Explaining why the Big 12 is expected to be a 'bloodbath' for top spot in 2024
The Big 12 is the league that should have as much parity as any this upcoming fall. That should make it more than worth following among its 16 teams as they compete for a conference title and, as of this year, an automatic, high-seeded berth in the College Football Playoff.
On3’s Andy Staples explained the set-up in the Big 12 for 2024 during Thursday’s episode of his show. While he sees that the league has changed on the field over the years, the actual teams in the standings are all very close together for him. That comes, in part, from his belief that there’s no overwhelming favorite coming into kickoff.
“It’s a much more diverse league stylistically, schematically,” said Staples. “The thing that’s going to make it so interesting this year is there are no kind of giant, big dogs at the top.”
With Texas and Oklahoma departing for the SEC, the Big 12 lost its two biggest brands. However, from a competitive standpoint, it could be for the best for the product.
That’s the case when you consider how many teams can make and or win the Big 12 Championship. Whether a familiar face or a new nemesis, Staples thinks several will have their chance to make it to Arlington.
“Everybody is somewhat equal here,” Staples said. “They’re not completely equal. Like, we’re not expecting Houston or Cincinnati – we might not expect huge things out of Houston or Cincinnati. But, like, some of the newcomers? Utah, Arizona – we think they have a chance to win it. Kansas State has a chance to win it. Oklahoma State, which played for the Big 12 title last year against Texas, has a chance to win it. Colorado, Coach Prime, Deion – Coach Prime and company? They have a puncher’s chance.
“There’s a lot of teams that have a puncher’s chance. In fact, we can probably name 10 Big 12 teams that it would not be completely surprising if they wound up winning the league” noted Staples. “That’s what is going to make their games in October and November so much fun.”
Opportunity is going to be there in the Big 12, especially for those who can make the expanded playoff. However, with only one berth available for the conference champion and the rest left to at-large hopes, the ending of the race within their league should be theater as they battle it out for postseason reward.
“Understand that the winner of the Big 12 is more than likely going to be one of the top-four seeds in the playoff,” noted Staples. “They are playing for a very big prize.”
“With all these teams that have a legitimate chance, it is going to be a bloodbath in October and November in the Big 12. It’s going to be spectacular to watch.”
The Big 12 will officially be realigning on August 2. From there, all that there will be left to do is play the games. It might just be a mess, though, albeit a thrilling one, from then on with how many of the programs will be getting after it for the conference championship and, therefore, their guaranteed playoff spot.