The good folks at Bleacher Report are predicting a return to the norm for next season: the Oklahoma Sooners winning the Big 12.
There are actually quite a few interesting storylines in the Big 12 for 2022, and OU is one of them. With a completely new look on both sides of the ball and of course a brand new head coach in Brent Venables, there’s a new level of anticipation with the Oklahoma Sooners.
The Sooners have more than a few roadblocks in their way for the upcoming season, and Bleacher Report notes that the prediction may not be permanent and can change.
There is one headline piece that they like that puts the Sooners above the rest of the conference.
Oklahoma has built an undeniable reputation, but a near-total overhaul of the program leads to plenty of reasonable uncertainties. Baylor needs to replace a bunch of production at receiver and in the secondary, which is often difficult. Oklahoma State’s defense has major turnover to address in both personnel and coaching. And, as always, Texas has lots of talent, plenty of upside and earned approximately zero trust. For good measure, Kansas State is again a stable mid-tier squad thanks to a terrific pass rush and the arrival of Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez. In mid-May, Oklahoma lands the nod because of UCF transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the experience he brings to a wide-open conference. But this prediction is far from permanent. – David Kenyon, Bleacher Report
Dillon Gabriel is the ultimate x-factor for the Sooners next season. You need good QB play to win in the Big 12. Jeff Lebby’s offense is perhaps the second biggest acquisition of OU’s offseason, second to Brent Venables.
There isn’t anything in here that’s unfair.
Should Texas finally get some results this season from the talent they have assembled, that’s four teams right there that are in the running for the Big 12 title.
Martinez will be an improvement for the Wildcats at QB and Baylor and Oklahoma State are both well-run programs and a lot of talent at the positions that experienced turnover.
West Virginia should also be better next season with what they hope to be the answers to their QB woes in J.T. Daniels.
The Big 12 certainly isn’t the SEC, but this won’t be an easy conference to win.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.