2021-2022 Big 12 preview part 2
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Oklahoma State Cowboys: Big 12 preview
Oklahoma State finished 2020 with an impressive 8-3 record and won six conference games. Injuries took a toll on their season and derailed them from getting to the Big 12 championship game. Other glaring issues were their weak run game and poor pass protection.
The #20 Cowboys started the season going 4-0 with wins over Iowa State and Tulsa, ending up playing Miami in the Cheez-It Bowl.
The Cowboys have lost several star players like RB Chuba Hubbard, OT Tevin Jenkins and WR Tylan Wallace. Here's a look at how the Oklahoma State Cowboys are gearing up for the 2021-2022 season.
2021-2022 Big 12 Conference preview: Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State's strengths: Their secondary has three potential starting safeties, including Tre Sterling, who had 74 tackles last year. Kolby Harvell-Pea and Tanner McCalister are talented DBs as well, making this one of the most talented positions in the Big 12. CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse will fill the hole left by Rodarius Williams and he's a brute tackler.
Oklahoma State's weakness: The Cowboys lack star talent at WR. Their offense lost its top three targets in Tylan Wallace, Dillon Stoner and Landon Wolf. They have good players waiting to step up into bigger roles this year, but the group isn't as dangerous.
Braydon Johnson was the third-best WR with 248 yards in 2020. Tay Martin and Brennon Pressley should round out the starters but don't have much experience.
Oklahoma State key players: Offense
RB: Dezmon Jackson - Jackson posted the second-most rushing yards for the team last year. He had 568 rushing yards, 4 TDs, and an average of 5.3 yards/carry. He'll split carries with RB LD Brown but needs to set himself apart from Brown. Jackson could improve as a receiver out of the backfield to become a featured guy.
OG: Josh Sills - The Cowboys have another future first-round pick in Sills. He stands 6'6'' and 330 pounds and brought his talents from West Virginia. Sills earned All-Big 12 honors in 2020 and the team loves his ability to start at either guard or tackle. The offensive line should do better with their pass protection this year.
Oklahoma State key players: Defense
LB: Malcolm Rodriguez - Rodriguez earned an additional year of eligibility and led the team with 82 tackles in 2020. He's poised to become a powerful voice and leader on the defense. He scored 3 sacks last year and the team will line him up as an edge-rusher, pass defender and as a run stuffer.
S: Kolby Harvell-Pea - He's in his third year but wasn't a crucial playmaker compared to 2019. The Cowboys need him to be a shut-down corner once more and help increase their overall turnover total.
2021-2022 Oklahoma State Big 12 schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs Missouri State
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs Tulsa
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, at Boise State
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, vs Kansas State
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, vs Baylor
Week 6: Saturday, October 16, at Texas
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, at Iowa State
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, vs Kansas
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, at West Virginia
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs TCU
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, at Texas Tech
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, vs Oklahoma
2021-2022 Oklahoma State Cowboys Big 12 predictions (9-3 overall, 6-3 Big 12)
Head coach Mike Gundy has 15 straight winning seasons with 15 straight bowl appearances. With nine wins this year, his streak will continue. The only losses came from Oklahoma, TCU and Iowa State in conference play.
There's a chance the Cowboys could find a way to sneak into the Big 12 championship game, but it's a long shot. They would either need to beat Iowa State during the season or hope for a better overall record than the Cyclones.
TCU Horned Frogs: Big 12 preview
Under head coach Gary Patterson, who's entering his 21st season with TCU, the Horned Frogs finished 8-4 (5-4 Big 12). The defense controlled the team and games were either lost or won by this unit. 8 starters are returning and they allowed 351 yards and 24 points per game.
The offense averaged 411 yards and 31 points per game, but there were major inconsistencies. At least the offense has 9 returning players. The OL was good in helping the run game but played poorly in protecting the QB. Speaking of QB, he can't be the lead rusher on your team if you want to have a balanced attack and want to be contenders.
2021-2022 Big 12 Conference preview: TCU Horned Frogs
TCU's strengths: Their main pass rushers will be Khari Coleman and Ochuan Mathis in 2020. These two combined for 12 sacks (9 from Mathis) and 29 tackles for loss. They should help set the pace for the rest of the defense with their speed and athleticism. UCF transfer Kenny Turnier will be a great depth piece (7.5 TFL and 4 sacks last year).
