Brewer to show off his potential in a 7-6 season that included a Texas Bowl win.
Hey! That's actually a pretty long list of accomplishments for Rhule and his team. What else can they do this season?

Bad news: Great! We have another team with issues on BOTH of their lines. The O-line has to get significantly better, and the D-line needs someone other than James Lynch to step up. Forcing more turnovers should also be a priority in Waco; Baylor finished last in turnover margin last season.

Good news: Everything else looks pretty darn good; Charlie Brewer is back and has a load of versatile weapons to choose from. Also, 7 starters return on a defense that can continue to show improvements.

Key games:
9/28 vs. Iowa State (These two former "loser teams" has a chance to get a leg up on the Big 12 race right here.)
10/19 @ Oklahoma State (This game is one Baylor may have to win to keep the Cowboys out of the title picture.)
11/9 @ TCU (November is where we'll find out if Baylor is truly back as a contender. First, they visit an old rival that clipped them 16-9 last year...)
11/16 vs. Oklahoma, and 11/23 vs. Texas (...and then it's back-to-back home games against the 2 best teams in the conference. It would be HUGE for Baylor if they can take out either the Sooners or the Longhorns.)

Bottom line: In 2017, the Baylor campus had time to heal after the Art Briles "sexual assault" scandal. In 2018, it looked like the football team was starting to heal as well. Now in 2019, we'll see if Baylor football can continue to stay on a positive trajectory. It'll help that Charlie Brewer is still here and the Bears will host Oklahoma AND Texas.

 

[Deep Creek]

11/9 @ TCU (November is where we'll find out if Baylor is truly back as a contender. First, they visit an old rival that clipped them 16-9 last year...)
11/16 vs. Oklahoma, and
11/23 vs. Texas (...and then it's back-to-back home games against the 2 best teams in the conference. It would be HUGE for Baylor if they can take out either the Sooners or the Longhorns.)

This must be payback for their weak ass schedule to begin the season. That or the Big 12 scheduler is still pissed off at Baylor about the Art Briles era. (You can throw in West Virginia the week prior to TCU as well.) But three of them are in Jerusalem on the Brazos and the other is just a few miles up I-35 so they do have that going for them.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Texas

Preview segment: The Texas Longhorns

Last season: Jeez. One Sugar Bowl victory and a 10-4 record, and all of a sudden Sam Ehlinger is saying that Texas is back. And what's worse, all of the Longhorn fans ate it up! But maybe that's because they had been jonesing for a 10-win season and haven't been getting it for 9 years. So maybe Tom Herman really CAN turn the Longhorns back into serious contenders.
However, Tom will have to do it in 2019 without quite a few people.

Bad news: Only 10 starters total are returning from last year's team, and the defense will feel this squeeze the most. There's a lack of depth at linebacker, a lack of proven pass-rushers, and a young secondary.

Good news: However, the secondary could be much improved with two strong safeties anchoring the unit. Sam Ehlinger proved last year that he can revive the QB position at Texas as he accounted for over 40 TD's, and he has a lot of helpers including great WR's and a RB group that's improving it's depth. Plus, Texas got a Top 5 recruiting class, so maybe some youngsters can help on defense.

Key games:
9/7 vs. LSU (After this huge contest, Texas fans will either be like this or like this . Either way, this is can't-miss TV.)
10/12 vs. Oklahoma [in Dallas] (Yay! Texas beat the Sooners in Dallas last year 48-45! ...But refresh my memory: Who exactly got into the playoff last year as Big 12 champions?)
10/26 @ TCU (That win over Oklahoma last year was probably set up by Texas snapping a 4-game losing streak against TCU 2 weeks earlier.)
11/16 @ Iowa State (ESPN's new show "Daily Wager" had the audacity to say Iowa State had a better chance at making the Big 12 title game than Texas did. You just KNOW that Texas wants to make those so-called "experts" look really stupid.)
11/23 @ Baylor (Just one problem: How can Texas concentrate on the Cyclones, when they have a trip to Waco right afterwards to face a Baylor team that also wants a Big 12 championship shot?)

Bottom line: ...Hey! Texas doesn't have to face Maryland this year! That's a good start for a Texas team wanting to not only win the Big 12, but to seriously challenge for the CFP. But unless Texas fixes it's defensive woes, that's gonna be hard to do.
But on the other hand, defense doesn't really matter in the Big 12. Good offenses and smart play does. Will that be enough for Texas to bypass Iowa State and Baylor in those late games? We'll see...

