Big 12 Preview 2013: Who is the Favorite? Oklahoma State? Texas? TCU?
By Ty Duffy
The Big 12 should be among the nation’s most interesting in 2013. Not because there’s an obvious BCS contender, but because of the parity. Six teams look capable of winning the conference. Those same teams also look capable of finishing sixth.
Oklahoma State: The Cowboys were the nation’s best eight-win team last year. They regrouped after the Rich Rod blowout. Their record resulted from multiple, heartbreaking defeats. Oklahoma State’s offense cycled through three quarterbacks, lost Justin Blackmon, Brandon Weeden and Kendall Hunter to the NFL Draft. It still finished third nationally in yards per play. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken departs, but, after Spring ball, the most glaring issue seems to be which successful quarterback with experience to start. Their defense should be (Big 12) strong up the middle and hopefully benefit from a bounce back season from corner Justin Gilbert. Mike Gundy’s team may not be a budding juggernaut. But, in a conference with many ifs, it may have the fewest.
TCU: Gary Patterson has nine starters back from a Top 25 yards per play defense last year, most notably defensive end Devonte Fields, the conference’s defensive player of the year as a freshman in 2012. The sophomore, who had 18.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, has been suspended for the first two games, but should be rolling by conference play. On offense, Casey Pachall rejoins the team after substance problems and running back Waymon James returns from injury. Both were heading toward breakout seasons last year before being derailed. Patterson’s team entered the conference BCS-ready. With better fortune they could have challenged in 2012. The ceiling in 2013 could be even higher.
Kansas State: Kansas State is under the radar heading into 2013. They never have the best talent. They win through consistency and cohesion on both sides of the ball. They convert manageable third downs on key drives. They stop other teams from doing so. With so many starters leaving, those facets could suffer dramatically in 2013. On defense, the Wildcats lose 10 of 11 from last year. More of the offensive players return, but Heisman candidate quarterback Collin Klein is a substantial loss. The Wildcats must be considered a long shot. But they were a long shot last season before going to the Fiesta Bowl. They were an even longer shot the year before when they won 10 games. Bet against Bill Snyder at your own peril.
The Unwashed: West Virginia was not ready last year. They lose the Smith/Austin/Bailey triumvirate. Kingsbury has swagger, but he needs a couple years of recruiting. We’re so proud of Paul Rhoads but he is hitting Iowa State’s clear ceiling. Kansas…will look for lightning in a bottle and, judging from Charlie Weis’ track record, find smoke, mirrors and a stale fart.
[Photo via USA Today Sports]