TCU's weakness: TCU has an issue with their ability to score points. They may have averaged 31 points per game in 2020 but failed to score at least 14 points in three games (all losses). The offense was 6th in the Big 12 in total TDs and 9th in the Big 12 with 11 passing TDs. In retrospect, Oklahoma had 32.
TCU Horned Frogs key players: Offense
QB: Max Duggan - He is a very safe and cautious QB who is also efficient. Duggan is developing each year and led the Horned Frogs with 526 rushing yards and 10 TDs. He's a dynamic playmaker on the field but needs to find success with his passing if TCU wants to have a fighting chance.
OT: Obinna Eza - Eza had 25 starts while with Memphis before transferring. LT TJ Storment's starting job has an open vacancy and Eza should be able to fill it. TCU's pass protection is a weakness and Max Duggan needs to be able to develop as a successful passer.
TCU Horned Frogs key players: Defense
LB: Wyatt Harris - Harris will slide into the role of the new leader for this 4-2-5 defense. He had just 3 tackles in 2020 and may raise questions on why he will have a bigger role. TCU is known to be able to groom their depth players into playmakers on defense.
LB: Dee Winters - Dee Winters was second on the team with 65 total tackles. He's a smaller speedster but can cause havoc in the opposing backfield. TCU uses 2 LBs in their system and these two players will be the centerpieces of the defense.
2021-2022 TCU Horned Frogs Big 12 schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs Duquesne
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs Cal
Week 3: Saturday, September 25, vs SMU
Week 4: Saturday, October 2, vs Texas
Week 5: Saturday, October 9, at Texas Tech
Week 6: Saturday, October 16, at Oklahoma
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, vs West Virginia
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, at Kansas State
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, vs Baylor
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, at Oklahoma State
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs Kansas
Week 12: Friday, November 26, at Iowa State
2021-2022 TCU Horned Frogs Big 12 predictions (8-4 overall, 5-4 Big 12)
TCU will improve greatly from last year and give Gary Patterson a decent team to work with in the future. They will steal wins against Big 12 opponents Texas, Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State and Oklahoma State. The Horned Frogs won't be in the running for the Big 12 title but will come close and be in a good position in 2022.
Texas Longhorns: Big 12 preview
Head coach Steve Sarkisian will look to bring his momentum from Alabama to Texas and help turn this program around. Sarkisian has an overall head coaching record of 46-35 and helped the Alabama Crimson Tide win the National Championship last year as their OC.
He inherits a team that finished #19 in the Top 25 with a 7-3 record (5-3 Big 12). Sarkisian brings along Alabama OL coach Kyle Flood to be his OC and he can get results from the front line.
The Longhorn's offense averaged 475 yards and 43 points per game in 2020. They have 8 starters coming back but have to replace QB Sam Ehlinger. There's a chance QB Casey Thompson could take over and end up as a better QB than Ehlinger.
Three of the five top WRs from 2020 remain on the roster, with Joshua Moore leading the pack. Their big recruit RB Bijon Robinson ran for nearly 85 yards but averaged eight yards per carry and scored six TDs down the stretch.
The defense should have better tackling this year but suffers from a weak pass rush. They can rack up tackles for loss, but there's virtually no dominant run defense. At least nine starts should return, including four of their five top tacklers.
2021-2022 Big 12 Conference preview: Texas Longhorns
Texas' strengths: The coaching for Texas this year is stacked and full of championship experience. Head coach Steve Sarkisian was the OC/QB coach for Alabama for the last two years and helped them win the 2020 title. He can work with Casey Thompson and Bijon Robinson to help them reach their potential.
Kyle Flood was the OL coach for Alabama, and his team had the 5th-fewest sacks allowed in the SEC (19) and 2nd in average yards per carry (5.0). Peter Kwiatkowski served as the DC for the Washington Huskies and had 3 All-Americans in 2014 and four players drafted in the first two rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Texas' weakness: The defensive line produced just the 2nd-fewest sacks in the Big 12 with 17. They were in the middle of the pack in run defense with 141 yards per game and an average of 3.8 yards per carry.
The DL allowed 23 first downs, 1st in the Big 12, and allowed teams to convert 36.4% of 3rd down conversions. This unit has massive bodies but lacks speed to get after the QB.
Texas Longhorns key players: Offense
RB: Bijon Robinson - He will serve in a rotation with Roschon Johnson, but could have a role similar to Najee Harris in Alabama. He had 100+ yards in three of the final four games, accounting for 172 and three TDs against Kansas State and 183 yards on just 10 carries in the Alamo Bowl.
