College Football Preview: Is this the Big Year for the Big 12?

Now we shift focus to the Big 12. Ever since the NCAA adopted the playoff format for college football, the Big 12 has probably been hurt the most because they're the only power five conference without a championship game. Last season, Oklahoma made it in as the #3 seed and lost to eventual runner-up Clemson in the semifinal game. This year, it looks as if Oklahoma could win the conference again and hope to make it back into the playoff, as long as they make it through their daunting non-conference schedule.

The top competitors for this season look to be Oklahoma and TCU, but I wouldn't sleep on Baylor (despite their new coach and allegations), Oklahoma State, and Texas. Yes, Texas. Now I know that they've been mediocre for the last few seasons, but they are loaded with talent, so it's all just a matter if their coaches can develop them to become the team they've been waiting to be. Their freshman QB Shane Buechele appears to be the real deal and could lead them back to glory (maybe in the next couple of years). The Red River Rivalry game this year between Texas and Oklahoma should be a good one and could have major implications within the Big 12. 

However, I just think that Oklahoma is too good to lose any conference games - they return their Heisman hopeful quarterback, Baker Mayfield, top running back, Semaje Perine, and a boatload of talent to go along with them, and we all know that Coach Stoops will have their heads in the right place and focused on one goal: winning a national title.

Do you think they have what it takes? Comment below and let us know who you think will come out on top!