Expect a 3-way tie in the Big 12

Predicting the Big 12 is a monumental waste of time, since the only thing certain is that the season will not play out like anyone expects. Still, with a week away from the opening kickoff, what else is one to do?

So, here’s our shot at it:

First we expect a three-way tie for first place in the conference, with the tie breaker favoring those puke orange Aggies in Stillwater.

Oklahoma State. The Cowboys will play two quarterbacks, which will make them the two-headed monster of the Big 12 offenses. But they play tough games on the road at West Virginia and at Texas, then closing out the season in Stillwater against the Sooners. By that time, who knows how good or bad either one of those teams will be. Until then, we see the Cowboys losing in an upset at home to Bill Snyder and on the road in Austin, because for whatever reason the Longhorns are lucky against these guys. Final record, 9-3, and 7-2 in the conference.

Oklahoma. The Sooners are likely to stumble at South Bend, but then rebound by trouncing Texas (again), mostly because the Longhorns are a mess. Look out for a loss to Art Briles in Waco, but then win the rest, including an impressive victory in Manhatten, until Bedlam, when, I’m afraid, the Cowboys will be slightly favored to win at T.Boone Pickens stadium. Final record, 9-3, and 7-2 (tie for the conference championship).

TCU. The best defense in the league. But they get hit in the face early by LSU at Jerry’s World, then stumble at Stillwater, go on to embarrass Texas and beat a tough Baylor team. Finish 9-3, 7-2 in conference.

Baylor. The Bears come out of the gate flying, winning their first seven games and cracking the Top 15. Lache Seastrunk is the real deal at RB, whether he’s a Hesiman candidate or not. New QB Bryce Petty is getting rave reviews. At mid-season the Bears lose to Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. Their signature win will be against Oklahoma, which will be a trap game for the Sooners on a Thursday night. Scheduling this may have been Joe Castiglione’s first mistake in his life. Finish 9-3, 6-3.

Texas. Yeah, we know they are returning 19 starters. But those are 19 starters who sucked last year. Their offensive line actually made the Sooners defensive tackles look good. Anyway, the Longhorns will look like slick pigs to start the year, going 5-0, then losing to Oklahoma, naturally. Texas will then lose at TCU, on the road at West Virginia and to lowly Baylor, which will cause many Longhorn boosters to jump from the Main Building clock tower in Austin. Finish 8-4, 5-4.

West Virginia. Rebulding year for the Mountaineers. Look for them to upset Texas at home, then trash the rest of the season. Finish 7-5, 4-5.

Texas Tech has their boy Kliff Kingsbury back as their head coach. That’s about all they have going this year. Expect a finish of 6-6, 4-5.

Kansas State. The silly thing is that anyone would doubt Bill Snyder. Look for him to upset the Cowboys in Stillwater — the only team to do so in 2013. But the Wildcats get worn out by Texas, Baylor and West Virginia. Kansas State will upset Texas Tech, but lose to Oklahoma and TCU rather handedly. Finish 6-6, 2-7.