QB: Hudson Card - QB Casey Thompson seems poised to take over as the starter, but Card is a dual-threat with an excellent skillset. He'll give Thompson a run for his money for the starting job. If he doesn't get the starting role, he'll at least help push Thompson to the next level and will be a future starter lying in the wait.
Texas Longhorns key players: Defense
LB: Ben Davis - Davis is a former 5-star recruit and transferred from Alabama. He had 1 sack in two years but possesses great size and athletic ability. He can help on the DL in getting a productive pass-rush.
LB: DeMarvion Overshown - Overshown had a great season and played many roles. He played as a safety for 2 seasons, racking up 19 tackles and 7 tackles for loss. In his first year as an LB, he had 60 tackles, 8 TFL, and defended seven passes.
2021-2022 Texas Longhorns Big 12 schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs Louisiana
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, at Arkansas
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs Rice
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, vs Texas Tech
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, at TCU
Week 6: Saturday, October 9, vs Oklahoma
Week 7: Saturday, October 16, vs Oklahoma State
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, at Baylor
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, at Iowa State
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs Kansas
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, at West Virginia
Week 12: Friday, November 26, vs Kansas State
2021-2022 Texas Longhorns Big 12 predictions (8-4 overall, 5-4 Big 12)
HC Steve Sarkisian can turn this program around as a heavy-hitter for many years in the Big 12. They will start with 8 wins in 2021, including wins over West Virginia, Texas Tech and Baylor. They will go on a 3-0 run to end the season (Kansas, West Virginia, Kansas State).Sarkisian might not stay in Texas long if he finds success, but he will at least leave the team in a good state for the next coach.
Texas Tech Red Raiders: Big 12 preview
The Red Raiders and HC Matt Wells had a mediocre record of 4-6 (3-6 Big 12), the 3rd-worst record in the Big 12. Wells is entering his third season with Texas Tech with a record of 8-14 (52-48 career overall). Former Red Raiders QB Sonny Cumbie is the new OC after serving as the OC for Big 12 rival TCU.
The offense averaged 429 yards per game in 2020 and QB Henry Columbi is a good, not great, QB. Luckily, QB Tyler Shough transferred from Oregon after leading the Ducks to the Pac 12 title. He should take over for the Red Raiders and make a case for being a top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. There are suitable WRs for Slough and an impactful run game.
The defense needs to step it up and make more big plays, though. The Red Raiders are taking full advantage of the "super senior" extra year of eligibility all players received and are keeping 11 of their 13 top tacklers. Otherwise, this team would be in shambles.
2021-2022 Big 12 Conference preview: Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech's strengths: The run game was the main highlight last year, with RB Saodorick Thompson averaging 610 yards and 8 TDs. He's a 6'0''. 210 pound complete RB workhorse for the Red Raiders. Xavier White and Tahj Brooks are great depth and role players. The OL is returning four starters, which should keep the momentum going.
Texas Tech's weakness: DC Keith Patterson's defense lacks an identity. The offense will dictate the outcome of the game, as Texas Tech ends up in shootouts rather than battling in the trenches. They are 1-6 when allowing 170+ rushing yards.
Texas Tech Red Raiders kep players: Offense
QB: Tyler Shough - In Oregon, Shough had a 65% completion rate, 1,703 passing yards, 16 TDs and 6 INTs. He's more of a pocket-passer and a potential Top-5 pick next year. The weapons around him are good and should help him improve his draft stock.
RB: SaRodorick Thompson - Thompson is the lead back for Texas Tech and had 610 rushing yards and 8 TDs in 10 games last year. Back in 2019, he had 765 yards and 12 TDs in 12 games. He could see more yardage in a more balanced offense in 2021 but his workload should be decreased with Shough.
Texas Tech Red Raiders key players: Defense
LB: Riko Jeffers - The OLB is a four-year veteran on the team with 223 total tackles and 6 sacks in his career. He wasn't highly recruited but has become one of the top LBs in the Big 12.
LB: Colin Schooler - Arizona transfer Colin Schooler had 3.5 sacks in 9 games last with the Red Raiders. He had a career-low 5 TFL but could finish 2021 with double-digit TFL again. Texas Tech hopes he can help on the DL and in pass coverage.
