Big 12 expert picks 2024: Most overrated and underrated teams, projected order of finish, bold predictions

The Big 12 reaches its final form in 2024 as Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah balloon the conference to 16 teams. Fittingly, the conference is set to have one of its most competitive seasons in history. Five different teams receive a first-place vote in the preseason Big 12 poll, but newcomer Utah emerged on top after winning two of the final three Pac-12 championships. 

Remember, however, the Big 12 is a league that thrives on chaos. Between 2017 and 2022, there was a newcomer in the conference championship game every single year. Just last season, Oklahoma State jumped from No. 7 in the preseason poll to the Big 12 title game. A year earlier, No. 5 Kansas State beat No. 7 TCU in the title game to capture the Big 12 crown. 

After an underwhelming season in 2023, the league is stacked with returning quarterbacks and top rushers. In fact, four of the top eight rushers in college football from 2023 and six of the top 19 play in the Big 12 this season. More than 10 teams return a starting quarterback. Two of the top three teams in returning production play in the Big 12. A team from outside of the top five of the preseason Big 12 poll is sure to rise — but who? 

Let’s have a look as our CBS Sports college football experts have provided their picks and predictions for the Big 12 ahead of the 2024 season.

Most overrated team

Arizona: Yes, the Wildcats return one of the best quarterback-wide receiver duos in the sport with Noah Fifita and Tet McMillan. And yes, first-year coach Brent Brennan brings with him a profile that includes impressive work at San José State. But Arizona is currently No. 21 in the country carrying a roster that lost 28 transfers off last year’s 10-win team with many of them — including the team’s leading…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/big-12-expert-picks-2024-most-overrated-and-underrated-teams-projected-order-of-finish-bold-predictions/

Author : Shehan Jeyarajah

Publish date : 2024-08-22 14:58:28

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.