Shutting down three Big 12 teams to make championship game

On3’s Andy Staples brought on the Solid Verbal podcast to his own show on Tuesday, playing a game labeled ‘Three Truths and a Ty’ with Ty Hildenbrandt. One of the scenarios was about the Big 12, where Hildenbrandt determined the lie was that one of TCU, UCF, or West Virginia would make the conference championship game in Arlington.

“The one that’s not true is UCF, West Virginia, or TCU making that title game,” Hildenbrandt said. “All three teams are worthy for being in this question. I understand why you put them there. Also, bear in mind — the reason why this is kind of a controversial thing to even talk about — West Virginia is a 6.5 over/under. Both TCU and UCF are 7.5 over/unders. So, there are serious questions about all three of these schools.”

Looking at the Mountaineers, the schedule was the simple reason why getting to the Big 12 title game would be tough for Neal Brown. Sure, avoiding Utah — the Big 12 preseason poll No. 1 team — is nice. However, a ton of highly projected schools will face off against the Mountaineers.

“The good news about West Virginia, they don’t play Utah,” Hildenbrandt said. “Which I think stands to benefit them. The bad news is they play literally everybody else. So, I’m kind of throwing them out of this conversation.”

Heading down to Orlando, Hildenbrandt admits there might be some personal resentment when talking about a recent coaching hire UCF made. Ted Roof is now the defensive coordinator for the Knights after spending two years at Oklahoma.

If there is anything positive about what Gus Malzhan has put together heading into the 2024 season, it’s the offensive firepower.

“The UCF thing, I have baggage with Ted Roof running Penn State‘s defense,” Hildenbrandt said. “I never got over that. So, the fact that they bring him in now to fix the defense even though he’s got a track record for doing well against the run. I’m out on UCF although, I think they’re loaded on offense.”

And then there is TCU, just two years removed from being in the College Football Playoff national championship game. Hildenbrandt is not entirely sure where Sonny Dykes is leading the Horned Frogs, bringing a ton of questions about the roster.

“TCU, I don’t know which way, directionally, that program is heading,” he said. “There’s not a lot I look at on TCU and say ‘I’m afraid of that guy.’ Or ‘I’m afraid of that unit in particular.'”

With Texas and Oklahoma gone, the Big 12 is as wide open as it’s been, maybe ever. Multiple teams feel like they have an opportunity to make it to AT&T Stadium and potentially earn a spot in the CFP. Although, given the options of TCU, UCF, and West Virginia, to be at least one of the representatives, Hildenbrandt would look elsewhere.