Big 12 Football 2017 preview
Previewing the 2017 Big 12 college football season.
The 2017 college football season is almost here, which means it’s time to unleash the three-plus months of games that will determine the four teams for the College Football Playoff. It will be an opportunity for the Big 12 to get a school in there, which could help with its return of a conference championship game.
Before that happens, the Big 12 football season has plenty of intrigue around it. From new faces in charge to potential breakout stars and the return of one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, this conference is primed for a year to remember, something that may return it to prominence.
How might the 2017 season transpire for the Big 12? Who could breakout and be known for their efforts by the end of the fall? Let’s preview and predict what may happen this season.
Offensive Player of the Year – Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Baker Mayfield proved to be terrific for the first two seasons of his Oklahoma career, with over 7,000 yards passing and 76 touchdowns. He’ll step in at quarterback for one more season in Norman and should take home a fair share of accolades, before going to the NFL. One of them will be the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
Mayfield lost playmakers Dede Westbrook, Joe Mixon, and Samaje Perine to the NFL, which will be a project to overcome. He’ll have to rely on Jeffrey Mead and Jeff Badet, the latter of whom is the more intriguing wideout of the two. Badet left Kentucky as a graduate transfer and could be the recipient of Mayfield’s finest season in Oklahoma, becoming the go-to player on the outside and the key to the senior signal caller becoming the Offensive Player of the Year.
Mayfield should lead the Big 12 in passing, unless Texas Tech unleashes another quarterback that throws for over 5,000 yards. His competition will be Mason Rudolph of Oklahoma State, but with questions at running back and being the only sure thing on offense, it could create the best campaign of the Heisman Trophy candidate.