2021-2022 Texas Tech Red Raiders Big 12 schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs Houston
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs Stephen F Austin
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs FIU
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, at Texas
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, at West Virginia
Week 6: Saturday, October 9, vs TCU
Week 7: Saturday, October 16, at Kansas
Week 8: Saturday, October 23, vs Kansas State
Week 9: Saturday, October 30, at Oklahoma
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs Iowa State
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs Oklahoma State
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, at Baylor
2021-2022 Texas Tech Red Raiders Big 12 predictions (7-5 overall, 4-5 Big 12)
Texas Tech will be benefiting from the super-seniors on their roster and will hopefully make the most out of it. They'll likely only have Tyler Shough for one season before he declares for the draft. In 2021, they will improve greatly with 7 wins and have a Top-5 record in the Big 12. Their Big 12 wins will be over Texas, TCU, Kansas and Baylor.
West Virginia Mountaineers: Big 12 preview
The West Virginia Mountaineers haven't been ranked in the Top 25 since 2018 (#20) or won more than 4 Big 12 games in a year since Neal Brown became the head coach in 2019. Their defense salvaged their season while the offense had an average of 413 yards per game and just 27 points. The run game was average in 2020 and the OL allowed way too many TFLs.
They are also shifting All-Big 12 OG Zach Fraizer to center. RB Leddie Brown had 1,010 rushing yards and 9 TDs last year. QB Jarret Doege is a veteran player who's smart with the ball. WR Winston Wright was an All-Big 12 player and 6'3'' Bryce Ford-Wheaton can be a solid WR2.
The defense was #4 in the nation and #1 in the Big 12 in allowing 291 yards and 21 points per game. They also led the NCAA in passing yards allowed per game (160). The pass-rush needs to be improved and the defense overall needs to cut down on the penalties. Losing several secondary players will hurt them this year.
2021-2022 Big 12 Conference preview: West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia's strengths: Their defense is still strong despite losing several star players: Darius Stills, Tony Fields, and Tykee Smith. They are expecting six main players to return though. Super-senior S Alonzo Addae was 2nd on the team with 66 tackles and earned an All-Big 12 selection. 2019's lead tackler and hybrid Sean Mahone is also coming back this season.
Dante Stills led the team in tackles for loss (10.5) and had 3 sacks, even though his brother Dante was seen as the bigger star. LB Exree Loe is an experienced player who will manage the middle of the defense with Josh Chandler-Semedo.
West Virginia's weakness: West Virginia tied for the 2nd-most penalties in the Big 12 for 74.1 yards per game. The defense also allowed their opponents to convert on 39.3% 3rd downs, 4th-highest in Big 12. Four opponents had 45% or better conversion rates and the Mountaineer lost all four of those games.
West Virginia Mountaineers key players: Offense
QB: Jarret Doege - Doege started at Bowling Green and had 4,000+ passing yards, earning him the starter position at WVU. He's very cautious with the ball, almost too cautious. The team needs him to take more risks and be flashy on the field to have a dynamic offense.
RB: Leddie Brown - Brown took over the offense in 2020 with 1,010 rushing yards, 9 TDs, and 32 catches for 202 yards and 2 TDs. He'll be a workhorse who sees at least 20 carries a game.
West Virginia Mountanieers key players: Defense
DT: Dante Stills - His brother Darius was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders as a UDFA. Dante put up better stats than his brother, though. He's an all-around talented tackle who had 35 tackles, 2 sacks, and 10.5 TFL. There's no reason he shouldn't get All-Big 12 honors again.
S: Alonzo Addae - He will take over for Tykee Smith as a fifth-year player. He was second on the team with 66 total tackles and a consistent player who was named 2nd-Team All-Big 12 last year.
2021-2022 West Virginia Mountaineer Big 12 schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, at Maryland
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs Long Island University
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs Virginia Tech
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, at Oklahoma
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, vs Texas Tech
Week 6: Saturday, October 9, at Baylor
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, at TCU
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, vs Iowa State
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, vs Oklahoma State
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, at Kansas State
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs Texas
Week 12: Saturday, November 27, at Kansas
2021-2022 West Virginia Mountaineers Big 12 predictions (6-6 overall, 4-5 Big 12)
The Mountaineers will match their win totals from 2020 and suffer a non-conference loss against Virginia Tech. They'll win over Texas Tech, Baylor, Kansas, and Kansas State. Neal Brown should be able to go 5-0 in bowl games, though. West Virginia will find themselves in the middle of the Big 12 again.
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