The consensus of college football experts and fans is that Oklahoma is the team to beat in the Big 12 Conference. That is despite the fact that record setting Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield is gone to the riches of the NFL and that the defense is not of top shelf caliber. Then again, the word “defense” and Big 12 is something of an oxymoron. Indeed, the Big 12 is basketball on grass with fast break offenses and an afterthought for defense. And this is the philosophy that got Oklahoma into the College Football Playoff last season and ultimately what brought the Sooners down in their loss to a Georgia team that the simply couldn’t hold off.
We'll have College Football odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NCAA Football schedule as well as College Football futures and props betting odds.
College Football Starting Quarterback Props: Season Kicks off Saturday, August 25, 2018
College Football Odds to Win Big 12 at Bookmaker.eu: Baylor +1300, Iowa State +1600, Kansas +10000, Kansas State +1200, Oklahoma +120, Oklahoma State +500, Texas +325, Texas Christian +800, Texas Tech +2500, West Virginia +600, Field +5000
Oklahoma Sooners
In addition to losing Mayfield the Sooners also lose left tackle Orlando Brown and tight end Mark Andrews. One asset that does return is second year head coach Lincoln Riley who quickly established his credibility when he led the Sooners to a win at Ohio State early last season. Riley is one of the great young offensive minds in football and will build from a top offensive line and running back Rodney Anderson. Quarterback Kyle Murray is more mobile than Mayfield but not quite the passer, at least yet. The big concern is defense, but then again that’s the worry of every Big 12 nearly every team.
Texas Longhorns
Texas is still trying to recover from the end of the Mac Brown era as Charlie Strong was unable to jump start the program as a tougher head coach. Last year Mark Herman had a solid though unspectacular debut that ended with a bowl win over Missouri. Texas lost five games by ten points or less last season and has a roster fully stocked with five-star recruits. Texas may have an advantage over Oklahoma at quarterback with Sam Ehlinger. That is offset by a questionable offensive line. However, Texas may field one of the better defenses in the Big 12.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Perhaps no team in college football will be as entertaining as West Virginia, especially for fans of high octane offensive football. All American receiver David Sills leads a talented unit while running back Kennedy McKoy will keep defenses honest. Best of all quarterback Will Grier is rated as tops in the country after throwing for 34 touchdowns last year. Problematic is a defense that allowed 32 points per game last year and returns just five starters.
TCU Horned Frogs
TCU has the one thing that perhaps no other Big 12 team has which is a reliable defense. But the offensive line is being retooled and the Horned Frogs are breaking in a new quarterback. Head coach Gary Patterson is also a resourceful asset that has proven ability to overcome challenges and adapt.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Quarterback Mason Rudolph is gone but the Cowboys seem to have no problem plugging in new signal callers. Head coach Mike Gundy has built has alma mater into a reliable team that has won 10 games or more in four of the last five seasons.
Kansas State Wildcats
Legendary miracle working coach Bill Snyder returns at age 79. The Wildcats are uncertain at quarterback but will have a reliable running game. They are also the toughest team mentally in the league. Somehow, they always find a way.
Free College Football Picks
Many are picking Oklahoma based on last year. Yet Texas has the best quarterback in the conference and among the best defenses. They have depth of talent for the long haul.
College Football Big 12 Champion Props Odds Pick: Texas Longhorns
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
