Oklahoma remains the team to beat in the Big 12

[Olde Hornet]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...09/2018-big-12-prediction-oklahoma/767535002/

Some things never seem to change: Oklahoma is the preseason favorite in the Big 12, continuing an annual tradition that dates to the start of the century. But the Sooners will be tested by TCU, West Virginia, Kansas State and others.

1. Oklahoma
This isn’t with a bullet, if for no other reason than Oklahoma lost a legend in Baker Mayfield and will struggle to match last year’s offensive production. Kyler Murray has the talent to be an absolute star, however, and Lincoln Riley has more than earned all the praise heaped his way since the second half of last season. These questions need to be answered: How different will the offense be under Murray? Can OU thrive without a dynamic downfield passing game? And can the defense improve to offset any decline, whether big or small, on the offensive side of the ball? OU is still the favorite in the Big 12 despite these potential concerns.

 

[Kendrick]

Oklahoma clearly has the most talent in the Big 12. But there is something interesting in the league that all of the top teams — or teams we think will be contenders — all have new QBs this season.

If Texas can get any consistency from its QBs to go along with its good defense, and if Will Grier can play like he played last year, West Virginia can threaten OU.

 

[tigertrail]

Oklahoma clearly has the most talent in the Big 12. But there is something interesting in the league that all of the top teams — or teams we think will be contenders — all have new QBs this season.

If Texas can get any consistency from its QBs to go along with its good defense, and if Will Grier can play like he played last year, West Virginia can threaten OU.

Agreed. I think Texas will have a strong year. WV will definitely be a threat.

WIth OU having a new QB......who may be a great athlete......it'll be interesting to see how a relatively smaller guy does. I don't think I've ever seen him throw yet. Also, how will OUs defense respond to the HORRIBLE year they put up last season. If they can improve there and Murray can prove the little guy can play QB then they're on to something.