 

[Texas Jefe]

First off, well it's my only off, I don't agree necessarily with your statement in your original post.

 

[Texas Jefe]

Baylor

Preview segment: The Baylor Bears

Last season: A lot of people were patting Matt Rhule on the back last winter after what Baylor was able to do. But really, all Rhule did was wash away the stench of a 1-11 season in 2017, got the defense to play better, and got Charlie Brewer to show off his potential in a 7-6 season that included a Texas Bowl win.
Hey! That's actually a pretty long list of accomplishments for Rhule and his team. What else can they do this season?

Bad news: Great! We have another team with issues on BOTH of their lines. The O-line has to get significantly better, and the D-line needs someone other than James Lynch to step up. Forcing more turnovers should also be a priority in Waco; Baylor finished last in turnover margin last season.

Good news: Everything else looks pretty darn good; Charlie Brewer is back and has a load of versatile weapons to choose from. Also, 7 starters return on a defense that can continue to show improvements.

Key games:
9/28 vs. Iowa State (These two former "loser teams" has a chance to get a leg up on the Big 12 race right here.)
10/19 @ Oklahoma State (This game is one Baylor may have to win to keep the Cowboys out of the title picture.)
11/9 @ TCU (November is where we'll find out if Baylor is truly back as a contender. First, they visit an old rival that clipped them 16-9 last year...)
11/16 vs. Oklahoma, and 11/23 vs. Texas (...and then it's back-to-back home games against the 2 best teams in the conference. It would be HUGE for Baylor if they can take out either the Sooners or the Longhorns.)

Bottom line: In 2017, the Baylor campus had time to heal after the Art Briles "sexual assault" scandal. In 2018, it looked like the football team was starting to heal as well. Now in 2019, we'll see if Baylor football can continue to stay on a positive trajectory. It'll help that Charlie Brewer is still here and the Bears will host Oklahoma AND Texas.

Did you know....

Texas didn't even offer Brewer, even though his dad and grandad played at Texas? I MEAN THIS HAS BEEN MENTIONED 37 TIMES IN THE TEXAS VS BAYLOR GAME, 11 TIMES AT Big12 MEDIA DAYS, 22 TIMES AT ….

Seriously, I was in the Cotton Bowl when Brewer led Texas over Bama and the Bear

 

[Proud_Okie]

Did you know....

Texas didn't even offer Brewer, even though his dad and grandad played at Texas? I MEAN THIS HAS BEEN MENTIONED 37 TIMES IN THE TEXAS VS BAYLOR GAME, 11 TIMES AT Big12 MEDIA DAYS, 22 TIMES AT ….

Yeah, the media finds one interesting factoid and just beats the shit out of it.

 

[tnapucco]

I have no idea what to expect from OU's defense this year. It can't get worse than last year, but it could stay the same. I'm all in on the idea of an aggressive, boom-or-bust defense. Possibly giving up big plays but forcing more turnovers is better than the death by a thousand cuts bullshit we've endured the last few years.

I don't want to pump sunshine...but I heard an interesting tidbit in an interview the other day...one of the players said the word "dictate".

Maybe we didn't have the "Joe's" to do it, or maybe our coach just didn't know how to get it done...but I've been saying for a long fucking time that our defense with its speed should DICTATE more and react less.

Giving players the knowledge and ability to show false fronts will help as well...

 

[BoiseStateFan27]

Texas is back everyone, watch out

 

[Proud_Okie]

I don't want to pump sunshine...but I heard an interesting tidbit in an interview the other day...one of the players said the word "dictate".

Maybe we didn't have the "Joe's" to do it, or maybe our coach just didn't know how to get it done...but I've been saying for a long fucking time that our defense with its speed should DICTATE more and react less.

Giving players the knowledge and ability to show false fronts will help as well...

Yep. The past few years they've always looked like they were on their heels waiting for something to happen to them.

 

[Jtrain80]

OU's defense was so bad, I can't watch highlights of last year during the offseason.

@Proud_Okie @tnapucco

Will this year be any different? Well, Lincoln fixed the meerkat offense that huepel ran with a quickness....