2014 College Football Picks and Predictions: Big 12 Championship Odds, Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers

2014 College Football Picks and Predictions: Big 12 Championship Odds, Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers: It was a wild year in the Big 12 in 2013 as the Baylor Bears flirted with a trip to the BCS title game before eventually getting the better of the Texas Longhorns in the regular season finale to claim the conference crown. Meanwhile, both Baylor and the Oklahoma Sooners reached BCS bowl games. As is typically the case, offense ruled the conference last year, and with several strong quarterbacks returning, this year could be more of the same. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the teams that could emerge as the Big 12 champs in 2014.

The Favorites

After smashing Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, the Oklahoma Sooners showed that their program is returning to form. Meanwhile, returning nine starters from the conference’s best defense will help ensure the Sooners contend for a Big 12 title and maybe more in 2014. Offensively, quarterback Trevor Knight is the X-factor, but he looked strong in the five starts he did make. More importantly, the Sooners have one of the best offensive lines in the country to pave the way for some young but explosive backs. Oklahoma talent on defense and muscle in the trenches on both sides of the ball makes them one of the frontrunners in the Big 12.

The Baylor Bears had the best offense in the country last year, and quarterback Bryce Petty is back to lead the attack after throwing for 4,200 yards and just three interceptions last year. He will be joined by playmakers like receiver Antwan Goodley and running back Shock Linwood, giving the Bears the firepower to light up the scoreboard once again. The question mark will be on defense where the Bears lose seven starters, including three in the secondary. However, Baylor’s offense will be able to outscore a majority of its opponents, putting them in the thick of the Big 12 title race.

The Contenders

Although the Kansas State Wildcats are rebuilding their defense a bit, the offense should be one of the best in the conference. Quarterback Jake Waters showed signs of being a star, and a solid receiving corps is led by Tyler Lockett, who might just be the best offensive weapon in the conference. In the end, the schedule and not their talent could end up hurting the Wildcats the most. Kansas State plays Oklahoma and Baylor on the road, and the Wildcats will need at least one upset to claim the conference crown.

For all the issues this program has had in recent years, the individual talent of the Texas Longhorns was enough to put them in the mix to win the Big 12 title last year. Now, new head coach Charlie Strong has been busy trying to instill a sense of toughness and discipline to a team that this has plenty of playmakers, including running backs Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray and stud pass-rusher Cedric Reed. In the end, the question for the Longhorns is whether or not quarterback David Ash can stay healthy, and history says he will miss at least a game or two. Still, Strong’s defensive-minded approach and Texas’ running game will give this team a chance to compete.

The Sleeper

Eight starters are back from a strong offense, and with quarterback Davis Webb leading the way, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are going to be a dangerous team in 2014. Webb has plenty of speed to throw to with receivers Jakeem Grant and Bradley Marquez leading the ways, and equally as important, he has an experience offensive line in front of him. While scoring points should be easy, the wild card for the Red Raiders will be their defense. Aside from a solid group of linebackers, Texas Tech has little experience up front or in the secondary. If the defense surprises so will the Red Raiders.

Odds To Win The Big 12 Championship
Baylor +300
Iowa State +10000
Kansas +12500
Kansas State +800
Oklahoma -400
Oklahoma State +650
TCU +1000
Texas +550
Texas Tech +2500
West Virginia +10000