According to 247Sports national reporter Brandon Marcello, the state of Oklahoma will control the Big 12 this season.
Marcello predicted where each Power 5 football program will finish the 2020 season within their respective conference. Assuming there are no unexpected surprises, it appears the Big 12 title race will be between four solid squads.
Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Iowa State each have a realistic chance to appear in the conference championship this year. In this particular ranking, Texas just narrowly misses out.
1. Oklahoma
2. Oklahoma State
3. Texas
4. Iowa State
5. TCU
6. Baylor
7. Kansas State
8. Kansas
9. West Virginia
10. Texas Tech
While 247Sports expresses concerns regarding the inexperienced quarterback play at Oklahoma, the solid coaching from Lincoln Riley was enough to keep them at the No. 1 spot. However, what could knock off the Sooners from title contention is the elite talent that Texas has at quarterback.
Due to inconsistency on the coaching staff, the talent on the roster isn’t enough to put Texas in the Big 12 Championship. The Longhorns have a tough tail-end of the schedule, facing both Iowa State and Oklahoma State to close out the season.
“I’m a big believer in consistency on a coaching staff, and it may prove to be more important this season after an offseason of virtual meetings and less in-person instruction. Texas made six big changes on its staff, including the firing of Todd Orlando and the hiring of Ash on defense and a change at offensive coordinator. Ash and Mike Yurchich have veterans to work with, but the defense just doesn’t look the part of a contender.”
There’s no doubt that Texas has a plethora of weapons available on their roster, they’ve just lacked consistency. If new coordinators Mike Yurcich and Chris Ash happen to work out in their favor, the Longhorns could shock the nation this season.
The Big 12 Championship is a necessary stepping stone, but the goals in Austin are set much higher.