2021 Big 12 Football Teams: Contender or Pretender?
Oklahoma State: Contender
Some may feel different, but I like this Oklahoma State team despite them losing Chuba Hubbard and Tylan Wallace. The line can’t be worse than what it was last season and I think that the Cowboys are starting to get Spencer Sanders in the right direction because this is a make-or-break year for him. The running back room is still deep, and I really like Brennan Presley on the outside at receiver. The problem is he will need some help. I don’t think I need to say much defensively because once again, that should be the strong suit of this football team like it was a year ago. I am not saying this team will make their way to Arlington come December, but I think they will be in the mix for a shot come late November.
TCU: Contender
Let me start by saying, TCU will have a good defense in 2021. They have the line, the linebackers and a great secondary to help carry a struggling offense if needed. But that may be a problem if the offense doesn’t take that next step in 2021 under offensive coordinator Doug Meecham. The line should have things figured out after a whacky 2020 that was filled with injuries up front. Wide receiver Quentin Johnston has the potential to be the next superstar wide out in Fort Worth and the same goes for running back Zach Evans. But the biggest question will be Max Duggan at quarterback. He’s got the wheels to make plays in the run game, but can he get better as a passer? He improved in 2020 but if he can be more consistent next season, TCU has a good chance at making some noise in the Big 12 in 2021.
Texas Tech: Pretender
Can quarterback Tyler Shough be the answer to Texas Tech’s problems along with new offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie? I have my doubts after seeing Tyler Shough at Oregon. However, I have question marks everywhere for this team. I think the run game could be better this season, but the receiving group is interesting. Outside of Erik Ezukanma, who will emerge? Tech loses three of their tip five receivers from a year ago and that is coming from a group that was very underwhelming last season. The crazy thing is that is not even the biggest question because this defense has been bad under coordinator Keith Patterson. Sure, they added some secondary transfers, but they were so bad last season I am not sure how big of a jump they can make this season to get it all fixed. I am not a believer in this Tech team, and I have had my doubts about Matt Wells since he arrived in Lubbock.
Baylor: Pretender
With Charlie Brewer gone, can Jacob Zeno be the guy? He has been good in backup duty but now this is his team. The offensive line has some work to due and the Bears do not have a running back on the team who rushed for more than 300 yards a season ago. Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes will have his work cut out for him on offense. Defensively, the Bears should be better than what they were last season but in the conference the offense still runs the show and if you can put up points, you will be left behind. I think Dave Aranda will get Baylor back to form but it may take some time before we start having high expectations for this program.
Texas: Pretender
This should go over well in my mentions but as much as I like the Steve Sarkisian hire, he has some work to do. We don’t know who the starting quarterback is between Hudson Card and Casey Thompson, but we do know that running back Bijan Robinson is a star in the making. The offense should run through him, but the passing game needs to improve along with a receiving group that was lackluster in 2020. The talent at receiver is there between Josh Moore, Jake Smith, Jordan Whittington, Troy Omeire, Kelvontay Dixon, Marcus Washington and Al’Vonte Woodard but it is time to see some results there. Texas did lose some pieces defensively but between returning players and transfers in, I think Texas should be better overall defensively if they can find a pass rusher or two. With all that said, Texas still is not ready to be in the Big 12 title discussion this season. Give Sark some time people.
