It’s time to talk some big-time football as we move onto the Big 12 conference preview and best bets. This conference has always had aspirations of a national title and has been very close over the last few years but has fallen short.
This year, we see a bit of a new-look conference. Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, and Colorado join the ranks of the Big 12, which makes the conference 16 teams. We should see even more parity, electric offense, and great finishes.
It will be odd to see this conference without the Red River Rivalry as Oklahoma and Texas move up to the SEC to work with the big boys. Below, we will look at the conference favorite, a contender, a dark horse, and a bet you need to be a part of ahead of the 2024 Big 12 season.
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2024 Big 12 Conference Football Preview, Picks, and Best Bets
Big 12 Conference Favorite: Utah +320
It is rare to see a team be one of the favorites in one conference in 2023 and a favorite in another conference in 2024. That is the reality for The Utah Utes in 2024. They have massively high expectations and have a great path to make the new College Football Playoff this season.
The key name you will hear when talking about The Utah Utes is Cam Rising. The QB who led Utah to conference titles and postseason success returns after missing the entire 2023 season. Their offensive weapons will be tight end Brett Kuithe and wide receiver Dorian Singer coming in from USC.
The Utes will fit in just fine with the high-powered Big 12 offenses, but the real X-Factor is what they have on the other side of the ball. If you are a college football fan, you know that defense is optional in this conference.
With Utah, that is not the case at all. The Utes are one of the toughest defenses on a yearly basis and return eight starters from last year’s team. The edge and toughness they bring are something that the Big 12 is not used to and should give them a massive edge in the conference. Look for Utah to not only be a top team in the Big 12 but also a top team in the entire nation.
Big 12 Conference Contender: Kansas State +380
The Wildcats are the consensus second favorite, but I am not so sure I am buying the hype. This team has more question marks on both sides of the ball than I have ever seen of a team at these odds. They are putting a massive amount of weight on quarterback Avery Johnson’s shoulders.
The sophomore has an extreme amount of talent but is truly unproven. He flashed in the bowl game, filling in for Will Howard, and looked very solid, but outside of that, it has not been much. Can he be great? Sure, but I am not buying the amount of hype that is being put into the world just yet.
Also, the offensive line had somewhat of a makeover and is an unproven unit. Combining that with QB questions does not seem like the best recipe. On the other side of the ball, they look a tad more solid.
This team will have one of the best secondaries in the conference, and they will surely be a problem for opposing offenses. At the end of the day, I will be shorting Kansas State in most markets.
Big 12 Conference DarkHorse: Texas Tech +1400
Texas Tech is always a threat to upset a team or two in this conference. Offensively, they can always keep up with the big dogs in this conference with their fast pace and quick score ability. With the conference diluted, Tech should have one of the higher-end offenses.
Behren Morton is in for his third season at Tech but his first season as a starter. He has a ton of experience in this system and has shown a ton of promise. The Red Raiders have a ton of explosive receivers, along with a monster running back in Tahj Brooks. The offensive line will be elite again and this offense should be in to make some noise.
Wake up y’all, fall camp starts this week 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/e5mvNmzF5N
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) July 28, 2024
The X Factor for Texas Tech will be the pass rush. If they can come up with any form of pass rush, expect the Red Raiders to be in the mix for a Big 12 title.
Best Bet: Kansas State Under 9.5 wins
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The College Football Experience podcast is working their way through team previews. Check out the latest episodes as Colby, NC Nick, Patty C, and a host of others run through the roster changes, the schedule, and betting odds for each team. Listen to TCE, take our expert college football gambling picks, and let it ride!
