2012 Predictions: Big 12

The deepest conference in the game.

If I have interpreted the Big 12 tiebreakers correctly, here's how Oklahoma State wins the conference:

- Oklahoma defeats Oklahoma State, Oklahoma State defeats West Virginia, West Virginia defeats Oklahoma, so the teams are 1-1 against each other

- The rules stipulate that you then look at the records of the next highest finisher, in this case TCU. OkState and West Virginia defeat TCU, Oklahoma does not.

-With Oklahoma eliminated, the head to head results gives Oklahoma State the title.

Needless to say, all three teams are pretty even. As for the rest:

Baylor - If I were a Baylor fan, the departure of RGIII doesn't concern me, which is a credit to the job Art Briles has done in building that program from nothing. I'd be concerned when Briles eventually moves on.

Iowa State - I hate picking against Paul Rhoads to make a bowl. You just know that he's going to wreck your season when you visit sleepy Ames on the banks of the Skunk River. OU and WVA should beware.

Kansas - I don't care how big your schematic advantage is, you need talent to compete. Dayne Crist on a lesser team doesn't seem like a particularly good recipe to me.

Kansas State - I saw K-State in Austin last year. I have a hard time thinking of a less likely 10-win team than that squad with their dime store offense. Still, it's unwise to bet against Bill Snyder and bowl eligibility.

Texas Christian - I just came back from visiting their refurbished stadium. Very impressive. This is a good squad and a sound defensive team in this conference is going to make some noise. Tough end of season, though.

Texas - The defense is BCS championship worthy, but in true Mack Brown fashion, he's wishy-washy when it comes to making a decision on his starting QB. David Ash threw some of the worst passes I've ever seen as a freshman (and I've seen Stanley Jackson), and Case McCoy lacks the talent and the upside of his brother. That's going to hold this team back, short of the 10 wins many pundits are predicting.

Texas Tech - The curse of Mike Leach continues. They'll need several upsets to become bowl eligible and that's a tall task in this conference especially with a defense that was atrocious last year.