Athlon Sports predicts Big 12, superlatives & ranks position group for 2019

Steven Lassan of Athlon Sports recently threw out his in-depth predictions for the Big 12 in 2019. Predicting a variety of different topics including final results, best position groups in the preseason, and Big 12 superlatives, Lassan identified strengths and weaknesses that backed up his overall season outlook. 

After finishing 4-5 in Big 12 play last fall, Lassan has the Bears improving by a game and finishing with a winning conference record for the first time since 2015. It would only be a modest improvement for the Bears, but with an 8-4 overall record and a fifth place finish in the league, it would be another step forward for Matt Rhule’s program. 

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Here is what Lassan had to say about the Bears in conjuction with other members of the conference projected to finish with a 5-4 league record:

Oklahoma State, Baylor and TCU are each projected to finish 5-4 in conference play in Athlon’s Big 12 predictions. The Cowboys get the nod at No. 4, as coach Mike Gundy’s team has a favorable schedule – TCU, Baylor, Oklahoma and Kansas State all visit Stillwater – and an offense loaded with potential once again. Redshirt freshman Spencer Sanders is the frontrunner to replace Taylor Cornelius under center, with talented playmakers like Tylan Wallace (WR) and Chuba Hubbard (RB) rounding out the supporting cast. Baylor is a program on the rise under coach Matt Rhule. Last season, the Bears improved their win total by six games from a 1-11 mark in 2017. Another step forward appears to be within reach, especially with more progression out of quarterback Charlie Brewer and a defense that brings back six starters. TCU is a wild card team to watch. Coach Gary Patterson’s team is always dangerous, but the Horned Frogs feature uncertainty at quarterback and some new standouts must emerge on defense.

Lassan projects Oklahoma and Texas to reach the Big 12 Championship for the second-straight year with the Sooners taking the game over the Longhorns, but finishing the season with an 11-2 record. 

Iowa State, Oklahoma State and Baylor round out the top five in his projections, with TCU, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Kansas State and Kansas rounding out the bottom of the league. At 6-6, WVU would be the seventh and final team to reach a bowl game from the league. 

After ranking the quarterbacks of the Big 12 in a previous article, Lassan focused on the remaining six position groups in the overview, ranking the top five units in the league at each position. Baylor made the list at receiver (3), defensive line (5) and linebacker (5). Charlie Brewer was previously ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the league. 

Lassan also highlighted several preseason superlatives including offensive and defensive player of the year, coach of the year, top freshman and newcomer, sleeper team and more, but did not mention any Bears.