by Scott Rickenbach
Wednesday, Jul 14, 2021CFB 2021 Season Preview – Big 12 – Quick Hitters by Team
Baylor – Likely to struggle in Big 12 action. The Bears still transitioning in the 2nd year under a new head coach. Offense could struggle without Brewer. But defense does look stronger. Might be a good “under team” in games this season.
Iowa State – The Cyclones look solid again. A lot of starters back for this season. Purdy gives them an experienced QB that has enjoyed success. Well-coached. Willing to be methodical on both sides of the ball. Another one that might be a good “under team” in games this season.
Kansas – The Jayhawks are just a bad program plain and simple. Arguably the worst team out of any in the power five conferences. Have been dealing with a coaching nightmare as there has just been no stability in the program. Recruiting and rebuilding for the future but currently still bottom of the barrel team.
Kansas State – The Wildcats have a solid QB but there is concern in the trenches on both sides of the ball and if you do not have strong O-lines and D-lines it is tough to consistently win. Only 5 starters expected back on defense here so expect some growing pains.
Oklahoma – The Sooners, as seemingly always, are so talented. Oklahoma used to be all offense and no defense but now the D is solid too and that is what makes OU such a powerhouse these days. Rattler and many starters are back on offense and they should off Iowa State for the top spot in conference.
Oklahoma State – The Cowboys O-line needs to be better. Overall, only 5 starters expected back on offense. Sanders is a key to the offense but overall some question marks on that side of the ball. The defense has improved though in recent years and that has help keep this program in the mix!
TCU – The Horned Frogs are poised to improve. Duggan at QB now and the defense is strong particularly up front. The question with TCU is will they be able to score enough points. D tends to be solid here but how quickly can the offense jell with Duggan under center. Does he have enough weapons? This team could surprise depending on how well the transition goes.
Texas – QB Ehlinger is out and a new coach is in with Sarkisian calling the shots. The Longhorns, as per usual, are plenty talented. The questions marks though are at WR on offense and linebacker on the other side of the ball. Also, how quickly will a new coaching staff be able to mesh with this team. Will be one of the top teams in the Big 12 but could be some growing pains this season.
Texas Tech – The Red Raiders are trending the wrong way. Defense has improved a little but offense has been down. Have a 3rd year head coach in Wells and a new offensive coordinator. If defense falters after showing some slight improvement recently then this team is really in trouble because the offense has question marks and a new OC.
West Virginia – The Mountaineers are in 3rd year under HC Neal Brown and he has done a good job here. He tends to get a lot out of his players and this is a hard-working team. However, though a lot of the offense is back, much of the defense is not and that is a concern for this season. Also, though they seem strong at the skill positions the O-line is a concern on offense. That means lack of QB protection. Kind of a “middling year” is expected this season for West Virginia as they battle through personnel losses.
Baylor – Likely to struggle in Big 12 action. The Bears still transitioning in the 2nd year under a new head coach. Offense could struggle without Brewer. But defense does look stronger. Might be a good “under team” in games this season.
Iowa State – The Cyclones look solid again. A lot of starters back for this season. Purdy gives them an experienced QB that has enjoyed success. Well-coached. Willing to be methodical on both sides of the ball. Another one that might be a good “under team” in games this season.
Kansas – The Jayhawks are just a bad program plain and simple. Arguably the worst team out of any in the power five conferences. Have been dealing with a coaching nightmare as there has just been no stability in the program. Recruiting and rebuilding for the future but currently still bottom of the barrel team.
Kansas State – The Wildcats have a solid QB but there is concern in the trenches on both sides of the ball and if you do not have strong O-lines and D-lines it is tough to consistently win. Only 5 starters expected back on defense here so expect some growing pains.
Oklahoma – The Sooners, as seemingly always, are so talented. Oklahoma used to be all offense and no defense but now the D is solid too and that is what makes OU such a powerhouse these days. Rattler and many starters are back on offense and they should off Iowa State for the top spot in conference.
Oklahoma State – The Cowboys O-line needs to be better. Overall, only 5 starters expected back on offense. Sanders is a key to the offense but overall some question marks on that side of the ball. The defense has improved though in recent years and that has help keep this program in the mix!
TCU – The Horned Frogs are poised to improve. Duggan at QB now and the defense is strong particularly up front. The question with TCU is will they be able to score enough points. D tends to be solid here but how quickly can the offense jell with Duggan under center. Does he have enough weapons? This team could surprise depending on how well the transition goes.
Texas – QB Ehlinger is out and a new coach is in with Sarkisian calling the shots. The Longhorns, as per usual, are plenty talented. The questions marks though are at WR on offense and linebacker on the other side of the ball. Also, how quickly will a new coaching staff be able to mesh with this team. Will be one of the top teams in the Big 12 but could be some growing pains this season.
Texas Tech – The Red Raiders are trending the wrong way. Defense has improved a little but offense has been down. Have a 3rd year head coach in Wells and a new offensive coordinator. If defense falters after showing some slight improvement recently then this team is really in trouble because the offense has question marks and a new OC.
West Virginia – The Mountaineers are in 3rd year under HC Neal Brown and he has done a good job here. He tends to get a lot out of his players and this is a hard-working team. However, though a lot of the offense is back, much of the defense is not and that is a concern for this season. Also, though they seem strong at the skill positions the O-line is a concern on offense. That means lack of QB protection. Kind of a “middling year” is expected this season for West Virginia as they battle through personnel losses.
