Predicted Big 12 standings:
1. Baylor
2. K-State
3. Oklahoma
4. Texas
5. TCU
6. Texas Tech
7. Iowa State
8. Oklahoma State
9. West Virginia
10. Kansas
Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year: Bryce Petty, Baylor QB
The 2013-14 Big 12 Male Athlete of the Year came within 93 yards of tying Robert Griffin III’s passing total in his 2011 Heisman Trophy season. With arguably the nation’s best receiving duo returning, Bryce Petty’s in line to give Baylor its second Heisman winner in the last three years.
Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year: Ryan Mueller, K-State
Only Clemson’s Vic Beasley (13.0), Washington’s Hau’Oli Kikaha (13.0) and Memphis’ Martin Ifedi (11.5) return this season with greater or equal sack numbers to Mueller (11.5). Thanks to a more talented supporting cast on the defensive line, Mueller could very well top the overall sacks list this season. If he claims the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award, he’d join Arthur Brown (2012), Terence Newman (2002) and Mark Simoneau (1999) as previous K-State recipients.
Bold Big 12 prediction: Iowa State will make a bowl game appearance
Thanks to the offensive scheming of Mark Mangino, Iowa State will make its first bowl game since 2009-10 and finish the season 8-5.
There is a lot to like about the Cyclone offense. A healthy Aaron Wimberly anchors the backfield while tight end E.J. Bibbs leads talented receiving trio that includes Quenton Bundrage and freshman standout Allen Lazard. The team might rank in the bottom half in Big 12 overall defense, but the offensive firepower will outweigh the defensive issues.
Playoff predictions:
Sugar Bowl: Florida State defeats Oregon
Rose Bowl: Michigan State defeats Baylor
National Championship: Florida State defeats Michigan State
