The most underrated college football team from every Power 5 conference

Underrated college football team from the Big 12: Baylor Bears

When looking at preseason betting lines, know that oddsmakers put a lot of value in a head coach. Despite finishing second in the Big 12 last season, the Bears find themselves fifth in Big 12 odds this season. We know Matt Rhule left to go coach the Carolina Panthers, but Dave Aranda is a very good coach who now has National Championship experience. He left the LSU program to bring the Bears back to prominence.

The Bears are facing 15/1 odds to win the Big 12. That seems steep in a division that seems to be in flux. Oklahoma is still the standard-bearer, Texas is an interesting pick with Sam Ehlinger at quarterback, and Oklahoma State is rising up the ranks in bettors’ minds. Then, there’s Brock Purdy and Iowa State as an outside candidate. There’s not really a team we’re terribly confident in.

Baylor sees a lot of returning starters on offense, including quarterback Charlie Brewer. He’s the key to this season, and he’s going to show us he did more than just throw the ball up to Denzel Mims, who is looking to make an impact with the New York Jets.

The offense is going to lead the way, and Coach Aranda is going to put together a talented yet inexperienced defense. The Big 12 needs a defense to make plays even when they aren’t stopping the other team. Offenses lead this conference, and the Bears are in good shape there.

However, their defense has enough to make them an intriguing pick with the odds they are given. The Big 12 is more open than people are making the conference out to be, and we could see the teams here beat each other multiple times, making it anybody’s conference.