Greg McElroy picks Utah over Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship

For what is expected to be the most wide-open conference in college football, Greg McElroy has given his picks from out of the Big 12.

McElroy made his conference title and playoff selections during ‘Always College Football’ on Wednesday. For the Big 12 Championship, he had Utah and Oklahoma State making it to Arlington with two others in contention that’ll miss it by a game.

“I’ve got Kansas and Kansas State at 6-3 in the league. I have Oklahoma State and Utah at 7-2 in the league,” said McElroy. “That means Oklahoma State and Utah will be playing for the Big 12 title game in our eyes.”

With that, McElroy had the Utes winning the league and earning the playoff berth in their debut this fall.

“The winner is the Utah Utes,” McElroy stated.

The deciding factor for McElroy was the passing game for Utah. The Utes already have a certain style in how they’re able to run the ball. Now, with QB Cam Rising back for year seven along with their targets, it gives their offense another whole dimension that’ll ultimately make the difference in the conference for McElroy.

“Looking at their quarterback, looking at their personnel at the wide receiver spot, and their long-leaned into identity of being a team that wants to pound you? I think it sets up really well for them to transition to this league and have immediate success,” said McElroy. “I think the Pac-12 was a league that was won on the perimeter but Utah forced teams to play their way. Now, I think more teams in the Big 12 will be very comfortable playing the way Utah wants to play. But, because of how Utah has had to adapt, they’ve brought in quality personnel at wide receiver. Cam Rising’s experience ultimately give them an edge when they’re playing against Alan Bowman. Their passing attack at Utah, I think, gives them a slight edge over the Oklahoma State Cowboys.”

With that, Utah will be one of the teams amongst his dozen picks for the 2024 College Football Playoff. As for the ‘Pokes, they’ll have to wait to see if they make the field too as an at-large team.

“Utah is in at 11-2, the Big 12 champs, while Oklahoma State sits on selection day awaiting their future,” said McElroy.

College Football Playoff: Greg McElroy predicts 12-team field, national champion

ESPN’s Greg McElroy is the latest to share his season-long predictions in giving his field for the playoff and national champion.

A lot of SEC teams populate McElroy’s field with five making their way in spanning from the one-seed all the way to the final at-large bid at No. 11.

At the end, McElroy gave out his national championship prediction. You can check out who his ultimate winner and the entire field below.

1. Georgia Bulldogs
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
3. Miami Hurricanes
4. Utah Utes
5. Oregon Ducks
6. Texas Longhorns
7. Alabama Crimson Tide
8. Penn State Nittany Lions
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
10. Ole Miss Rebels
11. LSU Tigers
12. Memphis Tigers

National Championship – Ohio State over Georgia