The Big 12 has decided against publishing a preseason media poll due to historical inaccuracies and skepticism from critics. Last season saw significant discrepancies between predicted and actual performance, averaging a 7.3 spot difference for teams. The Hotline's expectations for the upcoming season propose Texas Tech, Utah, and Iowa State as strong contenders for the title, with Texas Tech benefitting from a noteworthy transfer class and Utah anticipating improvement with new offensive dynamics. This indicates a shift in competitive dynamics within the conference.
A conference defined by glorious mayhem should avoid providing fodder for its skeptics not to mention the College Football Playoff selection committee at all costs. The difference between each team's preseason poll position and its end-of-season finish was 7.3 spots, on average.
Texas Tech quietly finished one game behind the top group last season and has upgraded its talent with a loaded transfer class that ranks second nationally in the 247Sports database.
Utah, projected to win the conference, finished 13th. A berth in the College Football Playoff could follow for the Utes if there's a reversion to the mean with injuries.
Matt Campbell makes better use of his personnel than few coaches in the country. The Cyclones' roster looks plenty good enough to contend.
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