NCAA Football Preview 2015: Big 12 Conference Breakdown

By Myka Williams | Aug 6, 2015

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Oct 25, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Footballs sit on the sidelines during warmups prior to the game between the Maryland Terrapins and Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 52-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

NCAA Big 12 Projection: Kansas State Wildcats #7

Kansas State might look competitive on paper, but so many personnel losses, a repeat of last year’s success will be a tough task. But even with the uphill climb, you can never count out a Bill Snyder-coached team.

This season, Kansas State is trying to prove they can win with a new quarterback. Joe Hubener, who has never started a football game at any level at quarterback, will have his work cut out for him leading the Wildcats in 2015.

The Wildcats will need strong production from their running backs, in order to ease pressure on their green signal caller. Running will be one of the more important roles in 2015, a daunting task since no running back on the team went beyond 76 yards in a game last season. Kansas State has some serious work to do.

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NCAA Big 12 Projection: Texas Tech Red Raiders #8

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury led Texas Tech to a bowl game his first year with the program. During that season, the Red Raiders put up impressive offensive numbers and even provided a stunning bowl game victory over Arizona State.

But Kingsbury’s second year went downhill fast, losing seven Big 12 games with no trip to the playoffs. The quarterback production was inconsistent, giving up too many costly turnovers.

Texas Tech is obviously not a bad team, but they have had some very undisciplined game plans the past two seasons. The Red Raiders have to improve their unorganized play if they want any chance at winning the Big 12 Conference in 2015.

NCAA Big 12 Projection: Iowa State Cyclones #9

It’s the offensive line and running backs who lead the offense for Iowa State. With quarterback Sam Richardson running the show, coordinator Mark Mangino has an experienced QB, in an established system, working in his favor.

Iowa State’s top two tailbacks from last season are gone, but Aaron Wimberly and DeVondrick Nealy will most likely pick up the slack. Sophomore RBs, Tyler Brown and redshirt freshman Mike Warren this season also figure to play a role in 2015.

Reaching a bowl game will be a challenge for the Cyclones in 2015. Iowa State will need its offense to be very explosive and efficient in order to get it done. The defense will probably improve, but it’s likely not going to be enough to slow down those powerful Big 12 offenses.

NCAA Big 12 Projection: Kansas Jayhawks #10

The Kansas Jayhawks haven’t seen much success lately. Last season, their receivers combined for just seven catches – ALL SEASON! Running back Tre’ Parmalee will need to provide a spark to the offense for the Jayhawks to take a step up.

The Jayhawks want two reliable options at tight end for their offensive scheme to work. Sophomore Ben Johnson and junior Kent Taylor, who was a top ranked recruit out of high school, will be heavily be considered.

We could see some improvements in the Kansas defense this season. The Jayhawks lost two starting cornerbacks and safeties from 2014. But Brandon Stewart, new to the roster, has coaches believing he should be getting first-team reps. Juniors Fish Smithson, Bazie Bates IV, and Greg Allen are key players that can offer versatility in the secondary.

The Jayhawks have won a total of 12 games the last five seasons and suffered a string of disappointments ever since Orange Bowl victory in 2008. It seems that it might take more time than expected to build a winning program in Lawrence.

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