Big 12 Football: Oklahoma favored in 2021, Iowa State next up
It’s not quite there yet, but Oklahoma’s dynasty on Big 12 football is beginning to resemble that of Kansas’ on hoops. The Sooners have won six straight conference titles and 14 since 2000. Texas is the next closest, with three Big 12 championships in the past 20 years. Will OU make it seven in a row in 2021? Or is there a team that looks like it can challenge for the crown? Here’s what the oddsmakers in Vegas have to say:
Kansas Jayhawks 2,000/1
Betting on the Jayhawks would allow you to fantasize about a big payout, but it likely won’t become reality.
A more interesting wager would be whether Kansas manages to win a single conference game. It has failed to do so in three of the past six seasons.
Add in Les Miles’ firing this offseason, and basketball season couldn’t come sooner in Lawrence.
Baylor Bears, Kansas State Wildcats, Texas Tech Red Raiders 80/1
Of this group of teams, Kansas State seems most likely to overachieve.
The Wildcats finished 4-6 this past season, but three of those losses were by five points or less. Deuce Vaughn led the team in rushing as a freshman, and should develop into one of the better running backs in Big 12 football. The biggest news, however, is that Skylar Thompson is back at quarterback after missing much of the 2020 season.
The two could make a dangerous offensive tandem that surprises some.
The Red Raiders have a new quarterback: Oregon transfer Tyler Shough. A lot of how their season goes will depend on how he pans out.
Baylor rushed for just 90 yards per game last season and their passing numbers weren’t good enough to make up for it. The Bears will need to address that if they hope to finish above anyone but Kansas.
West Virginia Mountaineers 30/1
Defense wins championships, unless you’re in the Big 12 football conference.
West Virginia led the conference in both yards and points per game allowed in 2020. They finished sixth in the standings.
The Mountaineers return many key members from their defense last year and will likely again be one of the top units in the league. The key is whether they can keep up offensively with other teams.
Oklahoma State Cowboys 25/1
Quarterback Spencer Sanders battled injuries last season, resulting in a somewhat lackluster second year. It will be interesting to see how he has developed if he can stay healthy.
But Oklahoma State also loses Tylan Wallace and Chuba Hubbard. That’s a lot of offense to replace, so their chances of winning the Big 12 are slim.
TCU Horned Frogs 14/1
TCU has the fourth-best odds of any team to win the Big 12 football crown, with about a six percent chance if you’re keeping track.
The Horned Frogs bring back quarterback Max Duggan, who led the team with 526 yards rushing this past season. Zach Evans and Kendre Miller return and should split carries in the backfield after Darwin Barlow transferred to USC.
Texas Longhorns 10/1
We’ll finally get to see someone other than Sam Ehlinger under center in 2021.
The quarterback since 2017, Ehlinger is now a member of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. He’ll be replaced this season either by Casey Thompson or Hudson Card.
It’s also the beginning of a new coaching era as Steve Sarkisian takes over for Tom Herman. Could a new quarterback and system ignite the fire in one of college football’s historically great programs?
Iowa State Cyclones 12/5
Matt Campbell has had a single losing season since taking over at Iowa State ― his first one.
Other than that he has managed to keep the Cyclones above .500, including 9-3 and the program’s first Fiesta Bowl victory this past season. Look at their finishes before he took over and you’ll see how impressive that is.
Breece Hall returns after rushing for 1,572 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore. Three-year starter Brock Purdy provides experience at quarterback.
Oklahoma Sooners: 4/5
Expectations are high in Norman, as is typical.
It’s no shock that Vegas lists the Sooners as 4/5 favorites, giving them more than a 44 percent chance to finish as Big 12 football champs. They are also the fourth-most likely team to win a national championship behind Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State.
Spencer Rattler returns as an early Heisman candidate after throwing for more than 3,000 yards this past season. He’s got top targets Marvin Mims and Theo Wease back, and adds Arkansas transfer Mike Woods as well. The Sooners will be dangerous offensively, with a chance to be one of the most explosive teams in the nation.