2021 Big 12 Football Predictions and Analysis: CFB Betting Picks

The Big 12 has been the main topic of conversation in college football for much of the offseason for reasons that have to do with anything but their play on the field. But the season is set to begin, which means that the focus in this conference can shift from realignment to the games themselves. As usual, the rest of the Big 12 will look to chase down an Oklahoma team that will aim to put up big numbers on offense. Here, we will break down the Big 12 so you know what to expect before making your NCAA football picks.

Coming into the 2021 college football season, the Oklahoma Sooners are the favorites to win the Big 12. Beyond the Sooners, there aren’t many teams being given a shot to win the conference, as Texas and Iowa State are the only other teams within 10/1 odds to take the Big 12 title. Here is a look at the full list of odds to win the Big 12 championship this coming season, which is led by the Sooners.

Will This Conference Exist Soon?

The biggest question for the Big 12 heading into this season isn’t who will win the league, it is whether the league will continue to exist into the foreseeable future. It came out this year that Texas and Oklahoma were going to be leaving for the SEC in a few years. But whether they are allowed to do so earlier than 2025 and whether other teams follow suit in ditching the Big 12 remains to be seen.

Does Oklahoma Have Another Heisman QB?

Heading into the 2021 college football campaign, the player with the best odds to win the Heisman Trophy is Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler. Rattler enters the season at 6/1 odds to win the Heisman, as he looks to follow Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield as a recent Oklahoma quarterback to claim the award. With Oklahoma likely to put up big numbers and avoid losses in a relatively soft conference, Rattler should be in the mix to win the award all season long.

Is Iowa State Second Best?

The battle to face Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game is going to be a tight one, with Iowa State having the best odds to square off with the Sooners for the conference championship. Texas and Oklahoma State are going to be in the mix as well, but the second spot in the Big 12 championship game is going to come down to which team can be the most consistent over the course of the conference season.

Oklahoma Wins Another Big 12

As dull as it may sound, Oklahoma is going to win another Big 12 title by crushing the competition in conference play this season. Rattler is the best offensive player in this conference, and there isn’t another team in this league that is going to be able to keep up with the Oklahoma offense. Expect Lincoln Riley to earn another conference championship, with the only question being whether or not the Sooners will make the College Football Playoff.

No Heisman In 2021

Even though Oklahoma will have a big year, it is not going to be enough to get Spencer Rattler the Heisman. There are too many elite level quarterbacks that play in better conferences that will get a look for this award, and Rattler will likely be a finalist that falls short for the award. The Oklahoma quarterback will still get a chance to win the Heisman in the future, and will likely take advantage of those chances down the road.