College Football: Power-Five Conference, Playoff Predictions

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Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) and safety Travis Blanks (11) tackle Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) in the second quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) and safety Travis Blanks (11) tackle Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) in the second quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Big 12

Would you believe me if I told you Texas could be a contender in the Big 12? Me either.

The Big 12 is always a fascinating conference because things just tend to happen that no one else expects.

As a matter of fact, going into November last season no one expected Oklahoma to come out the conference champion. At that point, the Baylor Bears were undefeated and riding high, but that tough November stretch proved to be detrimental for Baylor and allowed the Sooners to win the conference.

Here are some key games that will decide the winner of the Big 12:

Key games:

  • Oklahoma State at Baylor, September 24th
  • Oklahoma at TCU, October 1st
  • Oklahoma at Texas, October 8th
  • Iowa State at Texas, October 15th
  • Baylor at Texas, October 29th
  • TCU at Baylor, November 11th
  • Baylor at Oklahoma, November 12th
  • Oklahoma State at Oklahoma, December 3rd

Ultimately, I am going to go with Oklahoma and Baker Mayfield to win the conference again, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Baylor- even with all the turmoil surrounding their program- or Oklahoma State pull out the Big 12.

Big 12 Champion: Oklahoma

Next: SEC

Schedule

Schedule