As the 2016 College Football Season gets ready to get under way, many will be fighting to win the enigmatic Big 12 conference. Here is our breakdown of the Big 12 favorites to win, along with our best dark horse play. The betting odds to win the Big 12 this season have been provided by BetOnline
OKLAHOMA -130
Playing chalk on a conference futures out of the gate is a very dangerous move. If Oklahoma were to lose one game at all of the course of the season (which is highly likely given their road woes of year's past) there is actually more potential in sitting back and waiting on a buy-back opportunity. Oklahoma has some great talent at quarterback in Baker Mayfield and a nationally accredited tandem of rushers in Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine. However, Oklahoma does not use Mixon and Perine like they should and as a result of their pass-happy offense, they will likely run in to trouble somewhere down the stretch. Stay off Oklahoma as there is a lot of risk here with minimal reward.
TCU +500
The Horned Frogs are always a solid play with Gary Patterson at the helm. TCU is always strong defensively and while they may have lost Boykin to the NFL, the transfer of Kenny Hill to TCU affords Hill to step in and catapult this offense to a powerhouse once again. TCU gets Oklahoma at home this season and likely this will be pivotal contest in determining the fate of both outfits. Given the fact we require juice to go in Oklahoma countered by a substantial return if we back the Frogs, we will go where the value is.
OKLAHOMA STATE +600
A team with a propensity for let-downs, even if the Pokes get off to a good start they almost always lose the games that count the most. These stumbles have been the separation between the Pokes and a Big 12 title. A lot of talent has come and gone through Stillwater but Oklahoma State has always found a way to falter when they had everything go their way. This team is a dicey roll and not worth the squeeze here.
TEXAS +750
Despite finishing at 5-7, Texas appears to be going in the right direction. Coach Charlie Strong has helped find brilliance in his players, encapsulated by a stunning defeat of arch rival Oklahoma as a seventeen-point pooch in 2015. Texas has an opportunity to make a splash out of the gate against Notre Dame in week one. Let us not forget Charlie Strong was at the helm when he took Cincinnati to the Sugar Bowl and thoroughly laid waste to SEC powerhouse Florida. Strong knows how to recruit and maximize his talent and without question a culture transformation is under way in Austin. This year can be a true recovery season for the Horns and at these odds we will buy in on Texas as a dark horse.
2015 Big 12 Betting Odds Preview
2014 Big 12 Betting Odds Preview
2013 Big 12 Betting Odds Preview