Conference Breakdown: Big 12
5 things to know about the Big 12
Biggest game: Oklahoma at TCU, Oct. 1
Player to always watch: It feels obvious to say, but no play involving OU's Baker Mayfield is over until it's over.
Team nobody wants to play: Baylor?
Coach who really needs wins: Dana Holgorsen at West Virginia and Charlie Strong at Texas ... and Jim Grobe at Baylor? "Baylor?" goes on every list.
Don't be surprised if ... The Longhorns finish 9-3 or so with Strong somehow on the hot seat anyway, amid rumors of a deal to add Houston if the Cougars give up Tom Herman. The conference adds Cincinnati and Memphis as Strong's Longhorns crack the 2017 preseason top 10. That's a lot, but this is the Big 12, baby.
Bill Connelly's Power Rankings
Tier 1
Oklahoma
As long as Baker Mayfield's healthy, Oklahoma's a Playoff contender again.
TCU
"My numbers think TCU's a top-35 team in 2016. I disagree," says Bill. "They might be top-10."
Tier 2
Oklahoma State
Is OSU still a top-15 program? Guess we'll find out very soon.
Tier 3
Texas Tech
Again: this offense is amazing, and this defense is totally wasting it.
Kansas State
It doesn't look good for K-State, but Bill Snyder's still here. (Bill Snyder's *still* here!)
Iowa State
Matt Campbell was a great hire, but a brutal schedule will define his debut.
